ExploreInsects

Unarmed Leafcutter Bee

Megachile inermis

The Unarmed Leafcutter Bee is a small, friendly bee that loves to collect leaves for its nest. They are great pollinators and help flowers grow by spreading pollen.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Unarmed Leafcutter Bee is a robust, dark-bodied insect, often covered with pale yellowish to whitish hairs, particularly on its underside. It has a smoother, less spiky facial appearance compared to some other leafcutter bees, with a distinct, stocky shape.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyMegachilidaeGenusMegachile
Unarmed Leafcutter Bee
furry trait badgesocial trait badgeherbivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
Unarmed Leafcutter Bee

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby leafcutter bees eat a special paste made of pollen and nectar their mom provides!

Look closely at leaves for perfect semi-circular cuts—that's their handiwork!

These bees are solitary, meaning each female builds her own nest without a queen!

They don't make honey, but are super important for plant pollination!

Special abilities

Ability

Leaf-Cutting Prowess

Unarmed Leafcutter Bees can precisely cut perfect semi-circular pieces from leaves because of their strong mandibles, helping them build secure nests.

Ability

Pollen Carrying Belly

Unarmed Leafcutter Bees have a special hairy 'pollen brush' on their belly that helps them carry lots of pollen back to their nest.

Ability

Efficient Pollinator

Unarmed Leafcutter Bees are excellent at pollinating because they rub their hairy bellies on flowers, collecting and transferring pollen effectively.

Ability

Custom Nest Builder

Unarmed Leafcutter Bees can construct intricate tube-shaped nests from leaf pieces, creating cozy, protected cells for their developing young.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
18-25 mm
Size
10-14 mm
Lifespan
30-60 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

This bee sips flower nectar for energy and collects pollen to feed its growing babies in the nest.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • pollen
  • legume flowers
  • composite flowers

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

pollinates

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Helps reproduce.

pollinates

White Clover

Trifolium repens

Transfers pollen.

eaten by

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Eats larvae.

parasitizes

Sapyga Wasp

Sapyga pumila

Lays eggs in nests.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Watch bees from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Unarmed Leafcutter Bee's wingspan?

18-25 mm

How big is Unarmed Leafcutter Bee?

10-14 mm

How long does Unarmed Leafcutter Bee live?

30-60 days

How fast can Unarmed Leafcutter Bee fly?

15 km/h

What does Unarmed Leafcutter Bee eat?

This bee sips flower nectar for energy and collects pollen to feed its growing babies in the nest.

Where is Unarmed Leafcutter Bee usually found?

Urban areas

How does Unarmed Leafcutter Bee hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Unarmed Leafcutter Bee have?

6

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