Chris O'Toole 2001 38 pages (O155) The red mason bee, Osmia rufa is found in Europe and the Mediterranean region. This book explains the life cycle of the bee and how it can be encouraged to nest in gardens, as a pollination: for Osmia rufa is an excellent pollinator of fruit crops. The intensive agriculture widely practised throughout Europe has led to loss of habitat for bees and in the UK alone 25 species of wild bees are now considered endangered. This attractive book helps to raise awareness of these little known or appreciated bees.