Introduction
The Silky Leafcutter Bee (Megachile versicolor) is a small, attractive solitary bee named for the fine, silky hairs that give it a subtle sheen in good light. It is active through late spring and summer and is most often noticed visiting flowers in gardens and sunny, sheltered habitats.
In the UK, this species is typically found in gardens, parks, hedgerows, brownfield sites, and open countryside where suitable flowers and nesting cavities are available. Like other leafcutter bees, it plays an important role in pollination while also using plant material to construct its nests.
Although still locally common, the Silky Leafcutter Bee can be affected by habitat loss, pesticide use, and a lack of suitable nesting sites. In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify Megachile versicolor, distinguish it from similar leafcutter bees, and understand how small changes in gardens and green spaces can help support it.
Identification & Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Silky Leafcutter Bee |
| Latin Name | Megachile versicolor |
| Size | ~8–10 mm |
| Location | Southern and central England (localised) |
| Active Months | June to August |
| Habitat | Gardens, hedgerows, brownfield sites, open countryside |
| Nesting Behaviour | Cavity nester using cut leaves |
| Social Behaviour | Solitary |
| Flora | Bramble, knapweed, legumes, garden flowers |
| UK Status | Localised |
How to Identify the Silky Leafcutter Bee
The Silky Leafcutter Bee is a small, compact bee with a dark body covered in fine hairs that give it a slightly glossy or silky appearance. It has a purposeful, direct flight and is often seen close to flowers or nesting sites.
In the UK, it may be spotted carrying pollen on the underside of the abdomen, which is typical of leafcutter bees. It is also associated with neat, circular cuts in leaves, although it is less conspicuous than some larger Megachile species.
Physical Characteristics
- Female – Compact body with silky hair and a pollen-carrying brush on the underside of the abdomen.
- Male (Drone) – Slightly smaller and slimmer, often with longer antennae and lighter facial hair.
Similar Species
The Silky Leafcutter Bee can be confused with other small leafcutter bees:
- Silvery Leafcutter Bee (Megachile leachella) – Larger and paler overall, often found in coastal habitats.
- Patchwork Leafcutter Bee (Megachile centuncularis) – Larger and more robust, with more obvious leaf-cutting activity.
- Orange-vented Mason Bee (Osmia leaiana) – Carries pollen on the abdomen but does not cut leaves.
If you’re unsure which bee you’ve spotted, our Bee Identification guide can help you narrow down UK species by size, colour, and behaviour.
Why the Silky Leafcutter Bee Matters
The Silky Leafcutter Bee is an effective pollinator of a range of wild and garden flowers, particularly legumes and bramble. Its nesting behaviour also contributes to natural recycling of plant material within ecosystems.
By using existing cavities and leaf material, this species highlights the importance of small-scale habitat features such as dead wood, hollow stems, and unmanaged patches within gardens and green spaces.
FAQs
No. It is a calm species and very unlikely to sting unless handled.
It is mainly active during summer, typically from June to August.
It is localised rather than widespread, but can be common where suitable habitat exists.
Females can sting, but stings are rare and usually only occur if the bee is handled.
How You Can Help
Supporting the Silky Leafcutter Bee is straightforward:
🌿 Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers
- Bramble, knapweed, legumes, a variety of garden flowers
🚫 Avoid Harmful Pesticides
- Avoid insecticides that contaminate nectar and pollen
🏡 Provide Nesting Spaces
- Leave hollow stems, dead wood, or provide bee hotels with small tubes
By offering flowers and nesting opportunities, you help support the Silky Leafcutter Bee and other cavity-nesting pollinators.
