Mason Bee: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification
Mason bees are fascinating insects that play an important role in our ecosystem. Their history dates back centuries, and they have been admired and studied by scientists for their unique characteristics. In this blog post, we will delve into the exciting world of mason bees, exploring facts about them, their size, habitat, and how they are classified.
To begin, mason bees have been around for a very long time. They have been buzzing around our planet for thousands of years, providing valuable services to plants by pollinating flowers. These bees have a rich history and have been cherished for their ability to aid in the growth and reproduction of countless plant species.
Now, let’s talk about some fascinating facts about mason bees. These insects are small in size, about as big as a thumbnail, making them much smaller than other more well-known bees like honeybees. Despite their tiny stature, mason bees are excellent pollinators, often much more efficient than their larger counterparts. They are known for their gentle nature and non-aggressive behavior, making them great companions for garden enthusiasts.
Moving on to their habitat and classification, mason bees are found in many parts of the world. They build their nests in hollow tubes or holes in wood, such as tree cavities or hollow stems. As for classification, mason bees belong to the family Megachilidae, which includes numerous bee species. This family is known for its solitary nature, with each female mason bee building her own nest and caring for her offspring.
In this blog post, we have explored the history, facts, size, habitat, and classification of the intriguing mason bee. We hope you found this information engaging and informative. If you want to learn more about various animal species, be sure to check out our other article that covers over 155 different animal names. Happy reading!
History of Mason Bee
The history of the Mason Bee dates back thousands of years. These bees have been around for a very long time, even longer than humans! They are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. People have known about Mason Bees for centuries and have found ways to take advantage of their amazing abilities.
In ancient times, people discovered that Mason Bees were excellent pollinators. They would help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from the male parts of a flower to the female parts. This transfer of pollen is essential for plants to produce fruits and seeds. Farmers and gardeners realized that having Mason Bees near their crops would help them grow more food. So they started creating special homes for these bees called “bee hotels.”
As time went on, people learned more about the remarkable life cycle of Mason Bees. They discovered that the females build nests by using mud and other natural materials. These nests are made in small holes or crevices, often in wood or other structures. The females then lay their eggs inside these nests and provide them with pollen as food. The eggs hatch into larvae, which stay safe inside the nest while they grow and eventually transform into adult bees.
Today, Mason Bees continue to be important pollinators. They play a significant role in helping plants and crops grow all around the world. Many people have started to set up bee hotels in their gardens or farms to attract these helpful insects. By providing a safe place for Mason Bees to nest, we can ensure that they will keep pollinating and supporting our food production for many years to come.
Importance of Mason Bee
Mason bees may be small, but they play a big role in our environment. These amazing creatures are very important for the process of pollination. When mason bees move from flower to flower collecting nectar, they also transfer pollen, which helps plants make seeds and fruits. Without bees, many plants would not be able to reproduce and grow!
Not only are mason bees excellent pollinators, they are also great helpers for us humans. These bees are gentle and rarely sting, unlike some other bees. They can be easily attracted to our gardens by providing them with suitable homes, such as small bee houses. By attracting mason bees, we can help increase the pollination of our garden crops, resulting in bigger and healthier fruits and vegetables.
Furthermore, mason bees are highly efficient pollinators. One mason bee can pollinate as many as a hundred flowers in a day! This makes them much more effective than other pollinators like honeybees. By having an abundance of mason bees around, our gardens and forests become thriving places, benefiting both our ecosystem and our food production.
In summary, mason bees are essential for the pollination process, helping plants reproduce and produce fruits and seeds. They are gentle creatures that rarely sting, making them safe to have around. By attracting mason bees to our gardens, we can enhance the pollination of our plants and enjoy better-quality harvests. Their efficiency in pollination makes them highly valuable for our ecosystem and food production.
Amazing Facts About Mason Bee
1. Mason bees are small-sized insects, measuring around ¾ to 1 inch in length.
2. They are solitary bees, meaning they don’t live in colonies or hives like honeybees.
3. These bees are named after their skill of using mud to construct their nests.
4. Mason bees are excellent pollinators and are known as one of the most effective pollinators of fruit trees and flowers.
5. Unlike honeybees, mason bees don’t produce honey or beeswax.
6. They have a lifespan of approximately six weeks, typically emerging in early spring.
7. Mason bees are generally peaceful and non-aggressive insects, posing minimal threat to humans.
8. These bees prefer to live in cavities such as hollow twigs, snail shells, or man-made structures like bee houses.
9. Mason bees do not have a queen or defend a territory, as each female bee is responsible for building her own nest.
10. They lay their eggs inside tubes or tunnels, which they seal with mud or chewed leaves to protect their offspring.
11. Unlike honeybees, mason bees do not have pollen baskets on their legs; instead, they carry pollen on their bellies.
12. The pollen gathered by mason bees is transferred more efficiently than honeybees, as they often visit several flowers in a single trip.
13. These bees are active pollinators of various crops, such as apples, cherries, almonds, and blueberries.
14. Mason bees are native to North America, but can also be found in other regions like Europe and Asia.
15. They are sensitive to pesticides and are highly affected by habitat loss, making their conservation crucial for maintaining biodiversity.
Can we keep Mason Bee as our Pet?
No, we cannot keep Mason Bee as our pet. Mason Bees are not suitable to be kept as pets because they are not like dogs or cats that can be taken care of in our homes. Mason Bees are wild insects that have an important role in our environment. They help to pollinate flowers, which is very helpful for plants to grow and produce fruits and vegetables.
Mason Bees are not extinct, but it is important to take care of them and not disturb their habitats. If their homes are destroyed or if they are kept as pets, it can harm their population. Mason Bees make nests in natural materials like holes in trees or hollow stems. They live in colonies and are important pollinators for many plants.
It is our responsibility to protect and conserve Mason Bees and their habitats. If we take them out of their natural homes and try to keep them as pets, they may not be able to survive or reproduce as well. It is better to enjoy watching them in their natural habitats and learn how they benefit our environment. So, let us let the Mason Bees do their important work as wild insects and appreciate their contribution to our planet.
Size of Mason Bee
Mason bees are small creatures that belong to the animal kingdom. Their size can vary depending on the species, but on average, they measure around half an inch long. To give you an idea, that’s about the size of a small paperclip! These bees may be small, but they play an important role in pollinating plants.
Despite their tiny size, mason bees are incredibly efficient pollinators. They are known for their ability to visit many flowers in a short amount of time. Because of their small size, they can easily fit into narrow flower tubes and collect pollen. This pollen then sticks to their fuzzy bodies, and as they move from flower to flower, the pollen is transferred, allowing plants to produce fruits and seeds.
Mason bees are fascinating insects to observe due to their small size. You might be able to spot them buzzing around your garden or in parks, especially during springtime when flowers are in full bloom. If you want to attract these helpful creatures to your garden, you can set up mason bee houses. These miniature homes provide shelter for the bees and can be made out of bamboo or drilled wood. By having them close by, you’ll not only get the chance to witness their size firsthand, but you’ll also be helping to facilitate the pollination process in your area.
Habitat of Mason Bee
The habitat of the Mason Bee is quite unique. These small but mighty bees make their homes in a variety of places, such as hollow stems, holes in trees, and even man-made structures like bee houses. They are known for being great builders, creating small compartments within their chosen habitat to lay their eggs and provide shelter.
In nature, Mason Bees can be found in forests, meadows, gardens, and parks. They prefer areas with a good supply of flowers and resources to help them survive. The bees rely on flowers for nectar and pollen, which they collect to feed themselves and their young. Having a diverse range of flowers in their habitat is crucial for their survival, as it ensures a constant supply of food.
Mason Bees are also known for their ability to adapt to different environments. They can thrive in both urban and rural settings, as long as there are suitable nesting sites and an ample supply of flowering plants nearby. This makes them very important pollinators for our ecosystems, as they help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from one flower to another.
In conclusion, the habitat of the Mason Bee can be found in hollow stems, tree holes, and man-made structures like bee houses. These bees are skilled builders and create compartments within their habitat for nesting and shelter. They are found in a variety of environments, ranging from forests and meadows to gardens and parks, as long as there are enough flowers for them to feed on. The ability of Mason Bees to adapt to different settings makes them valuable pollinators in urban and rural areas alike.
Evolution of Mason Bee
The Mason Bee is a remarkable creature that has evolved over millions of years. In the beginning, the ancestors of Mason Bees were solitary insects that lived in trees and hollowed out twigs. They would lay their eggs inside these safe little homes and provide them with food before sealing the entrance with mud.
As time went on, the Mason Bee started to live closer to human settlements. They began to use man-made structures, such as holes in wooden fences or walls, to build their nests. This adaptation allowed them to thrive in areas where natural habitat was scarce.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Mason Bee’s evolution is their remarkable ability to pollinate plants. As they flew from flower to flower in search of nectar, they unknowingly collected tiny grains of pollen on their bodies and transferred them to other flowers during their visit. This unintentional act was crucial for the reproduction of many plant species and played a significant role in shaping our ecosystems.
Today, humans have recognized the importance of Mason Bees and have started building special houses for them, called bee hotels, to provide them with a safe place to nest. This shows that even though the Mason Bee has evolved to adapt to various habitats and human presence, we also play a role in their survival and well-being.
Through millions of years, the Mason Bee has gone from living in trees to residing near humans. Their ability to pollinate plants has greatly affected the natural world, and now humans are helping them in return. It is a wonderful example of how species can evolve and coexist with another, creating a harmonious balance in nature.
Classification of Mason Bee
The mason bee is a small animal that belongs to the insect group. These bees are known for their important role in pollination, which helps plants reproduce. There are many different types of mason bees, but they all have similar characteristics.
Mason bees are classified in the animal kingdom as insects. Insects are a diverse group of animals that have three main body parts – head, thorax, and abdomen. They also have six legs and two antennae. Mason bees have a hard exoskeleton that protects their bodies and allows them to fly. They also have wings that help them move from one flower to another, collecting pollen and nectar.
Within the insect group, mason bees belong to the order Hymenoptera. This order includes bees, wasps, and ants. Mason bees are solitary bees, which means they do not live in colonies like honeybees. They make their nests in small holes or cracks in wood, using mud or other materials to build protective walls around their homes. This is why they are called mason bees. They are important pollinators for many plants, helping to ensure the growth of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
In conclusion, mason bees are small insects classified in the animal kingdom as part of the insect group and the Hymenoptera order. They are known for their role in pollination and have specific characteristics that help them fulfill this important task. Solitary in nature, mason bees build nests using materials like mud and are vital for the survival of many plants in our ecosystem.
Types of Mason Bee
1. Osmia Lignaria: Also known as the blue orchard bee, it is one of the most common types of mason bee. They are excellent pollinators, visiting various plants and fruit trees to transfer pollen, helping in the process of fruit production.
2. Osmia Rufa: Known as the red mason bee, this species is widely found in Europe. They are vital for pollinating fruits like apples and pears. These bees are solitary, meaning they do not form colonies and each female builds her own nest.
3. Osmia Cornifrons: Originating from Japan, cornifrons bees are commonly used for commercial pollination in orchards. They efficiently pollinate trees including apple, cherry, and peach. These mason bees are gentle and rarely sting, making them a great addition to gardens.
4. Osmia Californica: This native bee to California is known to be an exceptional pollinator for almond, plum, and other plants. Their ability to fly at low temperatures makes them extremely valuable for early spring pollination when other bees are less active.
5. Osmia Taurus: Found in Europe and Asia, taurus mason bees are highly efficient in pollinating blossoms of various fruit trees like apple, cherry, and plum. They are known for their extraordinary ability to emerge from cocoons in large numbers, aiding in effective pollination.
6. Osmia Bicornis: Also called the two-horned mason bee, they are among the most commonly found bees in Europe. These bees actively pollinate crops like apples, raspberries, and apricots. They are known for their gentle nature and can be easily attracted to garden nests.
7. Osmia Caerulescens: Native to North America, these mason bees play a vital role in pollinating fruit trees such as apple, pear, and plum. They are solitary bees that construct their nests in preexisting holes or hollow stems found in nature.
8. Osmia Lignaria Propinqua: These mason bees are subspecies of the blue orchard bees found in North America. They are excellent pollinators for various tree fruits and are commonly used for commercial pollination purposes due to their efficiency in collecting pollen.
9. Osmia Caudata: Native to the mountains of Europe and Asia, the caudata mason bees effectively pollinate flowers of fruit trees like apple, cherry, and pear. They are solitary bees and enhance their efficiency by building nests close to suitable pollen sources.
10. Osmia Leaiana: These mason bees are widespread in Europe and can be found in gardens and orchards. They are vital pollinators for fruit-bearing trees and shrubs like apple, cherry, and raspberry. Leaiana bees are gentle and are considered beneficial for increasing crop yields through effective pollination.
Geographical Presence of Mason Bee
The Mason Bee is commonly found in the regions of North America and Europe. These bees are important pollinators that play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They are known for their ability to collect pollen and nectar, which helps in the fertilization of plants and the production of fruits and seeds.
However, Mason Bees do not typically inhabit the regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. The climate and environmental conditions in these areas may not be suitable for their survival. Instead, other types of bees are found in these regions, such as honey bees and bumblebees, which are well adapted to the local conditions.
In North America and Europe, where the Mason Bee is found, they usually make their homes in small holes or crevices. They are called “mason bees” because they use mud or chewed-up leaves and twigs to create partitions within their nests. These bees are solitary insects, meaning they do not live in colonies like honey bees or bumblebees. They prefer to nest in wood or masonry, such as tunnels in dead trees or holes in walls.
In summary, Mason Bees are found in the regions of North America and Europe, where they serve as important pollinators. However, they are not commonly found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. These bees create nests in small holes or crevices using mud or chewed-up leaves and twigs.
Scientific Name of Mason Bee
The scientific name of the mason bee is Osmia. It is a type of bee that belongs to the family Megachilidae. Mason bees are solitary bees, which means they do not live in colonies like honey bees. They are commonly found in many parts of the world and are known for their amazing pollination skills.
Mason bees are important pollinators because they play a crucial role in the reproduction of plants. They help transfer pollen from the male parts of flowers to the female parts, allowing plants to produce fruits and seeds. This process is essential for the growth and survival of various plant species.
Unlike honey bees, mason bees do not live in hives. Instead, they make their nests in pre-existing holes or cavities, such as hollow stems or abandoned tunnels made by other insects. They use mud and other materials to construct small, tube-shaped cells within these nesting sites. These cells serve as homes for their eggs and provide protection until the bees hatch and emerge as adults.
In summary, the scientific name of the mason bee is Osmia. These solitary bees are excellent pollinators and help plants reproduce. They build their nests in pre-existing holes and use mud to create cells for their eggs. Mason bees are fascinating creatures that contribute to the balance and diversity of our ecosystems.
Diet of Mason Bee
The diet of the mason bee animal mainly consists of flower nectar and pollen. These little creatures are important pollinators, which means they help plants make seeds for new plants to grow. They fly from flower to flower, sipping nectar as their food and collecting pollen on their bodies.
Nectar is a sweet liquid that flowers produce to attract bees and other insects. It is like a sugary drink for the mason bee. They feed on nectar by using their long tongue called a proboscis to suck it up from the flowers. While they enjoy this tasty treat, the mason bees accidentally collect pollen grains on their furry bodies.
Pollen is a powdery substance that contains the male reproductive cells of plants. When mason bees visit other flowers, some of the pollen grains rub off from their bodies and stick to the sticky stigma of the flower. This helps in fertilizing the plant and producing new seeds. The mason bees do not eat pollen directly but unknowingly pick it up while enjoying their nectar meal.
In summary, the mason bee’s diet revolves around flower nectar and pollen. These bees fly from flower to flower, sipping nectar and collecting pollen. The nectar provides them with energy and sweetness, while the pollen is unintentionally collected on their bodies and helps in pollination. By performing this vital role, mason bees play a crucial part in helping plants reproduce and grow.
Locomotion of Mason Bee
The Mason Bee is a small insect that moves around using its wings and six legs. It has a special way of flying called “wing assisted locomotion”. This means that it uses its wings to help it move around quickly and efficiently. When it wants to fly, the Mason Bee flaps its wings very fast, creating lift which helps it stay in the air. It can move in any direction it wants by adjusting the speed and angle of its wing flapping. This way, the little bee can easily go from one flower to another to collect nectar and pollen.
But that’s not all! The Mason Bee can also walk and crawl with its six legs. It uses its legs to grip onto surfaces and push itself forward. When it wants to move, it takes steps using its legs and can even climb on leaves and other objects. With its wings and legs working together, the Mason Bee can move around effortlessly, whether it’s flying in the air or walking on the ground.
Social and Sexual Behaviour of Mason Bee
The social and sexual behavior of the Mason Bee is quite fascinating. These tiny creatures are solitary insects, which means they usually live alone rather than in big groups like other bee species. Each female Mason Bee digs her own nest in small holes, where she lays her eggs and provides them with food before sealing the nest. This independent behavior helps them avoid competition for resources and ensures the survival of their offspring.
When it comes to sexual behavior, male Mason Bees will mate with several females during their short lifespan. They compete with each other to attract females by flying around, displaying their bright colors, and making buzzing sounds. The male bees use their strong sense of smell to locate receptive females and successfully mate with them. After mating, the males generally die, and the females go on to build and care for their nests.
Overall, Mason Bees are fascinating creatures with unique social and sexual behaviors. Despite being solitary, they have found effective ways to reproduce and ensure the survival of their species. Their ability to find suitable mates and create nests for their offspring showcases their incredible adaptation and instincts in the natural world.
Reproduction and Lifecycle of Mason Bee
The mason bee is a small insect that goes through a unique life cycle. It begins with the adult female bee building a nest for her eggs. She looks for small holes or crevices, such as in logs or walls, and collects materials like mud or leaves to create small chambers. Each chamber is filled with a mixture of nectar and pollen, and a single egg is laid inside. The female bee repeats this process until she has made several chambers in her nest.
After the eggs are laid, they develop into larvae. The larvae are worm-like in shape and rely on the food stored in the chamber by their mother. They grow and develop inside the chambers for several weeks. During this time, they transform into pupae, which is a resting stage similar to a cocoon. Inside the pupae, the bees undergo metamorphosis, where they undergo significant changes to become adults.
Finally, the mature bees emerge from the pupae as adults. They chew through the walls of the chambers and come out into the world. The newly emerged bees are commonly referred to as “emergent bees.” These bees are ready to continue the life cycle by mating and laying their own eggs. The process then starts all over again as the adult females build new nests and lay eggs for the next generation.
Overall, the mason bee goes through a life cycle consisting of egg, larvae, pupae, and adult stages. The female bees play a crucial role in building nests and providing food for their offspring. It is a fascinating process that helps ensure the survival of the mason bee population.
Threats to Mason Bee
Mason bees are small and gentle animals that play an important role in pollinating flowers and crops. However, like many other animals, they face threats that can harm their population. One of the biggest threats to mason bees is the loss of their habitat. As cities expand and forests are cleared for development, the bees lose the places where they used to live and build their nests. This means that they have fewer places to lay their eggs and raise their young, which can lead to a decline in their population.
Another threat to mason bees is the use of harmful chemicals, such as pesticides. These chemicals are often used to get rid of pests that can damage crops, but they can also harm bees and other beneficial insects. When mason bees come into contact with these pesticides, they can become sick or even die. This not only affects the individual bees, but also the overall health of their populations.
Climate change is also a significant threat to mason bees. Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns can disrupt the bees’ life cycles and the availability of the flowers they rely on for food. If the flowers bloom earlier or later than usual, the bees might not be able to find enough nectar and pollen to survive. This can lead to reduced reproduction and a decline in their numbers.
In order to protect mason bees, it is important to preserve their natural habitats by conserving forests and creating bee-friendly spaces in urban areas. It is also crucial to reduce the use of harmful chemicals, such as pesticides, and promote organic farming methods that are safe for bees. Lastly, efforts to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help ensure a stable environment for mason bees and other pollinators. By addressing these threats, we can help ensure a healthy and thriving population of mason bees for generations to come.
Population of Mason Bee
The population of Mason Bee animals is quite large. It is estimated that there are around 200 to 300 species of Mason Bees in the world. These bees can be found in different countries, including the United States, Canada, and Europe. They live in various habitats, such as forests, meadows, and even in cities. Mason Bees are important for pollination, helping plants and flowers to reproduce.
However, if the Mason Bee were to become extinct, it would be a big loss for our environment. The extinction of any animal is a sad event because it means that the animal no longer exists. If the Mason Bee went extinct, it would likely have a negative impact on the pollination of different plants. This could affect food production and the balance of ecosystems. It is crucial to protect and preserve the Mason Bee population to ensure healthy and thriving ecosystems.
In conclusion, the Mason Bee population is generally healthy and thriving. However, we must be aware of the importance of these little creatures and work towards their conservation. Losing the Mason Bee would have serious consequences for our environment, so let’s do our best to protect and ensure their survival.
Conclusion
Mason bees are incredible little creatures! From their fascinating history to their unique facts and important role in our ecosystem, they truly are a wonder of nature. These small creatures have a big impact on the environment and play a vital role in pollination, making them a crucial part of our ecosystem.
One interesting fact about mason bees is their size. They are much smaller compared to other bee species, with an average length of about 15 to 20 millimeters. Despite their small size, they can visit up to 2,000 flowers in a single day, making them excellent pollinators. Their size also makes them less intimidating to humans, as they are generally docile and not prone to stinging unless they feel threatened.
Mason bees can be found in various habitats including gardens, meadows, and forests. They prefer nesting in preexisting cavities like holes in trees, but they are also known to build their nests in man-made structures such as bamboo tubes and wooden blocks. By providing shelter for mason bees in our gardens, we can help support their population and ensure the continued pollination of our plants and flowers.
In conclusion, mason bees are remarkable animals that deserve our appreciation and protection. Their small size, important role in pollination, and adaptability to different habitats make them a valuable asset to our ecosystem. Let’s continue to learn about and support these fascinating creatures to maintain a healthy balance in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mason Bee (FAQ’s)
Q: What is a Mason bee?
A: Mason bee is a type of solitary bee that belongs to the family Megachilidae.
Q: How do Mason bees differ from honey bees?
A: Mason bees are solitary while honey bees are social insects that live in colonies.
Q: What is the lifespan of a Mason bee?
A: The average lifespan of a Mason bee is around 4-6 weeks.
Q: How big are Mason bees?
A: Mason bees are generally smaller than honey bees, with an average size of about 0.5 to 0.75 inches.
Q: Where do Mason bees live?
A: Mason bees can be found in various regions including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Q: Do Mason bees sting?
A: Female Mason bees do have a stinger, but they are not aggressive and rarely sting humans unless provoked.
Q: What do Mason bees eat?
A: Mason bees primarily feed on nectar and pollen from flowering plants.
Q: Do Mason bees make honey?
A: No, Mason bees do not produce honey like honey bees do.
Q: Why are Mason bees called “Mason” bees?
A: Mason bees are called so because they use mud or chewed plant material to build their nests, similar to how a mason uses mortar to build structures.
Q: How do Mason bees reproduce?
A: Female Mason bees lay eggs in individual nesting chambers, providing provisions of pollen and nectar for the larvae to develop.
Q: What is the importance of Mason bees in pollination?
A: Mason bees are excellent pollinators and are known to be more efficient at pollinating certain crops compared to honey bees.
Q: Do Mason bees live in colonies?
A: No, Mason bees are solitary insects and each female builds and cares for her own nest.
Q: Are Mason bees endangered?
A: Currently, Mason bees are not considered endangered, but their populations can be affected by habitat loss and pesticide use.
Q: Can Mason bees be kept as pets?
A: Mason bees can be attracted and encouraged to nest in artificial bee houses, but they are not typically kept as pets like honey bees.
Q: How can one attract Mason bees to their garden?
A: Planting a variety of flowering plants, providing mud sources, and placing bee houses can attract Mason bees to a garden.
Hi there! I’m Morgan Gutierrez, and I love animals! I work as a Seasonal Animal Care Specialist at Brookfield Zoo and also teach people about animals, which is super fun. I studied at Valparaiso University in Lockport, Illinois, where I learned even more about these amazing creatures.
I’m not just about taking care of animals; I write articles about them, too! I explore and share many interesting animal stories, from cute kittens to giant elephants.
In the past, I’ve worked with veterinarians, helped with research, and even been an Animal Ambassador, bringing animals closer to people. Animals are my passion, and I enjoy helping others learn about them. So, if you ever want to know about animals, feel free to ask. I’ll explain it in a way that’s easy to understand, just like talking to a friend!
