Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee vs Trimmer's Mining Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee | Trimmer's Mining Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megachile rotundata | Andrena trimmerana |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Andrenidae |
| Size | 7-9 mm | 10-12 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America, Europe, introduced to other regions | Europe |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
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.
Trimmer's Mining Bee
A widespread spring mining bee with brownish-grey fur and a distinctive tooth on the hind femur. It forages on a wide range of early-blooming flowers.
Did You Know?
The small femoral tooth on its hind leg distinguishes it from nearly all other European Andrena species.