Not all bees live in societies

We may have learned that bees are very social creatures.

But among the 20,000 species of bees on the planet, there are also species that do not form societies and live a monastic life!

And… since Maria decided to plant Mirabilis Jalapa (Evening Primrose), every sunset the Megachiles visit us.

A cosmopolitan group of solitary bees, also known as leaf-cutting bees.

They cut neat pieces of leaves or petals, chewing the leaves or petals into fragments, to build their nests.

A bee that does not create societies!

The etymology of Megachile has its roots in ancient Greek (megas + lip); their “large lips” and powerful jaws are suitable for collecting the materials for their solitary life and nest construction.