The name derives from Greek mega (μεγας) 'large' + cheil- (χειλ) 'lip' (referring to the mouthparts of the bee) and a district Zomba, in Malawi.

Unlike social insects (ants, yellow jackets, honeybees), leafcutters work alone building isolated nests.

The alfalfa leaf cutter bee (Megachile rotundata), native to Europe, has been semi-domesticated for crop pollination.

They have been documented to pollinate the following flowers: While the specific conservation status of M. zombae has not been assessed, studies indicate that many North American species of the Megachile genus, as well as other solitary bees, are at risk due to these pressures.

The Xerces Society reports that 50% of leafcutter bee species in North America are considered "at risk" by NatureServe,[7] highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts.