Leafcutter Bee

Megachile rotundata

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

+4 Beneficial

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

gardensdesertscoastal dunesprairiesshrublandsrotting woodhollow stemssoil

Taxonomic Group

Bee

Order

Hymenoptera

Family

Megachilidae

Lifecycle

Leafcutter bees are solitary bees with one generation per year. Adults emerge from their nests in late spring, and the males, which emerge first, mate with the females. The female then finds a suitable pre-existing cavity in wood, a hollow stem, or the ground to build her nest. She cuts circular pieces of leaves to construct a series of individual, cigar-shaped cells. In each cell, she places a provision of pollen and nectar, lays a single egg, and seals the cell. The female will create a dozen or more cells in a nest. The larvae hatch and develop within these cells, overwintering as fully-grown larvae. The following spring, the new generation of adults chews its way out of the nest to repeat the cycle.

Overwintering Strategy

Overwinters as a full-grown larva within its sealed nesting cell.

Native Range

North America

Attracted By

rosesazaleasredbudsbougainvilleaalfalfacloverbuckwheatpeaslamb's quarterslilachostascolumbineviburnum

Repelled By

garlicneem oilchili pepper

Companion Planting

To attract leafcutter bees for their pollination benefits, plant their preferred flowers and leaf sources such as roses, azaleas, redbuds, bougainvillea, and a variety of wildflowers. Providing a source of leaves for nesting material will encourage them to stay in the area.