Patchwork leafcutter bee

Megachile centuncularis

Prefered habitat -

Woodlands, farmland, moorland, gardens, soft cliff areas

Nectar & Pollen Sources -

Bird’s-foot trefoil, knapweed, thistles, brambles, burdocks and various legumes..

Local Site -

Hendre Lake

A Bit About Me

Found in lots of different habitats but particularly common in gardens and taking flight from April to August. Patchwork leafcutter bees use their jaws to slice discs from plant leaves belonging to roses, willowherbs, honeysuckle, lilac, birch, ash and horse chestnut. They take these leaves to their nesting tunnels to line and seal each cell.

Patchwork leafcutter bees make their nests in natural tunnels like bramble stems and dead wood, but also use man-made structures including bee hotels, bee bricks and holes in walls.

Identification

Patchwork leafcutter bees (approx 1.3cm in length) are our most common leafcutter, looking like a dark honey bee but easily distinguishable by the bright orange pollen brush which extends the whole length of the underside of their abdomen. It is best recognised by its habit of carrying pieces of leaf back to its nest