# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Megachile albitarsis](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Megachile_albitarsis_-_White-footed_Leafcutter_Bee.jpg&width=800) Photo: Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth!, CC BY-SA 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Megachile_albitarsis_-_White-footed_Leafcutter_Bee.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Megachilidae - **Genus:** Megachile ## 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 - **Leaf Architect:** Megachile albitarsis can precisely cut circular leaf pieces with its strong mandibles that helps them build cozy, protective nests for their eggs. - **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. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-kingbird) (*Tyrannus verticalis*) — Can sometimes prey on adult bees while foraging. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify Megachile albitarsis? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Megachile albitarsis: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/megachile-albitarsis)