Marin Rose Society

FAST FACTS - LEAFCUTTING BEES
by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian

SIGNS

Moderate-sized (less than Ľ inch to nearly one inch long) stout-bodied, black bees with light bands across the abdomen and a covering of pale hairs on the underside

Adult insects that resemble honey bees

A bee where the abdomen appears light yellow to deep gold in color (when carrying pollen)

Individual bee nests in soil, holes in wood, in plant stems, empty snail shells

SYMPTOMS

Semicircular holes in the margins of leaves or blossoms of roses
Neatly cut Ľ to ˝ inch circles in leaves of azaleas, ash, redbud, bougainvillea and other plants with thin smooth leaves

CAUSE

Leafcutting bees - Megachile spp

OPTIMAL CONDITIONS / HABITAT

Solitary bees; they do not live in large groups or colonies like honey bees

Important native pollinators of many wildflowers; they also pollinate fruits and vegetables and are used as pollinators by commercial growers of blueberries, onions, carrots and alfalfa

Hollow twigs and other natural cavities, holes in buildings and occasionally in the ground for nesting

Overwinter in nests as newly formed adults

TREATMENT

Prevention:

None

Elimination:

None – bees are important pollinators and should not be killed

No effective nonchemical controls are known

GOOD GUY / BAD GUY?

Can be a nuisance by destroying the aesthetics of a plant; rarely harms the plant

A good guy as an active pollinator

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FAST FACTS - LEAFCUTTING BEES by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian

FAST FACTS - LEAFCUTTING BEES
by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian