Chocolate Mining Bee vs Patchwork Leafcutter Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chocolate Mining Bee Patchwork Leafcutter Bee
Scientific Name Andrena scotica Megachile centuncularis
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Andrenidae Megachilidae
Size 9-13 mm 7-12 mm
Habitat Heathland Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Chocolate Mining Bee

A medium-sized bee with warm brown fur, common across the British Isles. It visits a wide range of spring and early summer flowers.

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Did You Know?

Despite its common name, it is named for its chocolate-brown fur, not any association with cocoa.

Patchwork Leafcutter Bee

A solitary bee that neatly cuts oval pieces from rose and other leaves to line its nest cells. The characteristic semicircular cuts it leaves on leaves are a familiar garden sight.

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Did You Know?

Each nest cell requires around 15 precisely cut leaf pieces to construct.