Megachile pugnata is a species of North American bee in the family Megachilidae. It was described by Thomas Say in 1837. M. pugnata is a larger species of Megachile, with the typical female’s body length ranging from 12-18 mm and the male’s 11-13 mm. The outer carapace of both the male and female is completely black in color. Females’ eyes are black as well, while the males have lighter colored grey/green eyes. The ventral aspect of females’ abdomens are characterized by rows of densely packed hairs, which facilitate the collection of pollen. Males have much less densely packed rings of hairs between each segment of the abdomen.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Pugnacious Leafcutter Bee being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Megachile inimica
- Megachile frugalis
- Megachile policaris
- Megachile montivaga
- Megachile relativa
- Megachile fidelis
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Megachilidae
- Genus
- Megachile
- Species
- Megachile pugnata
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