Species Insects & ArthropodsBellflower Bee

Bellflower Bee

Megachile campanulae

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Bellflower Bee (Megachile campanulae)

The Bellflower Bee is a stout native leafcutter bee that specializes on bellflowers and related species for pollen collection. It is one of the largest Megachile bees in eastern North America. Females use cut leaf pieces, plant resin, and even flower petals to construct nest cells in pre-existing wood cavities and hollow stems.

Habitat
Gardens and woodland edges with bellflowers and asters
Diet
Adults: pollen and nectar from Campanulaceae and composites. Larvae: pollen provisions
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Bellflower Bee

The best time to see a Bellflower Bee is July, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 452 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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