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Giant Resin Bee

Megachile sculpturalis

Published on Project Noah
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42.3898, -72.5222

Field Notes

Description:

Very large (1"+) bee with huge head and mandibles, kink in antennae, long hairless abdomen. Seems to be chewing holes in the pea flowers. Doesn't look like it has pollen baskets. I'd love some help on this one! I've never seen anything like it. Edit: found it! Unfortunately it turns out this it is introduced in the U.S. and is aggressive towards other bees and has been reported killing honeybees.

Reference Links:

Species Megachile sculpturalis - Giant Resin Bee - BugGuide.Net

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)
NicoleB
Bummer about it being introduced and killing bees :(
NicoleB
Gorgeous photos! It's hard to imagine that he can fly with a body that big and wings that small.
Photographed
PublishedJuly 31, 2011

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