Non-honey bees

Many species of the genus Megachile build their nests, using plant leaves cut in round pieces (hence the common name of the genus: leafcutters). However, sometimes bees use… plastic instead of leaves. It is quite sad that they use rubbish, and they are not alone in this behaviour – birds also incorporate plastic bags, wires, cigarette butts and other things into their nests. It is not clear what effect has the plastic nest on the leafcutter larvae.

Here is the reference where you can read more: Allasino, M. L., Marrero, H. J., Dorado, J., & Torretta, J. P. (2019). Scientific note: first global report of a bee nest built only with plastic. Apidologie, 50, 230-233.