Black Leafcutter Bee - Lithurgus sp.

Family MEGACHILIDAE

This page contains pictures and information about Black Leafcutter Bees that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia.


Body length 10mm

We sometimes find this Leafcutter Bee resting on grass during summer evening.



The bee has a relatively flat body. Its thorax and head are hairy. The abdomen is white and black colour striped.



Sometimes we find circular holes in soft-leaved plants, these are made by the female Leafcutter Bee which uses the leaf to build her nest.



Resin Bee ?

? Megachile sp., body length 10mm
Photos taken in Daisy Hill near Buhot Creek mid summer Dec 2008. The bee was examining the soil on the mud wall. The bee is black in colour with golden abdomen tip.


Reference:
1. Wildlife of Greater Brisbane - New edition, Published by Queensland Museum 2007, p165.
2. Northern Territory Insects, A Comprehensive Guide CD - Graham Brown, 2009.