PEST

NAME
Leafcutting Bee
Megachile species

ORDER
Hymenoptera

FAMILY
Megachilidae

Description of the Pest
Adults grow to 15mm in length; they resemble honey bees in size and shape, but are black in colour, with lines of pale hair on their abdomens. They have modified chewing mouthparts. They are solitary, cause little damage, and are often important pollinators.

     Hair on abdomen     

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
Leafcutter bees occur in Australia, Europe and North America.

Life Cycle
These insects have a Holometabolouslife cycle, ie. When metamorphosisis observed during the pupalstage.

Period of Activity
Most active during the warmer months.

Damage Caused
As their name suggests, leafcutter bees cut oval or circular pieces (up to 10mm across) from the margins of the leaves of susceptible plants, which they use to line their nests, which they construct in natural cavities.



Susceptible Plants
A wide range of ornamentals are susceptible, particularly Rosa, Syringa(lilacs), Camellia, Wisteria, andPrunusspecies.

Cultural Control
The insects may be swatted when seen but, as they cause little serious damage, this is unnecessary.

BiologicalControl
There is no effective (or necessary) biological control.

Chemical Control
Not usually indicated.