Re: Leaf-Cutter Bees, Nectar-Feeding Birds, Idiot Cumbrian Gardeners



On Tue, 29 Dec 1998 K1MIZE@aol.com wrote:

> The leaf-bits are collected and taken to the bees' burrows as food for
> developing larvae.
> 

Close, but not exactly the case.  Leaf-cutter cut-outs are used to form
little cigar-like enclosures [cells] for individuals larvae.  As in all
other bees, the larvae are provisioned with a mix of pollen and honey.
And that's all they feed on.

In nature, leaf-cutter bees nest in tunnels in rotten wood [often
ready-mades provided by beetle larvae.  Some species adapt very readily to
soda-straws packed in milk-cartons, or wood blocks drilled out [about 1/8
inch diameter.  If you like fancy-cut rose foliage, put some of these
out!

loren russell, corvallis, oregon
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