Integrative approach resolves the taxonomy of Eulaema cingulata (Hymenoptera, Apidae), an important pollinator in the Neotropics

Authors: ANDRADE, TAMIRES DE OLIV - Universidade De Sao Paulo; RAMOS, KELLI DOS - Universidade De Sao Paulo; LÓPEZ-URIBE, MARGARITA - Pennsylvania State University; Branstetter, Michael; BRANDAO, CARLOS ROBERTO - Universidade De Sao Paulo

Submitted to: Journal of Hymenoptera Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/26/2022
Publication Date: 12/20/2022
Citation: Andrade, T.E., Ramos, K.S., López-Uribe, M.M., Branstetter, M.G., Brandao, C.F. 2022. Integrative approach resolves the taxonomy of Eulaema cingulata (Hymenoptera, Apidae), an important pollinator in the Neotropics. Journal of Hymenoptera Research. 94:247-269. https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.94.91001.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.94.91001

Interpretive Summary: Different but the same: Integrative approach resolves the taxonomy of Eulaema cingulata (Apidae, Euglossini), an important pollinator in the Neotropics: The orchid bee species Eulaema cingulata and Eulaema pseudocingulata are important pollinators in the Neotropical region that are commonly encountered across Central and South America. It is unclear, however, whether these species constitute two separate species or a single variable species. To resolve this taxonomic uncertainty, an integrative approach, combining geometric morphometrics, COI DNA barcoding, and phylogenomics was used to assess species boundaries. Results clearly indicate the existence of a single variable species only, leading to the synonymization of Eulaema pseudocingulata under Eulaema cingulata. This work improves knowledge of bee systematics in the Neotropical region and demonstrates the value of integrating multiple methods in taxonomic research.

Technical Abstract: Species delimitation is a rich scientific field that often uses different sources of data to identify independently evolving lineages that might be recognized as species. Here, we use an integrative approach based on morphometrics, COI-barcoding, and phylogenomics using ultraconserved elements (UCEs) to investigate whether the orchid bee species Eulaema cingulata (Fabricius, 1804) and E. pseudocingulata Oliveira, 2006 represent a single variable taxon or two different species. We analyzed 126 specimens across the geographical range of these nominal species to test species hypotheses using the general lineage concept. We found substantial overlap in wing and head morphometrics, and both taxa form one phylogenetic lineage based on COI mitochondrial and UCE data. Our results support the recognition of both forms as members of the same evolutionary unit and E. pseudocingulata is herein recognized as a junior synonym of E. cingulata.