Osmia chalybea
This record describes Osmia chalybea (species). Recorded family: Megachilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
North Carolina to Florida and Texas. There are reports of its presence in NY and NJ. Discover Life Map
Seasonal Activity
March to May.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Thistle Cirsium . 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: Smith, 1853.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Osmia chalybea. 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.
Photos of Osmia chalybea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , hg
Frequently Asked Questions About Osmia chalybea
How big is Osmia chalybea?
Female, 14-15mm. Male 10-11mm.
Where is Osmia chalybea found?
Range: North Carolina to Florida and Texas. There are reports of its presence in NY and NJ. Discover Life Map
What does Osmia chalybea eat?
The diet of the Osmia chalybea includes Thistle Cirsium . The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..
When is Osmia chalybea active?
Osmia chalybea: seasonal activity - March to May..