Megachile parallela, Parallel Leaf Cutter Bee

The Parallel Leaf Cutter Bee (Megachile parallela) is a solitary species with remarkable architectural skills and a strong preference for sunflowers, particularly Nuttall's sunflower found throughout Colorado's plains and foothills. Females use their powerful mandibles to cut precise semicircular pieces from leaves, which they carry back to their nests tucked under their bodies. These leaf fragments are used to construct waterproof brood cells within existing cavities like hollow stems or beetle burrows. Each cell is provisioned with a ball of pollen and nectar before a single egg is laid inside.

The bee's dense scopal hairs on her abdomen make her an efficient pollen collector, and her preference for large, pollen-rich sunflower heads makes her an important pollinator for both wild and cultivated sunflowers across Colorado's agricultural regions and natural grasslands.

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In 2022, People & Pollinators Action Network (PPAN) championed CO Senate Bill 22-199 at the legislature, in which the CO Department of Natural Resources commissioned a study on our state's native pollinating insects. ​​​

Insects, often underestimated, play a remarkable role in our state's landscapes. Not only are they cool, but they are also vital contributors to essential ecosystem services. From pollination to waste decomposition,

insects support Colorado's diverse landscapes, from the mountains to the rivers. Join us as we delve into the

world of this fascinating wildlife and learn about the Colorado Native Pollinating Insects Study (2024) report!