Leaf-cutter Bees (Magachilidae)

Types of Bees Types of Bees Types of Wasps

Leaf-cutter bees are a large group of bees in the family Megachilidae.

Their common name reflects their habit of cutting leaves from plants to line their nests.

They are relatively small bees, characterized by striped abdomens, and like the larger honeybee or bumblee, they are known as pollinators.

The top picture shows a species with a zebra striped tail. It was about to land on a flower, so the wings are moving and not visible.

They tend to sting when disturbed, expecially when being swatted on an arm or leg. However, their sting feels less severe than a honeybee sting.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels