This Leaf-cutter Bee is approximately 1/2 inch in length. The face, thorax and abdomen are entireIy black. The eyes and the antennae are also black. The face, thorax and top of the abdomen have fairly long light-colored hairs. The wings are smoky brown. The legs are mostly black with bristly, comb-like brown hairs (see photo A). Most other Megachile species have thin white banding across the abdomen. This bee was identified by a volunteer expert at the BugGuide website.
The frequency of occurrence is not presently known. The individual shown here was photographed in the wetland garden in Fontenelle Forest in late June nectaring on Virginia Mountain Mint. The leaf nest was found in the Neale Woods Nature Reserve wall in early July 2014.
There are about 134 species in the genus Megachile in North America. Leaf-cutter bees transport pollen in rows of modified hairs under the abdomen rather than on their legs. They cut circular pieces from leaves to line their nests. The females stock the cells with pollen for the larvae to eat.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.