Leaf-cutter bee, (family megachilidae), any of a group of bees (order hymenoptera), particularly genus megachile, that differ from most other bees in that they collect pollen on their abdomens rather than on their hind legs. These beneficial insects, also known as leafcutting bees, are part of the megachilidae family and are highly valued by gardeners for their role in pollination. How long do leafcutter bees live? There are about 242 species of megachile bees or leaf cutting bees in north america. These are all very good pollinators with very interesting habits. They belong to a larger group that includes also other leaf cutting as well as mason bees; They do not eat the foliage, but may leave half moon-shaped cuts on some plants. Some leafcutter bees are even semidomesticated to help produce alfalfa seed. · leafcutter bees are essential pollinators for many flowers, fruits, and vegetables. What does a leafcutter bee look like? This guide is a seasonal look at a year in the life of a leafcutter bee! They use cut leaf fragments to construct their nest cells. Learn how to identify and deal with them in your garden. What is a leafcutter bee? How do leafcutter bees cut leaves? · leaf cutter bees are beneficial pollinators that use leaf pieces to make nests for their young. · leafcutter bees are about the same size as honey bees, but they are black with several whitish bands of hair across their abdomens. Leafcutter bees are only active in your garden for about 4-6 weeks, beginning in summer and spend the rest of their lives inside their nesting chambers. Leafcutter bees are important native insects of the western united states. They often are essential pollinators of wild plants. These bees tend to have a larger head than most bees because of the extra muscles they developed to help them chew through leaves – the females even have teeth!
