PAIR of MASON BEES with MITES

The slowworms are gradually moving away from their winter quarters. They are looking very bright and shiny now as I think most have shed their old skins.  I found one among some primroses as I was putting out the bird food. It had some bluish markings  down its back so I’m pretty sure it’s a male. He was very active and possibly on the prowl; it’s surprising how quickly they can move especially when one is trying to take a photo! Later on we found 2 babies in their usual place and another male in the front garden under a ridge tile I had saved from when we had the roof done. see extras. Blip sorted I thought. But then on looking at the mason bees who are nesting in the bee house made of bamboo rods I spied 2 bees together. At first I thought one was predating the other but then thought it must be a pair, (later confirmed on google). The male is smaller than the female and has slightly different marking. They were both covered in pollen mites which are mainly harmless to the bees.