Native Leaf Cutter Bees in Arizona

We had noticed a native population of leaf cutter bees locally before. We now see activity from the leaf cutter bees as they use the habitats we set up for our blue orchard bees.

Here you can see a leaf cutter bee busily completing her nest.

Leaf cutter bees prefer hotter climates making them perfect for Arizona:

"A Sun Worshiper: The sun loving alfalfa leafcutter bee is black with pale yellow strips on the abdomen and face, and about 2/3 the size of a honey bee. It hibernates as larvae from early fall until summer. Leafcutters fly best when day temperatures are at or above 75° F (24° C) to pollinate summer fruits and vegetables."

You can learn more about leaf cutter bees here, here, and here.