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Submitted to: Journal of Melittology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 6/9/2013 Publication Date: 10/28/2013 Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/58845 Citation: Griswold, T.L. 2013. New bee species of Protosmia subgenus Nanosmia (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) described from the Palaearctic. Journal of Melittology. 20:1-9. Interpretive Summary: The mason and resin bees are very important for pollination in agricultural and natural environments. Their potential value as manageable crop pollinators stems from the habit of nesting in existing above ground cavities exhibited by many species. The tribe is large, with over one thousand species primarily found in temperate regions of North America and Eurasia. There is a great need for taxonomic work to describe numerous new species and clarify the identities of already named species. In the process of rearing bees from nestblocks we discovered a bee new to science. Two other new bees have been discovered from the same group. These three new species are described. Recent discoveries of a fourth species greatly expand its known distribution. Technical Abstract: Among osmiine bees, Protosmia of the subgenus Nanosmia are not well known. Three new species are described and figured for both sexes: P. hamulifera n. sp. from the Arabian Peninsula, P. schwarzi n. sp. from Morocco and Tunisia, and P. trifida n. sp. from Turkey. For the recently described P. montana Müller, an updated diagnosis, and new records that expand the known range to Turkey and Tadjikistan, are provided. |
