Megachilidae: Leafcutter Bees (Megachile)
categories: Bees Megachilidae Pollinators
last review date: 2026-04-26 08:28
Photo by: D. James
Biology
Leafcutter bees are solitary bees, and as their name suggests, cut 0.25-0.5 inch circular pieces of leaves or petals from which to construct their brood cells in rotting wood, stems and soil.
They construct cigar-like nests that contain several cells. Each cell contains a ball of stored pollen and a single egg and therefore produces a single bee.
Leafcutter bees are moderate to large bees (0.4-0.8 inches long) with about 140 species in North America. The females carry pollen on a patch of dry hair on the underside of the abdomen.
Attracting and Keeping Natural Enemies
and Pollinators in Your Yard and Garden
- Native plants provide essential resources.
- Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites.
- Natural dispersion from nearby habitats ensures visitation.
- Some kinds of beneficial insects predatory mites are commercially available.
- Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
- Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials.
- Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting beneficial insects.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- None recommended
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.