Leafcutter and Resin Bees
Megachile
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Megachilidae
- Subfamily: Megachilinae
- Tribe: Megachilini
- Genus: Megachile
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Megachile: /ˌmɛɡəˈkaɪli/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The genus Megachile, known as leafcutter and resin bees, includes over 1500 species characterized by their unique nesting behavior involving the cutting of leaves and plant materials. They are vital pollinators with significant roles in ecosystems and agriculture.
Physical Characteristics
Typically 7-9 mm in length, with some species reaching up to 12 mm or larger. Males have enlarged light-colored front legs with a fringe of hairs and odor glands used during mating. Females cut neat, round pieces out of leaves for nest construction.
Identification Tips
Males can be identified by their enlarged front legs with hairy fringes and odor glands. Females have distinct flat or concave appearances in the T1 segments of their abdomen.
Habitat
Nests are typically found in pre-existing holes in wood or in burrows in soil. Megachile species can construct nests within hollow twigs or similarly constrained natural cavities.
Distribution
Cosmopolitan, with species found worldwide across various regions.
Diet
Larvae primarily feed on a variety of pollens, mixed sometimes with nectar, prepared by females within the nest cells.
Life Cycle
The female lays an egg in each cell along with a food supply, the larva hatches and consumes the food, spins a cocoon, and pupates. Males generally emerge before females and have a short lifespan after mating; females may live a few weeks longer to build nests.
Reproduction
Females construct nests, usually composed of long columns of cells filled with pollen and nectar, where they lay eggs. Mating occurs shortly after males emerge.
Predators
Numerous families of wasps and bees, including Gasteruptiidae, Leucospidae, and various kleptoparasitic megachilids like Coelioxys, parasitize Megachile nests.
Ecosystem Role
As pollinators, Megachile species play a significant role in the ecosystems where they thrive, aiding in the propagation of many flowering plants.
Economic Impact
The alfalfa leafcutter bee (Megachile rotundata) is widely managed for agricultural crop pollination, especially in alfalfa farming.
Collecting Methods
- Netting
- Using traps
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Ethanol preservation
- Storage in dry locations
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some may confuse Megachile bees with other genera of bees that also cut leaves but may not exhibit the same behaviors or nesting techniques.
Tags
- pollinators
- leafcutter bees
- Megachile
- Hymenoptera
- Biodiversity