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 Holometabolous life cycle, ie. When metamorphosis is observed during the pupal stage.

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, and Prunus species.

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

Biological Control
There is no effective (or necessary) biological control.

Chemical Control
Not usually indicated.