ARS | Publication request: Resurrecting the Bee Osmia aglaia Sandhouse from Synonymy (Hymenoptera: Apiformes: Megachilidae)

Submitted to: Journal of Kansas Entomological Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: December 11, 2008
Publication Date: January 13, 2009
Citation: Cane, J.H., Rust, R.W., Bohart, G.W. 2009. Resurrecting the Bee Osmia aglaia Sandhouse from Synonymy (Hymenoptera: Apiformes: Megachilidae). Journal of Kansas Entomological Society 82(1):43-45.

Interpretive Summary: The taxonomic identity of the western cavity-nesting bee Osmia aglaia was confounded with that of another species in the 1950’s. Because the bee is being developed as a manageable pollinator for bramble fruits on the West Coast, its identity required clarification. The species is shown to be distinctive and valid, with a geographic range restricted to California and Oregon.

Technical Abstract: The identity of the western US bee Osmia aglaia Sandhouse is resurrected from synonymy with O. laeta Sandhouse. Distinguishing morphological characters are provided that justify the species status of O. aglaia. The species’ geographic range is restricted to California and Oregon western of the Sierra-Cascade Crest.