Large-bee
Guides
Lithurgopsis gibbosa
Southeastern Woodborer, Gibbous Woodborer Bee
Lithurgopsis gibbosa is a large, robust solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Southeastern Woodborer or Gibbous Woodborer Bee. It is one of the largest native bees in eastern North America and is notable for its distinctive humped thorax and wood-boring nesting behavior. The species occurs primarily in the southeastern United States, where females excavate nest tunnels in dead wood and provision cells with pollen and nectar.
Megachile policaris
Texas leafcutter bee, policaris leafcutter bee
Megachile policaris is a large, solitary leafcutter bee native to North America that has established invasive populations in Hawaiʻi. First detected on Oʻahu in 2017, it is now present on multiple Hawaiian islands including Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island. It is among the largest Megachile species in North America, with females reaching 18–22 mm. The species constructs nests in pre-existing cavities and uses cut leaf pieces to line brood cells.