Author
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GONZALEZ, VICTOR - University Of Kansas |
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Griswold, Terry |
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Submitted to: Caldasia
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 12/15/2011 Publication Date: 7/19/2012 Citation: Gonzalez, V.H., Griswold, T.L. 2012. New species and previously unknown males of neotropical cleptobiotic stingless bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Lestrimelitta). Caldasia. 34(1): 227-245. Interpretive Summary: Bees that hunt out nests of other bees and raid them are very uncommon. One such group is the stingless bee genus Lestrimelitta. Because they are rarely collected new species can be expected. Here we provide an update on the taxonomy of the group. We describe three new species from northern South America and the previously unknown males of two Central American species. New range extensions are documented and we provide an updated key to distinguish the species from Central America and northern South America. Technical Abstract: Three new species of cleptobiotic stingless bees of the genus Lestrimelitta Friese, L. opita sp. n. and L. huilensis sp. n. from Colombia and L. catira sp. n. from Venezuela, are described and figured. The males of the Central American species L. chamelensis, L. danuncia, and L. mourei are also described and figured. New geographical records and an updated key to species from Central America and northern South America are provided. |
