Types of solitary bees sold by Crown Bees
Our bees are native or naturalized to the continental US.
Just like the introduced European Honey Bee, there are introduced and naturalized bees across North America. We believe bees raised in an area are acclimated and best for pollinating that area. Our Bee Buy Back program brings in bees from all states, which are then re-homed back to those states. As a result, we do not try to separate native from naturalized bees.
Our spring mason bees are either:
- Blue orchard mason bees (black-colored), which is native across North America. Osmia lignaria
- Hornfaced mason bees (brown-colored), which were introduced to the US by Japan in the 1980's. Osmia cornifrons*
Our summer leafcutter bees are either:
- 99% The alfalfa leafcutter bee, which were introduced to the US and Canada by Europe in the 1950's. Megachile rotundata*
- 1% native leafcutter bees that are mixed in with the alfalfa leafcutter bees. Megachile pugnata
*Both of these solitary hole-nesting bees were introduced before federal regulations banned intentional introductions. We believe all pollinators should be cherished as they are vital to food for humans and our world's ecology.
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