Leafcutter Bee (Megachile rotundata)

Solitary Bees fall into four main groups, miners, carpenters, masons and leafcutters.

This leafcutter bee photograph was taking on the organic farm I work on in Exeter, Devon. I have noted several varieties including the carpenter bee and the mining bee. I will be keeping a close eye on these bees and hope to bring you pictures of them carrying the leaves to the nest.

comments (3)

Bridget Charity Rendall

Grizzly Bear

I hope my identification is correct, if you think it is something different please do let me know, the most prominent coloured mining bees I have seen in the same wall has a very bright yellow under-carriage, which leads to convince me this is the correct identification but am always willing to stand corrected. :) Posted 12 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  I had no idea bees had leaf cutters just like ants, thanks for sharing this! Promoted to homepage. Posted 12 years ago
2. 1. Bridget Charity Rendall
    
    Grizzly Bear
    
    Isn't nature wonderful, I learn new things all the time, thank you for the promotion to homepage. Posted 12 years ago

The Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee

''Megachile rotundata'', the alfalfa leafcutter bee or lucerne leafcutter bee is a European bee that has been introduced to other regions. As a solitary bee species, it does not build colonies or store honey, but is a very efficient pollinator of alfalfa, carrots and some other vegetables.

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Similar species: Wasps, Bees, Sawflies And Ants

Species identified by Bridget Charity Rendall