Crown Bees Bee Observer - Solitary Bee Observation Tray

Add the Bee Observer nesting tray to your Chalet, Villa, or Tower bee house for a fascinating look at the nesting habits of Mason bees and Leafcutter bees. The clear acrylic window allows you to observe female bees as they build nests, create mud walls, and lay eggs, offering a front-row seat to the lifecycle of these gentle pollinators. Perfect for educational purposes or anyone looking to closely monitor the development of solitary bees.

Key Features

• Clear Acrylic Window: Provides an unobstructed view of bees as they build nests, lay eggs, and develop larvae.
• Mason Bee Observation: Watch female Mason bees create mud walls and pollen loaves, then see the larvae develop and spin their cocoons.
• Leafcutter Bee Observation: See how female Leafcutter bees build leafy cocoons and observe the emergence of subsequent generations.
• Pest Monitoring: Observe pests like pollen mites or chalkbrood that may develop in the nesting tray.
• Natural Nesting Environment: The Bee Observer gives bees the dark, secluded environment they prefer for nesting.
• Easily Removable Tray: The wood nesting tray slides out for easy observation and harvesting of cocoons.

Specifications

• Mason Bee Observer Tray: 8mm
• Leafcutter Bee Observer Tray: 6mm
• Tray Size for Both Bee Observers: 1.25"H x 5.75"W x 6.25"D
• Contents:
  • 1 Bee Observer Drawer
  • 1 Wood Nesting Tray with acrylic lid
  • Pest blocker strip
• Made in the USA

Features by Bee Type

Mason Bee Observer (8mm Tray):
Watch female Mason bees build mud walls and create pollen loaves. After nesting ends, observe the larvae feed, grow, and spin their cocoons. This tray also allows for monitoring pests like pollen mites and chalkbrood. Ensure your Bee Observer is stored in a location that mimics outdoor conditions for proper development.

Leafcutter Bee Observer (6mm Tray):
Watch female Leafcutter bees construct their leafy cocoons and return to build new nests as second or third generations emerge. Other native summer bees or beneficial wasps may also take residence in the tray.

Installation

For Crown Bees Bee Houses:
The Bee Observer is designed to fit seamlessly in our Chalet, Villa, and Tower bee houses. Simply place it under your preferred nesting materials, ensuring the Pest Blocker is at the back of the tray. Remove the acrylic lid when it’s time to harvest cocoons.

For DIY Bee Houses:
To incorporate the Bee Observer into a homemade bee house, make sure the house is at least 8 inches deep to protect the nesting tray from rain and ensure optimal nesting conditions.

Additional Information

You may encounter various items in your nesting materials when harvesting. For more details, visit our guide to what’s found in nesting materials:
What’s This? A Pictorial Guide of Things Found in Nesting Materials

The Bee Observer offers a unique and educational opportunity to closely follow the fascinating process of solitary bee nesting and development. Whether you're a curious gardener, a classroom educator, or a dedicated bee enthusiast, the Bee Observer provides an enriching experience with our gentle, hardworking bees.