Few Creatures Big or Small, Escape the Ravages of a Warming Planet

The Plight of the "Red Mason"

By Larry Powell

  The red mason bee above (osmia bicornis), is considered 

an important wild pollinator. Public domain photo by Bemma.

    In a study released today, scientists in Poland reveal some, if not surprising, certainly disturbing discoveries. 

    When exposed to even short periods of extreme heat in a lab (the kind that's increasing globally due to manmade climate change), larvae of one of several species of red mason bees (osmia bicornis) emerged as smaller adults with reduced wing size. It was harder for them to take off and, when they did, they flew more slowly and for shorter distances. 

    The research team ominously concludes: "As climate change intensifies heatwaves, such carry-over effects may reduce pollinator mobility, foraging efficiency, and ecosystem services."

     The osmia bicornis is found in Europe, North Africa, and parts of western and northern Asia. It was introduced to North America and has now been recorded in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Other kinds of red masons are considered invasive species in North America. No such designation  seems to have been attached to the osmia bicornis so far.

As a matter-of-fact, the "Bumblebee Conservation Trust (UK), has nothing but praise for that particular bee. "The osmia bicornis are approachable and docile little bees which aren't given to stinging and so are safe around children and pets. Like all bees it is only the females that carry a sting and it's been said that the only way a female red mason will sting you is if you roll her between your fingers! 

    "They're hugely beneficial to our gardens and crops as they're excellent pollinators of fruit trees, together with a wide range of wildflowers. A single female red mason bee can do the work of 120 honeybees and may in the future be commercially reared to pollinate fruit orchards in the U.K."

    The study has just been published by The Royal Society.