Editorial photo #13858290 Human Interest
Leafcutter Bees (Megachile Spp.) - Bee In Flight With Leaf - Animal India
Leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.) cut leaves from the Indian indigo plant (Indigofera tinctoria) in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on June 15, 2026. These bees are solitary pollinators in India, effective for crops such as pigeon pea, jute, and legumes. They build tubular nest cells in hollow stems or crevices using the cut leaves. Unlike honeybees, leafcutter bees do not produce honey and are considered docile, making them safe for gardens. Females carry pollen on a brush of stiff hairs on their abdomen. Each female is a solitary nester, laying eggs in individual leafy chambers. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)
