Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee vs Redheaded Pine Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee | Redheaded Pine Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megachile rotundata | Neodiprion lecontei |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Diprionidae |
| Size | 7-9 mm | 6-8 mm (adult) |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America, Europe, introduced to other regions | North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Not Evaluated |
Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee
A small solitary bee that cuts precise circular pieces from leaves to construct nest cells. It is the most important managed pollinator of alfalfa seed crops in North America.
Did You Know?
Alfalfa seed yields increased up to 1,000% when this bee was introduced as a managed pollinator.
Redheaded Pine Sawfly
The most widely distributed pine sawfly in eastern North America. Larvae can completely defoliate young pines, sometimes killing them.
Did You Know?
Larvae rear up in unison and regurgitate resinous fluid when disturbed as a group defense.