What is a Bee?
An alfalfa leafcutter bee collects nectar from the flower of an alfalfa plant.
© Dreamstime
Alfalfa Leafcutter Bees
Alfalfa leafcutter bees (Megachile rotundata) are solitary bees raised by beekeepers for pollination. They are better at pollinating alfalfa than honeybees and are now being used to pollinate other crops, such as blueberries.
Unlike honeybees, alfalfa leafcutter bees live alone in a small nesting hole. Each female will mate and care for her own young.
Don't pinch them! Alfalfa leafcutter bees have stingers, but will only use them if they are squeezed.
