Leaf-cutter bee

Leaf cutter bees are solitary bees that use a variety of leaves to line their nests. Dark brown covered in lighter browny orange hairs and about the size of a honey bee.

They cut perfect little semi-circle pieces of leaf and carry them off to their nest. Traditionally they are known to like birch, wisteria and roses, but it seems it isn’t all roses and they do have ones they prefer. From a bit of research I’ve read that they prefer flopper leaved varieties. People suggest Madame Alfred Carriere (Vigorous climbing with pale white flowers and a strong sweet fragrance. Also good for a shady wall which isn’t common for roses)  ‘Harlow Carr’ and ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ (My favourite rose with mid pink flowers and the most amazing scent)

In reality there seems to be a wide range of leaves they like. I’ve seen the tell-tale perfect semi-circle cuts in Epimedium.  Other plants they are known to like include:

• Virginia creeper

• Climbing hydrangea

• Common mallow

• Purple loosestrife

• Wild strawberry

• Buddleja

• Crab apple

• Dogwood

• Goat willow

• Amelanchier

You can find more information on leaf-cutter bees on the Wildlife Trust Website - Patchwork leaf-cutter bee.

Leaf cutter bee. Photo credit The Wildlife Trusts.