Question of the Week – Leafcutter Bee

This week, the question was: What created these near perfectly circular holes around the margin of this muscadine leaf?

These holes were created by leafcutter bees while collecting materials to build their nests. These are native bees that are important pollinators of numerous species of wildflowers and cultivated crops. Leafcutter bees use the cut pieces of leaves to line cavities (mostly in trees) where they will lay their eggs. Upon completion, the nest looks similar to a cigar, though it is rarely observed since it is concealed within a tree. Click here for more information on leafcutter bees.