102
The Essex Naturalist
Osmia ventralis and possibly O. caerulescens, both widespread and fairly common
bees. In the first half of the century it was widespread in southern England but
has undergone a serious decline with post-1970 records only from Devon and an
Oxford garden. B S Harwood (1902) records the species from the Colchester
district and Nicholson (1928) also notes the species from Billericay and Hale
End. There are no recent records.
S. punctulatissima (Kirby) - Notable B
= aterrima (Panzer) preocc.
The main host is Anthidium manicatum but other possible hosts are Osmia
ventralis and O. aurulenta. Harwood (1884) records the species from the
Colchester district and Nicholson (1928) adds Billericay. We have only two
recent records of this cuckoo bee, one at Glemsford Pits, North Essex in 1992
and the second at Dolphin Pit, South Essex in 1995.
Genus: Chelostoma. We have recent records for both British species.
Chelostoma campanularum Latreille
Harwood (1884) records the species from the Colchester district and Nicholson
(1928) notes this again, commenting that the bee frequents the flowers of
Campanula rotundifolia, and is only found where that plant grows freely. We
have recent records from only three localities. These are St. Mary's Churchyard
in East Ham, Grays (PH's garden where it is fairly numerous at the flowers of
Nettle leaved Campanula) and Old Church Hill, Langdon Hills where it was
collecting pollen at Harebell flowers. It seems likely that it might occur
elsewhere in the county in gardens.
C. florisomne (L.)
Recorded for the Colchester district by Harwood (1884) and Nicholson (1928)
notes it as generally distributed, Billericay, Hale End, etc. There are recent
records for six localities spread across the county, where it has been taken
foraging at buttercup flowers. These are Curtismill Green, Fobbing Marshes and
Mill Wood Pit in South Essex and Broaks Wood, Garnetts Wood and
Wormingford Mere in North Essex.
Genus: Osmia mason and leaf-cutter bees. Seven of the ten British species are
recorded for the county, but we have recent records for only four of these.
Osmia (Osmia) rufa (L.)
Recorded for the Colchester district by Hatwood (1884). Nicholson (1928)
notes that it is the commonest and most widely distributed Carpenter and
Mason bee, giving Billericay, Hale End, etc. We have recent records for 19
localities across the county and it is probably common and widespread.
O. (Melanosmia) pilicornis Smith - Notable A
Harwood (1884) records this bee for the Colchester district: "of this rare species
I met with two specimens in 1883". Nicholson (1928) notes it again from the
Colchester district, rare. We have no recent records.