The status of a rare bee species, the black-brushed leafcutter bee Megachile nigriventris Schenck, 1870 in Poland, with remarks on its identification

Key Points

• To evaluate the status and distribution of the black-brushed leafcutter bee Megachile nigriventris in Poland.
• Described morphology and characteristics of Megachile nigriventris.
• Compared it with Megachile circumcincta.
• Identified four new localities for the species in Poland.
• Four new localities of Megachile nigriventris were documented in Poland.
• Morphological characteristics were detailed and distinctive from M. circumcincta.
• Discussion included potential dispersion mechanisms for this rare species.