Mating

Photo was taken on April 11, 2006. The male Mason Bee is on top of the female. This is an unusual situation with the female holding onto the bamboo. Normally she is knocked to the ground immediately when she emerges from her hibernation. While her wings are still wet, the male is able to pounce on her and thus they are often found on the ground near the nesting site. The males emerge about the end of March, weather permitting. In a few days out comes the female.