The first time I saw a Leafcutter Bee working, I was so mesmerized, I watched it for almost an hour. I’ve tried to get a photo of one carrying its prize piece of leaf but haven’t been successful yet.

I had learned about the importance of our native bees (called Solitary Bees) during a class at Desert Landscaping School so I was very happy to see them in the yard and have come to love them. So last month when I uncovered a nest while reworking a block wall, I felt so guilty! Below are photos of the cigar-like nest. I tried my best to relocate it.

Yesterday morning, I uncovered two more nests! According to the article in the above link, it could be that the larva have already matured and left. I really hope they have but just in case, I relocated them too.

I want the bees to come back so I thought about making a wood nesting block but then I had an epiphany! Since the bees have been using the block wall, why not make the whole thing a nesting site. So I got my trusty drill, a masonry bit and drilled between the blocks to make sure the opening would accommodate a little bee body 🙂

I know what you’re thinking….is she NUTS?! Encouraging bees so close to the house!
Yes…I’m nuts but that’s beside the point 🙂
Solitary bees have a much different behavior than honey bees. Read this: Solitary Bees