Favízia Freitas de Oliveira

A new Chlerogelloides from northeastern Brazil and French Guiana, with a key to the species (Hymenoptera, Halictidae)

Abstract A third species of the rare augochlorine bee genus Chlerogelloides Engel et al. (Halictinae, Augochlorini) is described and figured. Chlerogelloides nexosa sp. n. is most similar to the type species, Chlerogelloides femoralis Engel et al., in that both have modified midlegs in the males. The former, however, can be distinguished on the basis of its terminalia, which in some respects more closely resembles those of Chlerogelloides simplex Engel and Brooks. Brief comments on the secondary features of males and relationships of the genus are provided. A key to the species of the genus is provided and floral records of Cordia nodosa Lam. (Boraginaceae) and Gonzalagunia dicocca Cham. & Schltdl. (Rubiaceae) are noted.

Utilization of floral resources by bees of the Genus Frieseomelitta von Ihering (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The present study intended to verify which factors (phylogenetic relationship or local ecological conditions) would determine how Frieseomelitta bees use floral resources. The data obtained in the literature on biocenotic studies of Apoidea visiting flowers in Brazil were analyzed, with identification and quantification of floral resources used by Frieseomelitta species in different areas. The phenogram of similarity on use of resources among Frieseomelitta species was compared to the phylogenetic hypothesis proposed for the group. Among the eight Frieseomelitta species registered in 19 studies, F. doederleini (Friese), F. francoi (Moure), F. languida Moure, F. varia (Lepeletier) e Frieseomelitta sp. nov., were collected using resources from 36 plant families. F. doederleini, F. languida e F. varia centralized their activity in Caesalpiniaceae, Malpighiaceae e Anacardiaceae. The similarities and disparities found among areas and Frieseomelitta species reflected the similarities and differences of the vegetation composition in each area. Frieseomelitta bees presented a forage pattern similar to that one presented by other highly social bees, visiting flowers of many plant species, but concentrating their activities in few plant species. Despite the low phylogenetic relationship between F. languida and F. doederleini, they showed a high similarity on the use of floral resource, while F. varia e F. languida, species with high phylogenetic relationship, showed low similarity in the use of resource. Although the data obtained are not conclusive, it indicates that phylogenetic restrictions do not influence the pattern of use of floral resource by Frieseomelitta bees.

An integrative approach identifies a new species of bumblebee (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombini) from northeastern Brazil

Here, we describe a new species of genus Bombus Latreille, 1802 from northeastern Brazil, Bombus (Thoracobombus) applanatus Oliveira, Françoso & Arias, sp. nov. Molecular analysis was initially performed to confirm the new species placement within the genus Bombus. Afterward, we performed an integrative approach combining molecular data (DNA barcoding and two nuclear regions) and morphology to confirm its taxonomic status. The genetic and morphological data were very consistent and congruent supporting this group as a new species. B. (Thoracobombus) applanatus Oliveira, Françoso & Arias, sp. nov. has the body totally covered by black pilosity and can be distinguished from closer and/or sympatric species by clypeus shape, which has a distinct flattened dorsal platform, by length of malar area and the length and shape of the hairs, shorter and aligned as if it was trimmed. In addition, brief taxonomic notes on Bombus (Thoracobombus) brevivillus Franklin (1913) and Bombus (Thoracobombus) morio Swederus (1787), the sympatric species, are provided. A key for identification of Brazilian Bombus species, including the new species, was elaborated.

Male sleeping aggregation of multiple Eucerini bee genera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract Males of some groups of bees have to find a place outside the nests to sleep, sometimes forming “male sleeping aggregations”. Here we report the first record of “dense” male sleeping aggregation of two different genera of Eucerini bees observed in Bahia, Brazil. We discuss the possible aim of this kind of aggregation as well the plant utilized on aggregate.

The identity of the Neotropical stingless bee Frieseomelitta meadewaldoi (Cockerell, 1915) (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

Abstract A new study of a surviving syntype of Trigona meadewaldoi Cockerell, 1915, was undertaken and several widely employed names for Neotropical stingless bees recognized as junior synonyms. A lectotype is designated for Trigona meadewaldoi and the following new synonymies established: Tetragona francoi Moure, 1946, and Trigona (Frieseomelitta) freiremaiai Moure, 1963. These nomenclatural matters are here settled and the species thoroughly characterized in advance of a forthcoming phylogenetic consideration of the genus Frieseomelitta von Ihering, 1912.

The real taxonomic identity of Trigona latitarsis Friese, 1900, with notes on type specimens (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

Abstract The taxonomic history of Trigona latitarsis Friese, 1900 and its clarification based on the observation of the types and literature data are treated in this study. The paper discusses the validity of the previously proposed lectotype, deposited in the ZMB (Berlin, Germany). Based on the type series deposited in HNHM (Budapest, Hungary) as well as the original description, a new lectotype and 15 paralectotypes from Amazon forest (São Paulo de Olivença, Amazonas) are designated. Data on the geographic distribution of Scaura latitarsis (Friese, 1900) are provided.

A new species of Centris ( Centris) (Fabricius) from northeastern Brazil, with taxonomic notes on C. ( C.) pulchra Moure, Oliveira & Viana (Hymenoptera, Apidae).

Abstract We describe a new species of the bee genus Centris, Centris (Centris) byrsonimae Mahlmann & Oliveira sp. n., whose name has appeared as a nomen nudum in the literature since 1985. Further, a new species group of Centris s.str. is proposed, the pulchra group, based on morphological characters, which comprises the species Centris pulchra Moure, Oliveira & Viana, 2003 and Centris byrsonimae sp. n..Based on information from specimen labels studied and data from the literature, a list of plant species visited by the pulchra group is presented. The male genitalia and hidden metasomal sterna 7 and 8 of Centris pulchra are described for the first time. Typographic errors pertaining to the paratype labels reported in the original description of Centris pulchra are corrected. One female paratype of Centris pulchra is designated herein as a paratype of Centris byrsonimae sp. n. An updated list of species of Centris s.str. from northeastern Brazil is provided including references about geographic distributions as well as an identification key to the pulchra species group.

A new species of Chilicola from Bahia, Brazil (Hymenoptera, Colletidae), with a key to the species of the megalostigma group

Abstract The bee genus Chilicola Spinola (Xeromelissinae) is recorded from the State of Bahia, Brazil for the first time, based on a new species of the megalostigma group of the subgenus Hylaeosoma Ashmead. Chilicola (Hylaeosoma) kevani sp. n. is described and figured from males collected in Wesceslau Guimarães, Bahia. The species can be distinguished on the basis of coloration, size, integumental sculpturing, and structure of the hidden metasomal sterna and genitalia. A revised key to the species of the megalostigma group is provided.