Leaf cutter bee?

[tigger]

Hi

2 different bee species for ID please (or could be more species! )

First bee. Are these 4 pics of the same species of bee? and is it a Megachile sp (leaf cutter bee)?

1 2
3 4

Second bee. Is this also a Megachile sp? Are all the pics of the same species? Very light coloured hair around thorax and on abdomen.

1 2
3 4

Many thanks as always for your help. Jane

[Geoff F]

Well I can certainly understand why nobody has volunteered to 'grasp the nettle' and suggest an answer. These are complicated species.

The first group certainly looks superficially like Megachile sp.

And as far as I can follow my ID keys the bee in the second group with clear wing definition also appears to fit the same category. Having 2 sub marginal cells will discount a few alternatives. However, taking the ID to the next step involves close examination of the bee's 'toes' which is where I have ground to a halt.

But perhaps one of our experts might hazard a guess.

Incidentally, after moving my bee nest hole block of wood to a different location this year I see that all holes have been filled.

[tigger]

Many thanks Geoff for taking on my photos!

Yes, Megachile sp are difficult. I don't think I can photograph their toes... but I'll have a good go!

Thanks again. Jane

[Matt Smith]

They all appear to be Megachile except for No 4 in the 2nd group - i would suggestthis is a faded male Osmia rufa covered in pollen.