Placing Leaf Cutter Bees in Gilbert, Arizona

We decided to switch from Blue Orchard Bees to Leaf Cutter bees in the Phoenix area. Leaf cutters are more acclimated to the hot temperatures and we have a native population as evidenced by the characteristic leaf cutouts in our plants.

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.

First we divided up the 'gallon' of leaf cutter cocoons we bought from JWM Leafcutters, Inc:

We also got the unique habitats from JWM:

Finally, we placed the 'quart' of leaf cutter cocoons and the 'half' habitat in a shady location facing east near the rose garden.

Next we will place a quart of leaf cutter cocoons and the other 'half' of the habitat at the Master Garden in Flowing Springs north of Payson, Arizona.