Liu Yan Ye Bee, also known as the thick-walled leaf bee, is a species of hymenopteran belonging to the family Megachilidae. Adults measure approximately 6 mm in body length and have a wingspan of around 16 mm. Their bodies are yellowish with distinct black markings, and their wing veins are predominantly black. The eggs are oval-shaped and appear pale yellow or white. The larvae are cylindrical, slightly curved, and range in length from 6 to 13.5 mm. They are yellow-white in color and resemble small, elongated grains.
This species is commonly found on willow trees, where it specializes in feeding on leaves and creating galls. The life cycle of the Liu Yan Ye Bee typically occurs once a year in northern regions of the Yellow River. Adults emerge from late April to early May, with peak activity between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Interestingly, they can reproduce through parthenogenesis just a few hours after emerging. Females lay a single egg inside willow tissue. The egg stage lasts about 7 to 10 days, after which the larvae begin feeding on the leaf tissue. This feeding causes the affected area to swell, eventually forming a "tumor-like" gall.
The galls resemble broad beans in shape, with a surface covered in small, scattered particles. As the larvae develop, the galls change color from green to yellow-brown, reddish-brown, or even purple. Most galls are found along the midrib on the back of the leaf. In severe infestations, multiple galls may cluster together. Infested leaves often turn yellow prematurely and may fall off, negatively impacting plant growth and development.
The larvae feed from the 6th to 7th instar stages. In the fall, they either drop to the ground with fallen leaves or overwinter in the soil as larvae. This life cycle makes them difficult to control during certain periods.
For management, manual removal of galled leaves is an effective method, especially during autumn when the pests are removed from the ground and burned. It's also important to protect natural predators such as parasitic wasps and lizards that help keep populations in check.
During the adult emergence peak, which occurs from late April to mid-May, insecticides like fenvalerate (a pyrethroid) combined with abamectin can be applied to the canopy to kill adults. When larval infestations are severe, 1.5 to 2 kg of omethoate per 1,000 square meters of dry soil should be poured and then covered. Another option is to inject 10 times diluted 40% oxamyl around the base of the tree trunk for prevention and treatment.
These methods help manage infestations effectively while minimizing environmental impact. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are key to controlling this pest in willow plantings.
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