ExploreInsects

Megachile albitarsis

Megachile albitarsis

The Megachile albitarsis is a special type of bee known for its strong body and fuzzy appearance. These bees are great at helping flowers grow by spreading pollen as they collect nectar.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Megachile albitarsis is a medium-sized bee, primarily black with pale, fuzzy hairs on its body. It has a distinctive patch of white hairs on its feet (tarsi). Females also have a fuzzy yellow or orange underside from carrying pollen.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyMegachilidaeGenusMegachile
Megachile albitarsis
furry trait badgesolitary trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Megachile albitarsis

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Each baby bee gets its own private, leaf-wrapped "bedroom" inside the nest, packed with food.

Males of this species are usually smaller than females and do not help build the nests.

This bee is known for its amazing ability to cut perfect circles from leaves with its powerful jaws!

Unlike honeybees, leafcutter bees rarely sting and are gentle visitors in your garden.

Special abilities

Ability

Leaf Architect

Megachile albitarsis can precisely cut circular leaf pieces with its strong mandibles that helps them build cozy, protective nests for their eggs.

Ability

Belly Pollen Pack

Megachile albitarsis has a special brush of hairs on its underside that helps them carry large amounts of pollen directly to their nest.

Ability

Solitary Seeker

Megachile albitarsis can build individual nests in small cavities, allowing them to thrive independently without a large queen or hive.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
16-24 mm
Size
8-12 mm
Lifespan
30-60 days
Flight Speed
18 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These bees sip sweet nectar for energy and gather pollen to feed their growing babies.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Pollen
  • Flower sap

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

pollinates

Alfalfa

Medicago sativa

Key pollinator for this important agricultural crop.

depends on

Gallica Rose

Rosa gallica

Uses leaves for constructing its protective nest cells.

parasitizes

Say's Cuckoo Bee

Coelioxys sayi

Lays its eggs in the leafcutter bee's nest, consuming its food.

eaten by

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

Can sometimes prey on adult bees while foraging.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be gentle and watch from a distance when you see bees. They are friendly but can sting if scared.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Megachile albitarsis's wingspan?

16-24 mm

How big is Megachile albitarsis?

8-12 mm

How long does Megachile albitarsis live?

30-60 days

How fast can Megachile albitarsis fly?

18 km/h

What does Megachile albitarsis eat?

These bees sip sweet nectar for energy and gather pollen to feed their growing babies.

Where is Megachile albitarsis usually found?

Grasslands

How does Megachile albitarsis hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Megachile albitarsis have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Insects