Definition & Meaning of "mason bee"

What is a "mason bee"?

A mason bee is a solitary bee known for its exceptional ability to construct nests using mud or clay. They are named "mason bees" due to their masonry-like behavior of building individual cells within cavities or tubes, often found in hollow plant stems or man-made structures. These bees are valuable pollinators and play a significant role in plant reproduction. They are generally docile and do not produce honey.