About Megachile rotundata

Megachile rotundata, the alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata), is a European bee that has been introduced to various regions around the world. As a solitary bee species, it does not build colonies or store honey, but is a very efficient pollinator of alfalfa, carrots, other vegetables, and some fruits. Because of this, farmers often use M. rotundata as a pollination aid by distributing M. rotundata prepupae around their crops. Each female constructs and provisions her own nest, which is built in old trees or log tunnels. Being a leafcutter bee, these nests are lined with cut leaves. These bees feed on pollen and nectar and display sexual dimorphism. This species has been known to bite and sting, but it poses no overall danger unless it is threatened or harmed, and its sting has been described as half as painful as a honey bee's.

Picture credit: Public domain via Wikimedia Commons (Image source) Taxonomy ID 143995

(Text from Wikipedia.)

More information General information about this species can be found in Wikipedia

Taxonomy ID 143995

Data source University of Maryland

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