Description

Body length 7 to 8.5mm. The female has long orange pollen hairs on its abdomen. The males have unmodified front legs, unlike Megachile willughbiella.

Habitat

Gardens, brown-field sites and hedgerows. The females nest in holes in dead wood, in trees or posts or 'bee hotels', lining the cells with pieces cut from leaves, often roses, sometimes several close together. The males can be seen hanging around trying to catch a female to mate with.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread in the southern half of Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

June to September.