These cocoons were harvested early October just when weather was getting colder and water was condensing on the Quicklock nesting trays. Early enough to avoid fungal growth over cocoons. |
These cocoons were harvested in early Nov, after cold weather had settled in. A few cocoons were covered in mold. This mold is easily washed off in cold water and a little bleach. |
Quicklock nesting trays with 4 healthy looking cocoons. Cocoons are covered in feces which is easily washed off in cold water. |
Quicklock trays with healthy cocoons. The brown and black speckles are bee feces or frass. Frass is easily washed off in cold water. |
These are different coloured mason bee mud plugs in Quicklock nesting trays. The black paint is used to help bees orient to their nesting tunnel. |
Small cocoons towards the front of the tunnel are usually males. The females are in the back of the nesting tunnel and are larger than the male cocoon. |
Sometimes a nesting tunnel consists of a few mud debris. The female either died before she could finish the nest or she became disoriented and found another nesting tunnel for nesting. |
Tunnels can be completely full or partly filled. |