HymenopteraMegachilidae – Leafcutter, Mason, and Resin Bees, and allies

Osmia aglaia

This record describes Osmia aglaia (species). Recorded family: Megachilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Osmia aglaia - Osmia aglaia
Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , hg

One of the native bees used in agriculture - see Oregon Berry Project .

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
Superfamily
Trigonaloidea
Family
Megachilidae (Leafcutter, Mason, and Resin Bees, and allies)
Subfamily
Megachilinae
Tribe
Osmiini
Genus
Osmia (Mason Bees)

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Western US Discover Life Map

Diet and Behavior

Diet: The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images.

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Author: Sandhouse, 1939

About Flies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Osmia aglaia. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).

Ecological role of the group

About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.

Economic and practical significance of the group

Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.

Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Hymenoptera families and species →

Frequently Asked Questions About Osmia aglaia

What is Osmia aglaia?

Osmia aglaia is a species in the family Megachilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.

Where is Osmia aglaia found?

Range: Western US Discover Life Map

What does Osmia aglaia eat?

The diet of the Osmia aglaia includes The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , hg. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.