Taxonomic notes on the small resin bees Hypanthidioides subgenus Michanthidium (Hyumenoptera: Megachilidae)(Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

Authors: Gonzalez, Victor; Griswold, Terry

Submitted to: ZooKeys
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/22/2011
Publication Date: 7/8/2011
Citation: Gonzalez, V.H., Griswold, T.L. 2011. Taxonomic notes on the small resin bees Hypanthidioides subgenus Michanthidium (Hyumenoptera: Megachilidae). ZooKeys. 117:51-58.

Interpretive Summary: American bees of the genus Hypanthidioides are commonly known as resin bees because they use plant resins to build their nests inside empty cavities or attached to stems or twigs. In this paper we present descriptions and illustrations for the two rare species of Hypanthidioides subgenus Michanthidium that will allow other bee researchers to identify them in future bee surveys. We also present information on the distribution and host plants. This paper contributes to our understanding of the diversity and distribution of these resin bees in the Americas.

Technical Abstract: As part of ongoing investigations on anthidiine bees, the type of Anthidium albitarse Friese was found to be conspecific with one of the two species of the small resin bees Hypanthidioides subgenus Michanthidium. The new combination, H. (Michanthidium) albitarse, is the oldest name resulting in Gnathanthidium sakagamii Urban as a new junior synonym. The previously unknown male of the second species, H. ferrugineum, is also described and figured, including the genitalic structure and associated sterna. Males and females of H. ferrugineum have been collected from flowers of Cuphea sp. (Lythraceae).