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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Pollinating Insect-Biology, Management, Systematics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #319856
Title: Phylogenetic systematics and a revised generic classification of anthidiine bees (Hymenoptera: Megachile)

Author
item LITMAN, JESSICA - Natural History Museum Neuchatel
item Griswold, Terry
item DANFORTH, BRYAN - Cornell University

Submitted to: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/14/2016
Publication Date: 4/19/2016
Citation: Litman, J.R., Griswold, T.L., Danforth, B.N. 2016. Phylogenetic systematics and a revised generic classification of anthidiine bees (Hymenoptera: Megachile). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 100:183-198. doi: 10.1016/j.ympev.2016.03.018.

Interpretive Summary: The resin and carder bees (also known as the anthidiine bees) are a diverse (over 870 species), worldwide group of bees with unusual nesting habits. We conducted the first molecular analysis of these bees to determine their family tree. We also used diagnostic structures on the bees to construct the tree. We use the family tree to refine the classification of anthidiine bees. Our results suggest four groups of pollinating bees and one group that parasitize the other groups. We also move a number of groups of species into different genera. Using the resulting tree we explore the evolution of nesting behavior. Results support the idea that the first material used in nest construction was resin, use of plant fibers came later.

Technical Abstract: The bee tribe Anthidiini (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) is a large, cosmopolitan group of solitary bees that exhibit intriguing nesting behavior. We present the first molecular-based phylogenetic analysis of relationships within Anthidiini using model based methods and a large, multi-locus dataset (five nuclear genes, 5081 base pairs), as well as a combined analysis using our molecular dataset in conjunction with a previously published 200-character morphological matrix. We discuss the evolution of nesting behavior in Anthidiini and in the family Megachilidae in general. Our results, in conjunction with previously published work, support the theory that resin was the first foreign material used by the higher megachilids in nest construction. Following an examination of the morphological characters historically used to recognize anthidiine genera, we recommend the use of a molecular-based phylogenetic backbone to define taxonomic groups prior to the assignment of diagnostic morphological characters for these groups. Finally, our results reveal the paraphyly of numerous genera and have significant consequences for anthidiine classification. In order to promote a classification system based on stable, monophyletic clades, we hereby make the following changes to Michener’s (2007) classification: The subgenera Afranthidium (Zosteranthidium) Michener and Griswold, 1994, Afranthidium (Branthidium) Pasteels, 1969 and Afranthidium (Immanthidium) Pasteels, 1969 are moved into the genus Pseudoanthidium, thus becoming Pseudoanthidium (Zosteranthidium), Pseudoanthidium (Branthidium), and Pseudoanthidium (Immanthidium). The genus Neanthidium Pasteels, 1969 is also moved into the genus Pseudoanthidium, thus becoming Pseudoanthidium (Neanthidium). Based on morphological characters shared with our new definition of the genus Pseudoanthidium, the subgenus Afranthidium (Mesanthidiellum) Pasteels, 1969 and the genus Gnathanthidium Pasteels, 1969 are also moved into the genus Pseudoanthidium, thus becoming Pseudoanthidium (Mesanthidiellum) and Pseudoanthidium (Gnathanthidium).