These bees are characterized by their scopa – specialized hairs designed to carry pollen – that are on the underside of their abdomen, unlike many other bees who have them on their hind legs. Megachilidae scopa looks like a ventral brush, usually of light colors (white, yellow or orange).
Some bees in this family include:
- Leafcutter bees (Megachile)
- Mason bees (Osmia)
- Small resin bees (Heriades)
- Wool carder bees (Anthidium)
There are also cuckoo bee genera in this family with Stelis that steal Osmia’s and Anthidum’s nests and Coelioxys that uses Megachile’s nests.
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