Mystery insect

[skagman]

I hope someone can help me to identify an insect from the following description:
It was a very fast flyer so visual clues are few, it seemed to be a, very slim, member of the wasp family. It's behaviour was intriguing in that it would disappear down the hollow stem of a dead rose bush, carrying part of a leaf. It did this on numerous occasions but the following day when I vowed to try photographing it the hole was sealed with more leaf bits. Any clues? Thanks, skagman

[TeresaW]

A leafcutter bee perhaps?

[Africa]

The description fits a female Leaf-Cutter bee, Megachile species. There are two common species on gardens, but they are difficult to identify. Females cut circular pieces of leaf from plants (roses are a favourite) and carry them curled under their bodies and use them to line their nests. I have always seen the 'cutting the leaf' part, but only recently I came across a nest by following the bee. Happy bee watching!

[skagman]

Thank you for your responses, I have, since posting, seen a second bee behaving in the same fashion but a bit slower in flight giving me time to observe it. Thanks again, skagman.