[4] The Megachilidae are long-tongued, solitary bees, characterized by a rectangular labrum, the flap-like structure at the front of the mouth.

It collects pollen to provision the nest from a wide range of flowers, including those of the families Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Hypericaceae.

[1] This bee makes its nest in a variety of locations; in wood, in hollow stems, in wall cavities or crevices, or even soil, and has been known to use an upturned flowerpot.

The bee uses its jaws like scissors to cut pieces of leaf to place in the nest; often rose leaves are used, or honeysuckle, horse chestnut, ash, birch or lilac.

[1][8] Like other bees in temperate regions, M. centuncularis overwinters before emerging from the nest, either as a pupa, or as a fully developed larva.