In the US at least two megachilid bee species are available for purchase. These are the alfalfa leafcutting bee and the blue orchard bee (a mason bee). The alfalfa leafcutting bee not only pollinates alfalfa, but also is a good pollinator of blueberry, cranberry, and strawberry. The blue orchard bee is a good pollinator of several fruit tree species. However, purchase and introduction of a bee into a geographic location where they do not already exist is not advised, caution needs to be exercised. The alfalfa leafcutting bee is not a native of the US (Mediterranean in origin), although it has been used throughout much of the US where alfalfa seed production occurs and so it may have become established and somewhat naturalized in many states or it may not be a threat in some states due to a harsh climate. The blue orchard bee is a subspecies of Osmia lignaria that occurs east of the Rocky Mountains and has a very wide geographic distribution. Prior to purchasing any bee species, call your local state university entomology department or Cooperative Extension Office for advise on leafcutting or mason bee occurrence in your state and whether a particular species should be introduced into your area. However, another thing to consider is to trap your own wild leafcutting or mason bees in your area and raise them yourself (see FAQ 40609).
- Frank Drummond, University of Maine
