leaf-cutting bee

noun

1. any of the bees of the family Megachilidae that cut circular pieces from leaves or flowers to line their nests.

Word History and Origins

Origin of leaf-cutting bee¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

The Rose Leaf-cutting Bee spoils the foliage by cutting semi-circular pieces out of the leaves to line its nest.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, the Leaf-cutting Bee is even less well off than ourselves.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes the Leaf-cutting Bee has time to alight and stick her head into the mouth of the pit.

From Project Gutenberg

A clever burglar, the parasite of the Leaf-cutting Bee, receives a sound whipping under my eyes.

From Project Gutenberg