RESUMO
We describe a new species of Corynura Spinola, a socially polymorphic genus within the bee tribe Augochlorini (Halictidae). We present a detailed description of both sexes of Corynura (Corynura) moscosensis n. sp. González-Vaquero, images of diagnostic morphological structures and antennal sensilla, floral associations, distributional data and notes on its nesting biology. Corynura moscosensis n. sp. is similar in appearance to C. (C.) chloromelas (Alfken), but it can be distinguished by the sculpturing of the mesoscutum and the hair types on the propodeum in the female, and by the genitalia and extent of the area exclusively covered by sensilla placoidea on the antennal flagellum of the male. A lectotype is designated for C. chloromelas. A Chilean Patagonian population of C. moscosensis n. sp. was observed to dig spatially clumped nests in an earth bank with a moderately hard and humid soil. The presence of multiple females within single nest tunnels is unusual and may preliminary suggest nest-sharing, but more data are necessary to define the social organization of this species. The species appears to be polylectic. Bee nests were attacked by satellite flies and possibly velvet ants.
Assuntos
Himenópteros , Animais , Argentina , Abelhas , Chile , Ecologia , Feminino , Masculino , SensilasRESUMO
Special care is needed in the delimitation and identification of halictid bee species, which are renowned for being morphologically monotonous. Corynura Spinola and Halictillus Moure (Halictidae: Augochlorini) contain species that are key elements in southern South American ecosystems. These bees are very difficult to identify due to close morphological similarity among species and high sexual dimorphism. We analyzed 170 barcode-compliant COI sequences from 19 species. DNA barcodes were useful to confirm gender associations and to detect two new cryptic species. Interspecific distances were significantly higher than those reported for other bees. Maximum intraspecific divergence was less than 1% in 14 species. Barcode index numbers (BINs) were useful to identify putative species that need further study. More than one BIN was assigned to five species. The name Corynura patagonica (Cockerell) probably refers to two cryptic species. The results suggest that Corynura and Halictillus species can be identified using DNA barcodes. The sequences of the species included in this study can be used as a reference to assess the identification of unknown specimens. This study provides additional support for the use of DNA barcodes in bee taxonomy and the identification of specimens, which is particularly relevant in insects of ecological importance such as pollinators.
Assuntos
Abelhas/classificação , Abelhas/genética , Código de Barras de DNA Taxonômico , Animais , Argentina , Chile , Feminino , Genes de Insetos , Masculino , Filogenia , Análise de Sequência de DNARESUMO
The bee genus Augochlorodes Moure, up to now only known from Brazil, is recorded for the first time for Argentina. Augochlorodes politus Gonçalves & Melo was found in the south of the province of Buenos Aires, mideastern Argentina, being the southernmost record for the genus. The female of A. politus is redescribed and the male described for the first time, being the second male known for this genus. The phylogenetic position of Augochlorodes among Augochlorini is briefly discussed.
Assuntos
Abelhas/anatomia & histologia , Abelhas/classificação , Animais , Argentina , Feminino , MasculinoRESUMO
The species of the halictid bee genus Caenohalictus Cameron occurring in Argentinean Patagonia are revised. Eight species are recognized, one of them here described as new: Caenohalictus flammeus n. sp. The female of C. turquesa Rojas & Toro 2000 is described for the first time. Pseudagapostemon babuarus Jörgensen 1912, based on the male holotype, is synonymized under Augochlora (Pseudaugochloropsis) thamyris Jörgensen 1912, based on the female lectotype. Lectotypes are designated for Augochlora (Pseudaugochloropsis) thamyris Jörgensen 1912 and Halictomorpha autumnalis Jörgensen 1912. Caenohalictus cyanopygus Rojas & Toro 2000, C. galletue Rojas & Toro 2000, C. iodurus (Vachal 1903), C. opaciceps (Friese 1916), and C. turquesa Rojas & Toro 2000, all known from Chile, are cited for Argentina for the first time. Notes on the variation observed within species, images of diagnostic structures, a key to the species and distributional data are provided. In addition, DNA barcoding results for four species are briefly discussed.