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Megachile sp.

Leafcutting bees

Description

Many species of solitary bees make their nests in dry wood, walls, hollow twigs and often are in burrows in the ground. Nests are typically composed of single long columns, which they line with leaf cuttings (e.g. leafcutter bees Megachile spp.). The leafcutting bees neatly cut pieces of leaves or petals. Then a typical oval, lateral damage to leaves with 1-2 cm in diameter appears on leaves of Fagus spp., Betula spp., Malus spp. Roses, and other shrubs and tree species. Bees bring the bitten off part of the leaf to their nests. They use it there as a food source for future brood.

Symptom

Typical oval, lateral damage to leaves with 1-2 cm in diameter appears on leaves.

Tree Species: Beech, Rose

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes

Seasonal frequency of occurrence

Seasonal frequency of occurrence