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Leaf cutter bee

Megachile sp.

Photo by Ismael Chaves
Published on Project Noah
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9.9984, -84.1167

Field Notes

Description:

Megachilid genera are most commonly known as mason bees and leafcutter bees, recollect the materials from which they build their nest cells. This one was rubbing its abdomen against the male structures of the flower for collecting pollen.

Notes:

This family of bees is very special because most of the bees collect pollen in their legs, these bees, instead, collect pollen in the abdomen hairs. Many Megachile species use cut leaves to line the cells of their nests. It is thought that the leaf discs help prevent the desiccation of the larva's food supply.

Reference Links:

Megachilidae

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (12)
Fyn Kynd
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
Ismael Chaves
Gracias juan voy a copiar y pegar la info por que no soy muy bueno aun con el ingles y voy a buscar mas en internet tambien
Juan DiTrani
Hola Ismael. Voy a postular tu spot para Spot te la semana. Para que tengas más chance de ganar te sugiero que incorpores la información del comportamiento que te expliqué en las notas/descripción de la foto
Ismael Chaves
si me di cuenta de ello pense q era raro o inusual, gracias por aclararmelo
Juan DiTrani
This is a very interesting behavior. This bee is rubbing its abdomen against the male structures of the flower. This family of bees is very special because most of the bees collect pollen in their legs, these bees, instead, collect pollen in the abdomen hairs.
Ismael Chaves
Muchas gracias juan, por cierto muy buena tu foto de perfil jaja
Juan DiTrani
Amazing picture!, is a perfect example how bees pollinate flowers. By the way, this is a Leaf cutter bee (Megachile sp.)

Spotted for Missions

Mission
El mini-mundo de Costa Rica
Mission
Pollinating Insects of the World
Mission
National Geographic's Great Nature Project

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Photographed
PublishedMay 30, 2014

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