University of Maryland Extension

Leafcutter bees - Shrubs

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leafcutter bee adult

Leafcutter bees resemble small bumblebees. They cut circular pieces of leaves from plants such as rose and azalea. The bees use the pieces of leaves as a lining and plug for their egg cells. Leafcutter bees are solitary and nest in rotten wood, hollow stems of plants, holes in solid wood, or in other protected natural cavities. They do little damage and control is not necessary. 

leafcutter bee damage


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