🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee

Megachile ligniseca

Near Threatened

About Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee

A large, dark leafcutter bee that nests in rotten wood and dead tree stumps across Europe. Females cut large leaf pieces from roses, birch, and willows.

πŸ’‘

Did You Know?

Unlike most leafcutter bees that use pre-existing holes, it chews its own nest cavities directly into soft rotten wood.

How to Identify Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee

Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee (Megachile ligniseca) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Megachilidae. Adults typically measure 13-16 mm.

Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee Habitat

Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Europe, Western Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee Diet and Feeding

Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee Found?

Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee can be found in Europe, Western Asia, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee can be found

Is Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee Dangerous?

Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee Role in Nature

Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee

What does Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee look like?

The Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee typically measures 13-16 mm.

Where is Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee found?

The Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee is found in Europe, Western Asia and typically inhabits woodlands environments.

What does Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee eat?

The Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee dangerous to humans?

The Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.

Is Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee endangered?

The Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee is currently classified as Near Threatened by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.

What is an interesting fact about Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee?

Unlike most leafcutter bees that use pre-existing holes, it chews its own nest cavities directly into soft rotten wood.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee (Megachile ligniseca). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/wood-carving-leafcutter-bee

MLA:
"Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/wood-carving-leafcutter-bee.