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Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial
Feeding Habits
Adults: nectar and pollen feeding
Immatures: phytophagous
Size: 10 to 20 mm
Flight : strong flier
North American Species: 610
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Hymenoptera Megachilidae
Leafcutting bees
Front Wings: membranous
Hind Wings: membranous
Mouthparts: chewing
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: straight
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified
Special Characteristics:
Leafcutting bees are stout-bodied, with a large head and wide mandibles. They are usually dark-coloured. They are distinguished from other bees by differences in the wing venation.
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Comments: Most species feed on pollen, but a few species are parasitic. This is a large worldwide family. In many species the nest cells are lined with pieces cut from leaves. The cell partitions are made of mud, resin, or leaf pulp. Nests are usually made natural cavities in wood or in the ground. Some leafcutter bees are beneficial pollinators of crops.
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