Foraging Activity and Nesting Behaviour of Leafcutter Bees, Megachile lanata (F.) and Megachile disjuncta (F.)

This study investigated the nesting behaviour, nest architecture, substrate acceptance, and foraging activity of Megachile lanata and Megachile disjuncta during 2023–2024 at the Agricultural Research Station, Vijayarai, Andhra Pradesh, India. Both species exhibited distinct temporal foraging patterns and differential visitation rates across crops. Nesting occurred in pre-existing cavities, with both species constructing linear series of brood cells i.e., M. lanata used leaf material and red earth, whereas M. disjuncta employed wax-propolis mixtures. Mid-range substrate diameters (0.8–1.0 cm) were preferentially accepted, with species-specific differences in optimal diameters. Overall, this research helps to fill significant knowledge gaps in the nesting ecology of M. lanata and M. disjuncta, and supports further studies on their role as pollinators in diverse ecosystems.