The mason bee is the common name for the species of bee in the genus Osmia, part of the Megachilidae family.
This family of bees is also referred to as 'orchard mason bees' or 'blue orchard bees'.
They get their name from their habit of using mud and other "masonry" materials to construct and build their nests. These nests can usually be found between the cracks of stones and other dark, small cavities.
Unlike other species of bee, mason bees do not make honey, and are solitary bees, which means they do not live in colonies or serve a queen.
Each female mason bee is fertile and makes her own nest, and no worker bees exist within this species.
They are native to North America and are amongst the easiest bees to raise, and are great at their job of pollinating.