Leaf-cutter
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Hoplitis anthocopoides
Viper's Bugloss Small-Mason
Hoplitis anthocopoides is a solitary mason bee in the family Megachilidae. It is a specialist pollinator of Echium vulgare (viper's bugloss), using this plant for both pollen/nectar collection and leaf material for nest construction. Females construct nests in pre-existing cavities using cut leaf pieces, creating linear series of 6-10 cells. Males exhibit territorial behavior, defending flower patches to gain access to females. The species has a broad distribution across Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America.