Mason cocoons

[BjornBee]

Last week there was some discussion about mason bees and cocoons, cleaning, manipulation, etc. So yesterday, I opened up one to take some pictures.
This was a 6 inch cardboard tube that produced three males, and 5 female mason bees. The males are larger and always packed towards the opening of the tube. (Layed last)

The mason bee in the picture if fully developed and after warming up for 30 minutes, actually became active.

[1of6]

Bjorn and others interested in Masons, I ran across some good photos of eggs and such today. 
http://www.ento.psu.edu/ImageGallery/HBOsmiaSolitary-1.htm

You've probably seen these but I figured they might be worth sharing.  This is also in reference to the other thread where we were talking about them, for anyone else who's interested.
http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,18835.0.html

[poka-bee]

OHHH, so thats what Mason bees look like!  I've seen them around here, they are tiny & cute!  I'll have to read the other posts for info on them. Never hurts to learn something new! J

[homer]

My friend and I are considering learing to trap and sell mason bees.  Do you do this, and is it a feasible for a mason "newbie" to sell their bees?

[solitarybee]

.... The males are larger and always packed towards the opening of the tube. (Layed last) ...

Hi there,
Great picture.
It may be the species that I have in France (Osmia cornuta), but the females are always mostly larger than the males.

Paul.