Bee behaviour

Swirlything · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 02:53 PM

I just remembered this- after going out and seeing the state of the plants around here.
A few months ago I noticed that the leaves on the sole surviving rose bush in my patch 'o nettles had large semicircular pieces cut out of them. Something's been having a nibble, I thought.
I was then surprised to see the culprit fly down- a very large bee, which proceeded to snip out another circular piece of leaf and fly off with it. It returned several times for more leaves over the next few minutes. It didn't bother with any other plants though, just the rose.
What on earth was it doing? Something to do with building a nest maybe...? O_o

Jens · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 05:00 PM

It sounds like a Leaf Cutter Bee genus Megachile. The bee usually nests in dead wood and builds cells with the leaf cuttings. Hope that's right ( it's what my Dad told me some 50 years ago). I'm glad they haven't found a plastic substitute over the years!

Imaginos · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jens

It sounds like a Leaf Cutter Bee genus Megachile. The bee usually nests in dead wood and builds cells with the leaf cuttings. Hope that's right ( it's what my Dad told me some 50 years ago). I'm glad they haven't found a plastic substitute over the years!

Thats 100% correct Jens, there's nothing more to add.