438 



Handbook of Nature-Study 



LESSON C 

 THE LEAF-CUTTER BEE 



Leading thought When we see the edges of rose leaves with holes of 

 regular pattern in them, some of the holes being oblong and some circular, 

 we know the leaf -cutter bee has cut them to make her cradle cups. 



Method It is very easy to find in June or autumn the leaves from 

 which the leaf-cutter bee has cut the bedding for her young. Encourage 

 the pupils to look for the nest during the summerand to bring some of the 

 cups to school when they return, where they may be studied in detail; 

 meanwhile the teacher may tell the story of the nest. This is rather 

 difficult for the pupils to work out. 



Observations i . Do you find rose leaves with round holes cut in their 

 edges? Do you find on the same bush some leaflets with oblong holes in 

 them ? Sketch or describe the rose leaf thus cut, noting exactly the shape 

 of the holes. Are the circular holes of the same size? Are the long holes 

 about equal in size and shape? Do you find any other plants with holes 

 like these cut in them? Do you find any petals of flowers thus cut? 



What do you think made these holes? If an insect was taking a 



2. 



leaf for food would the holes be as regular? Watch the rose bush care- 

 fully and see if you can discover the insect which cuts the leaf. 



Leaf-cutter bee; ihe rose leaf cut by her; her nest-cups removed 



from the tube in which they were built, the cup made first 



cut open to show bee larva. 



Photo by Slingerland. 



