summer leaf (aka leafcutter) bees

Want to learn about the cutest bee in California, and help support native bee populations?

Leafcutter bees are two times more effective pollinators than standard (invasive) honeybees. Honey bees ALSO need support but Leafcutters are so interesting, and raising them is much easier for those of us in dense areas with limited outdoor space. All you need is a wall that gets direct morning light, and lots of native plants nearby! Leafcutters also cut perfect circles out of leaves and use them to encase their eggs, and they seal up the door to their lair (often a reed or hole in a tree) with a perfectly circular leaf, so you will see them flying with bits of leaf, which is the cutest damn thing. Worried about getting stung? Leafcutters are really docile. Since they are solitary (don’t live in a hive), every female is a queen. EVERY FEMALE IS A QUEEN, ladies! Which makes them much more chill, obviously, and worry free.

You can buy a bee hotel from Crown Bees (the most responsible source I found) and they will also provide educational materials on how to ensure the safety and success of your little home for these native species. It’s so cool. I’ve lived in my yard since they started hatching.