Learn How Leafcutter Bees Make Their Nests

We found another gorgeous nesting cell made by a leafcutter bee today during our fall harvest. Leafcutter bees will construct their nests with tiny pieces of crescent shaped cut leaves or flower petals, which does not harm the plant. She will then chew it until it becomes pliable and then push it up along the walls of the cavity of her nesting chamber. She will then lay an egg and place a pollen loaf for her baby before gently wrapping up the leaf chamber and making a cozy little “sleeping bag” for her baby. This process can sometimes take her up to three hours to wrap each baby. Different than a mason bee, leafcutters do not weave a cocoon. They will over-winter in their “sleeping bag” in the larvae stage and once they feel 70+ degree temperatures, they will perk up, eat the pollen loaf and then take 4-8 weeks to grow into a full grown bee before they emerge in the summer to pollinate.

Learn more about Leafcutter Bees:

Inside a Mason & Leafcutter Block

Watch Leafcutter Bees in Slow Motion

Learn About Leafcutter Bees

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