Megachile centuncularis

Patchwork Leafcutter Bee

Megachile centuncularis, Patchwork Leafcutter Bee, is a solitary (non-social) bee that forages for nectar and pollen from a variety of flowers. 'Leafcutter' comes from the female habit of collecting pieces of leaves, used to line the nest. Nesting is in cavities and they will use bee hotels. Adults are on the wing from June until September.


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Megachile centuncularis, male head
Male head
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Megachile centuncularis, female
Female
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Megachile centuncularis, male
Male
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Megachile centuncularis
Nectar feeding
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Megachile centuncularis
Nectar feeding

Photograph detail


Slide 1: Megachile centuncularis, Patchwork Leafcutter Bee. Head of male showing proboscis, compound eyes and antennae. August.


Slide 2: Megachile centuncularis, Patchwork Leafcutter Bee. Female resting in sunny position. Garden in Redmire. August.


Slide 3: Megachile centuncularis, Patchwork Leafcutter Bee. Male foraging on cultivated Geranium. Garden in Redmire. August.


Slide 4: Megachile centuncularis, Patchwork Leafcutter Bee. Nectar feeding on Spear Thistle, Cirsium vulgare. Hargill, Redmire. July.


Slide 5: Megachile centuncularis, Patchwork Leafcutter Bee. Nectar feeding on Meadow Cranesbill, Geranium pratense. Hargill, Redmire. July.