Forum home Wildlife gardening
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

leaf cutter bees

24

Posts

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I made one, a bit similar. I checked this morning and have five plugged bamboo, but not sure when they were plugged or by what.
  • LauraRoslinLauraRoslin Posts: 496
    Those cuts in the leaves are so neat!  I'm guessing the diameter is the same length as the bee?
    I wish I was a glow worm
    A glow worm's never glum
    Cos how can you be grumpy
    When the sun shines out your bum!
  • Mary370Mary370 Posts: 2,003
    What amazes me about the cuts in the leaves is that they don't cause the leaf the turn brown and wither, there must be something in the saliva to prevent browning.
  • Valley GardenerValley Gardener Posts: 2,851
    edited July 2018
    I've got 2 nesting in the dry stone wall,I'd feel happier if they were in a proper hotel! Are the larvae similar in look to vine weevil? One has appeared in the nest,if it's a vine weevil I'll get rid.
    The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited July 2018
    VG, the dry stonewall is the original five star hotel, surely.
  • ChrisWMChrisWM Posts: 214
    I posted this elsewhere, but one landed in front of me today, cutting a leaf in no short order. It then flew off with its spoils to the bee house. Amazing to watch. 
    If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. Cicero
  • Valley GardenerValley Gardener Posts: 2,851
    Yes Fire you're right it is,but they seem a bit vulnerable to the birds,not very well hidden,and if it rains they aren't really under that much cover,looks like a trip to Dunelm!😁
    The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
  • Valley GardenerValley Gardener Posts: 2,851
    Morrison's have the bee houses in for £3. My hand went out to pick one up,OH says '' I can make you one like that 'So why do I feel Ive been cheated out of my bee house?
    The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
  • Valley GardenerValley Gardener Posts: 2,851
    I watched the Leafcutter bee yesterday,and what i had thought were slugs decimating my Hostas,turns out to be the Leafcutter bee! I'm annoyed because I resorted to one or two pellets thinking the holes were made by slugs! So my coffee grounds probably are working round the base of the hostas,as all the oval shaped holes are on the top of the plant!
    The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    ChrisWM said:
    I posted this elsewhere, but one landed in front of me today, cutting a leaf in no short order. It then flew off with its spoils to the bee house. Amazing to watch. 
    Fantastic Chris. These tiny events put the world in perspective  :)
    You're so lucky to have them in your wal V.Gardener.  The wall will be the perfect location for them, but anything you do to encourage them, and other insects, is a bonus. Lovely if you can see them working   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Sign In or Register to comment.