This common species is readily identifiable from photos of both males and females. Males are less frequently encountered, but boldly and uniquely patterned.
Identification: This is a relatively large and distinctive leafcutter. Fresh males are a shocking combination of orange hair, green eyes, and enlarged front tibia. Females have pale hairs on T1 + T2 with indistinct hair bands on the remaining terga.
Similar Species: Males of M. pugnata, M. melanophaea, and M. frigida also have pale, swollen front tibia but also have pale bands of hair on the terga (vs. uniformly orange) on Broad-handed.
Global Status: Secure (G5)
Vermont Status: Not Ranked
For more information, visit the following links:
Discover Life
Living Atlas Species Page
Distribution: To see the global distribution, check out the iNaturalist account, and toggle the GBIF layer on the map.
