Megachile brevis

Say, 1837

leafcutter bee

Megachile brevis is a of leafcutter in the Megachilidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1837. As a member of the Megachile, it shares the characteristic of cutting leaves or petals to line its nest cavities. The species occurs in North America and Middle America according to distribution records. Like other leafcutter bees, it is a solitary nester and contributes to pollination services in its range.

Megachile brevis by (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley. Used under a CC-BY license.Megachile brevis by (c) USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Megachile brevis by (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Megachile brevis: /ˌmɛɡəˈkaɪli ˈbrɛvɪs/

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Distribution

North America; Middle America

Ecological Role

As a member of Megachilidae, Megachile brevis functions as a in its . Leafcutter bees are known to be effective pollinators of various flowering plants, often carrying pollen on the scopa located on the underside of the rather than on the legs.

Similar Taxa

  • Megachile fidelisBoth are North American leafcutter bees in the same , distinguished by specific morphological features and geographic range
  • Megachile plutoAnother Megachile , though dramatically different in size; M. pluto is the world's largest while M. brevis is of typical leafcutter bee dimensions

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