The giant resin bee, Megachile sculpturalis Smith: new distributional records for the mid- and gulf-south USA

Authors: Parys, Katherine; Tripodi, Amber; Sampson, Blair

Submitted to: Biodiversity Data Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/20/2015
Publication Date: 10/30/2015
Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/4577033
Citation: Parys, K.A., Tripodi, A.D., Sampson, B.J. 2015. The giant resin bee, Megachile sculpturalis Smith: new distributional records for the mid- and gulf-south USA. Biodiversity Data Journal. 3:e6733.

Interpretive Summary: The giant resin bee was introduced and established in the United States during the early 1990s. Previous records about distribution include most states east of the Mississippi River, along with Iowa and Kansas. This manuscript presents additional records confirming a southwestern range expansion covering Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. Giant resin bees are also known to utilize multiple floral hosts, and an updated list of plants is included.

Technical Abstract: Megachile (Callomegachile) sculpturalis Smith, the giant resin bee, is an adventive species in the United States. First established in the United States during the early 1990s, records currently exist from most states east of the Mississippi River along with Iowa and Kansas. New distributional records are presented for Megachile (Callomegachile) sculpturalis Smith, an introduced bee. Additional records presented here expand the known distribution southwest through Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. An updated host plant containing new records is also presented, expanding the number of known floral associations.