Murder?

A few days ago I went to check on the bees in the little Insect House as I usually do most every day. As I approached it I could see that all of the chambers were exposed, unblocked, missing of the vital plug that keeps them safe from the elements and other hidden dangers.

I got closer and found many of the tiny leaf circles that are used to make up each individual plug scattered on the floor below …

Looking closely at the circular leaf cuttings I noticed that some contained a tiny hole in the centre. What could have done this? A bird trying to get at the young grubs? Another insect? I am still unsure.

Two days later I found a solitary Leaf-cutter bee working itself almost to death trying its best to repair the damage. So exhausted after its efforts it was camping in one of the bamboo chambers and there it has remained night-after-night. It appears to be guarding the nest.