While working in the nursery this week I accidentally knocked a teensy little mud vase off one of the plant leaves. I've also been noticing circular cuts on the leaves of some of my plants. I'm taking this as my sign that we should delve into the captivating world of native bees and wasps. This month, I'll introduce you to two fascinating species: potter wasps and leafcutter bees. Let's uncover their importance in the ecosystem!
Potter Wasps: Architects of Mud and Guardians of Pest Control The potter wasp, also known as mason wasps, scientifically known as Eumeninae, is a solitary wasp that belongs to the Vespidae family. There are about 270 species of potter wasps in the United States and Canada with about 3000 worldwide. These distinctive insects derive their name from their remarkable ability to construct intricate, vase-like nests using mud or clay. These nests, as you can see, are truly beautiful.
Potter wasp adults feed on flower nectar and collect small caterpillars to feed their young. The caterpillars are paralyzed by the wasp’s sting and piled into the brood cell which is the compartment in which the wasp larvae develops. The female wasp then lays an egg on the stored caterpillars. The larvae consumes from 1 to 12 caterpillars as it grows. Potter wasps are important in the natural control of caterpillars. Potter wasps play a critical role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem through pest control and are invaluable allies to farmers and gardeners, reducing the need for harmful chemical pesticides.
Leafcutter Bees: Nature's Expert Pollinators Meet the leafcutter bees, members of the Megachilidae family and renowned for their unique nesting behavior. Unlike honeybees, leafcutter bees are solitary creatures that do not form hives. Instead, they exhibit remarkable resourcefulness by cutting neat circular sections from leaves and using them to line their nests. This damage is harmless to healthy plants. Females divide the nest into cells and stack them toward the entrance. Each cell contains a single egg. The female provisions the cell with a mixture of nectar and pollen, lays an egg, then seals the egg in the cell with food. Within the same nest adult females commonly form a series of cells one after the other. At the entrance, she lays the male eggs so they may emerge first unencumbered.
Leaf-cutter bees do not have pollen carrying baskets on their hind legs, but they do carry lots of pollen via static cling created by the hairs on their abdomen. This techniques sets them apart from honeybees and makes them very effective pollinators. Plant families cited as common foraging hosts for leafcutter bees include the legume and sunflower families. This would include our native trees, like Catclaw Acacia, Honey Mesquite, and Blue Palo Verde. Shrubs, like Sweetbush and Brittlebush, and perennials like Desert Marigold just to name a few. There is also a specialist group that visits Evening Primrose, the Oenothera spp. According to NatureServe, 50% of leafcutter bee species are considered "at risk." I do not know if our leafcutter bees are considered "at risk" but holes in my leaves in exchange for pollination is a small price to pay in my opinion.
Native bees and wasps, such as potter wasps and leafcutter bees, are fascinating insects that contribute immensely to the health and vitality of their ecosystem. By understanding their behavior, we can support their critical roles as pollinators and natural pest controllers. Let's appreciate and protect these marvelous creatures, ensuring a flourishing and harmonious environment for both humans and nature. And a reminder, solitary bees and wasps, do not form hives or make honey. With only themselves to protect they are not aggressive.
