Megachile ligniseca

One of a suite of eight superficially similar species. All are medium to large sized solitary bees.

Since it is a species that utilises bramble, thistles and Himalayan balsam it is likely to be found at ruderal dominated sites. It has also been found on post-industrial sites where it was recorded feeding on Himalayan balsam and found frequently flying about standing deadwood and bramble thickets.

This is a summer-flying species with early records from mid-June to as late as early September. The majority of records however fall between early July and mid August.

Nests in holes in various forms of timber either in standing deadwood or fence posts.

An uncommon species more frequently found in the south-east of mainland Britain. It has a more scattered distribution further north, seemingly reaching its extremity in north Yorkshire and two recent records from Staffordshire. There is also a cluster of records from south Wales though apparently absent from north Wales.

Infrequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.