What is a solitary bee?

A solitary bee is a type of bee that does not live in colonies or hives like social bees, such as honeybees and bumblebees. Instead, solitary bees typically nest alone, often in small burrows or hollow stems, and each female is responsible for building her own nest, collecting pollen, and laying her eggs. They play a crucial role in pollination, supporting a diverse range of plants, and are generally more efficient pollinators for certain crops. Common examples of solitary bees include mason bees and leafcutter bees.