Willoughby’s Leafcutter Bee
- Common Name: Willoughby’s Leafcutter Bee
- Latin Name: Megachile willughbiella
- Size: 10-12 mm
- Location: Southern and central England
- Active Months: June to August
- Habitat: Gardens, woodland edges
- Nesting Behaviour: Cuts leaves to line nests in cavities
- Social Behaviour: Solitary
- Flora & Fauna: Legume flowers
- UK Status: Common
Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bee Identification: A Complete Guide
Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bee (Megachile willughbiella) is a fascinating solitary bee species known for its unique nesting behavior and distinct appearance. Native to Europe, this bee is particularly skilled at cutting leaves to construct its nests, which is a characteristic feature of leafcutter bees. Learning to identify Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bee can help you recognize and appreciate this important pollinator in gardens and natural areas.
Behavior and Habitat of Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bee
Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bee is most active during the summer months, typically from June to August. These bees are commonly found in gardens, meadows, and woodland edges where there is an abundance of suitable plants and nesting sites. They prefer sunny, open areas where they can easily access leaves and flowers.
Like other leafcutter bees, Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bee is solitary, meaning that each female independently constructs her own nest. The bee is known for its habit of cutting neat, circular or oval pieces from leaves, which it uses to line the cells in its nest.
Nesting Habits of Megachile willughbiella
The Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bee is named for its unique nesting behavior. The female bee uses her strong mandibles to cut pieces of leaves, which she then carries back to her nesting site. The nests are typically constructed in pre-existing cavities, such as hollow stems, wood holes, or even man-made structures like bee hotels.
The leaf pieces are used to create separate cells within the nest, each containing an egg. The female provisions each cell with a mixture of pollen and nectar, providing food for the developing larvae. Once the cell is complete, she seals it with another piece of leaf and continues to construct additional cells in the same cavity.
The larvae feed on the stored pollen and nectar, eventually pupating and emerging as adult bees the following summer.
How to Identify Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bee
Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bee identification is straightforward if you know what to look for. These bees are medium-sized, typically measuring 10-14mm in length. They have a robust, black body with pale, dense hairs on the thorax and a distinctive abdomen with white or pale yellow bands.
One of the key features to observe is the bee’s behavior of cutting leaves. If you notice neatly cut circles or ovals missing from leaves in your garden, you may be witnessing the work of a Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bee. Additionally, these bees are often seen carrying pieces of leaves back to their nests.
Males and females are similar in appearance, but females are usually slightly larger and have stronger mandibles for cutting leaves. Both sexes have large, powerful jaws that are used for both cutting leaves and manipulating the nest.
Encouraging Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bees in Your Garden
To attract and support Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bees in your garden, consider providing a variety of plants with soft leaves, such as roses, lilacs, or even certain herbs. These plants provide the material needed for nest construction.
Installing bee hotels or leaving natural nesting sites, such as hollow stems or dead wood, will also encourage these bees to take up residence. Avoid using pesticides, especially during the active nesting season, to protect these important pollinators.
By creating a welcoming environment, you can help support the population of Willoughby’s Leaf Cutter Bees and enjoy the benefits of their pollination in your garden.
