[Entomology • 2024] Integrative Taxonomy of A New Species of A Bumble Bee-mimicking Brood parasitic Bee, Tetralonioidella mimetica (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apidae), investigated through phylogenomics

 Tetralonioidella mimetica Orr & Zhu,

in Orr, Chesters, Williams, Wood, Zhou, Bossert, Sless, Warrit, Rasmont, Ghisbain, Boustani, Luo, Feng, Niu et Zhu, 2024.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/jhr.97.129470

Abstract

A new species of bumble bee-mimicking brood parasitic bee, Tetralonioidella mimetica Orr & Zhu, sp. nov., is described from China. The systematic placement of this species was initially challenging but was resolved using a combination of phylogenomic and COI barcode analyses, which strongly support the new species as a member of the genus Tetralonioidella Strand. Interestingly, the new species mimics the color pattern of both a bumble bee (Bombus Latreille), and its host Habropoda Smith species, a mimicry format previously unknown for bees. A review of the other Tetralonioidella species revealed three additional bee mimics, including two further likely model-host-brood parasite mimicry complexes. To our knowledge, these represent the first documented three-tiered mimetic systems in bees. Several additional taxonomic actions recently became necessary in these and related taxa: Tetralonioidella meghalayensis Dohling & Dey, 2024 is synonymized syn. nov. with Habropoda radoszkowskii (Dalla Torre, 1896) and Varthemapistra Engel, stat. rev. is again synonymized with Habrophorula Lieftinck. Our results also highlight issues with the generic classification of the tribe Melectini as currently used, as Melecta Latreille was found paraphyletic in relation to the remaining melectine genera. As a first step toward resolving this issue, we return the Melecta subgenus Eupavlovskia Popov, stat. rev. to genus level and discuss the ongoing systematic uncertainties regarding melectine taxonomy.

Keywords: Anthophila, brood parasite, Melectini, mimicry, Nomadinae, taxonomy

Male external morphology of Tetralonioidella mimetica sp. nov. Imaged from the holotype (IOZ(E)2148141)
A face B dorsal C habitus D labels excluding identification label.

Lines represent mm. Images by Pierre Rasmont.

Female external morphology of Tetralonioidella mimetica sp. nov. Imaged from IOZ(E)2148071
A face B dorsal C habitus D labels excluding ID label.

Lines represent mm. Images by Pierre Rasmont.

 Tetralonioidella mimetica Orr & Zhu, sp. nov.

Hypothesized examples of three-tiered mimicry systems in bees. Given are the model (top), likely host (middle), and brood parasite (bottom).
System 1: likely model A Bombus lepidus worker (IOZ(E)1429818); likely host B Habropoda xizangensis male (IOZ(E)2051720); and brood parasite C Tetralonioidella himalayana male (IOZ(E)2148111).
System 2: likely model D Bombus friseanus worker (IOZ(E)1429817); likely host E Habropoda mimetica female (IOZ(E)2148091); and brood parasites F Tetralonioidella tricolor male (IOZ(E)2148051) G Tetralonioidella mimetica female (IOZ(E)2148071). Note that multiple species may act as models or hosts.

 Michael C. Orr, Douglas Chesters, Paul H. Williams, Thomas J. Wood, Qingsong Zhou, Silas Bossert, Trevor Sless, Natapot Warrit, Pierre Rasmont, Guillaume Ghisbain, Mira Boustani, A’rong Luo, Yuan Feng, Ze-Qing Niu and Chao-Dong Zhu. 2024. Integrative Taxonomy of A New Species of A Bumble Bee-mimicking Brood parasitic Bee, Tetralonioidella mimetica (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Apidae), investigated through phylogenomics. Journal of Hymenoptera Research. 97: 755-780. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/jhr.97.129470

[Botany • 2022] Cryptanthus euglossini (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) • A New Species from Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Northeast Brazil

 

Cryptanthus euglossini  E.D.S. Almeida & Leme,

in Almeida, Filho & Leme, 2022. 

 DOI: 2175-7860202273073  

  Researchgate.net/publication/365138839 

Abstract

A new species of Cryptanthus, known exclusively from Chapada Diamantina, in the municipalities of Miguel Calmon and Jacobina, state of Bahia, Northeast Brazil, is described and illustrated. Cryptanthus euglossinii is characterized by having leaves that are reddish in the marginal region, white-scaly near the base and glabrous adaxially towards the apex, with the abaxial surface covered by trichomes that obscure the color of the leaf. Comparisons are made with two similar species, C. reisii and C. bibarrensis, that are considered closely related. Euglossinii bees were observed visiting the flowers of C. euglossinii and collecting floral essences on petals, a relationship that is the basis of the epithet of the new species. Cryptanthus euglossinii is considered Endangered (EN) based on an extent of occurrence of 860 km2, an area of occupancy of 1,000 km2, and criteria established by the IUCN.

Keywords: Cryptanthoid complex; morphology; Seasonal Semideciduous Forest; taxonomy

a-h. Illustration of Cryptanthus euglossini 
 a. habit; b. leaf; c. longitudinal section of hermaphrodite flower; d. flower in lateral view; e. anther and stigma conduplicate-patent; f. calyx; g. fruit; h. seed.

a-e. General aspects of Cryptanthus euglossini
 a. habit; b. male flowers; c. hermaphrodite flower in the foreground and male flower in the background; d. Euglossa melanotricha (Euglossini, Apidae) visiting a flower of C. euglossinii; e. individuals of C. euglossinii blooming.

 

Cryptanthus euglossinii E.D.S. Almeida & Leme, sp. nov.

The epithet euglossinii refers to the observed phenomenon of male euglossine bees (Euglossini) visiting the flowers of the new species and collecting floral essences on petals, a relationship the remains poorly known for the family Bromeliaceae (Siqueira Filho & Machado 2008).

Erick Douglas Souza Almeida, José Alves Siqueira Filho and Elton Martinez Carvalho Leme. 2022. Cryptanthus euglossinii (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae), A New Species from Chapada Diamantina, Bahia. Rodriguésia. 73. DOI: 2175-7860202273073 

   Researchgate.net/publication/365138839_Cryptanthus_euglossinii_a_new_species_from_Chapada_Diamantina_Bahia

Resumo: Uma nova espécie de Cryptanthus, conhecida exclusivamente da Chapada Diamantina, nos municípios de Miguel Calmon e Jacobina, estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil, é descrita e ilustrada. Cryptanthus euglossinii é caracterizado por apresentar folhas avermelhadas na região marginal, branco-escamosas próximo à base e glabras adaxialmente ao ápice, com a face abaxial coberta por tricomas que obscurecem a cor da folha. Comparações são feitas com duas espécies semelhantes, C. reisii e C. bibarrensis, que são consideradas intimamente relacionadas. Abelhas Euglossinii foram observadas visitando as flores de C. euglossinii e coletando essências florais nas pétalas, relação que está na base do epíteto da nova espécie. Cryptanthus euglossinii é considerado em perigo de extinção (EN) com base em uma extensão de ocorrência de 860 km2, uma área de ocupação de 1.000 km2, e critérios estabelecidos pela IUCN.

Palavras-chave: complexo Cryptanthoid; morfologia; Floresta Estacional Semidecidual; taxonomia

[Entomology • 2023] Nomada adustaspinae, N. atra & N. biaulacis • A Key to Species of Nomada ruficornis Species-group (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of South Korea, with Descriptions of Three New Species

Nomada adustaspinae
Nomada atra 

Lim & Lee, 2023

  

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5228.1.2

 twitter.com/KayunL

Abstract

In this study, three new species (Nomada adustaspinae, sp. n., Nomada atra, sp. n., Nomada biaulacis, sp. n.) and two species new to South Korea (Nomada aswensis Tsuneki, 1973, Nomada fusca Schwarz, 1986) are reported. The adult external morphology and male genitalia are illustrated with a key to 29 species of Nomada ruficornis species-group in South Korea. Additionally, the flower associations for each species are also provided.

 

Keywords: Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Cleptoparasitism, Nomadinae, Nomadini, taxonomy

Nomada adustaspinae, sp. n.

 Nomada atra, sp. n.

Nomada biaulacis, sp. n.

 

Kayun Lim and Seunghwan Lee. 2023. A Key to Species of Nomada ruficornis Species-group (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of South Korea, with Descriptions of Three New Species. Zootaxa. 5228(1); 44-60. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5228.1.2

 twitter.com/KayunL/status/1612981383504490497

[Entomology • 2018] Varthemapistra edentata • A New Genus of Anthophorine Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from Brunei

Varthemapistra edentata 

Engel, 2018

 DOI: 10.17161/jom.v0i78.7488

Abstract
A new genus of anthophorine bees (Apinae: Anthophorini) is described and figured from a remarkable female collected in eastern Brunei (northern Borneo). Varthemapistra edentata Engel, new genus and species, is most similar to species of Habrophorula Lieftinck, which occur in southeastern China, and Elaphropoda Lieftinck, found broadly across Southeast Asia.  Habrophorula and the new genus both have the third submarginal cell broad anteriorly and posteriorly.  Unique among anthophorines, V. edentata has a simple female mandible, while other Anthophorini have bidentate or tridentate mandibles.  The genus is described and figured, and a revised key to the genera of Anthophorini provided.

Keywords: Anthophila; Apoidea; Apidae; Apinae; Anthophorini

Figures 1–2. Holotype female of Varthemapistra edentata, new genus and species, from Brunei.
1. Lateral habitus. 2. Dorsal habitus.

Figures 3–6. Holotype female of Varthemapistra edentata, new genus and species, from Brunei.
3. Facial view. 4. Mandible. 5. Metabasitibial plate. 6. Profle of head.

Tribe Anthophorini Dahlbom

 

Varthemapistra Engel, new genus

Diagnosis: The new genus can be distinguished in the female from other anthophorines by the simple mandible, lacking any preapical teeth (Fig. 4) (note that this is not the result of mandibular wear: vide etiam Discussion, infra).  In addition the combination of a weakly protuberant clypeus, linear malar space, metatibia with setae on outer surface distinctly fuscous medially, and forewing with the anterior border of the third submarginal cell only slightly shorter than the posterior border further serve to char-acterize the genus among other Anthophorini, in the female sex.

Etymology: The new generic name is a combination of Varthema; after Ludovico di Varthema (1470–1517), the Italian explorer who, among other things, was apparently the earliest to record accounts of Brunei based on his possible visit to the then Empire in 1505 (Temple, 1928: it should be noted, however, that while his account accords with a visit to Brunei, he may have landed elsewhere on Borneo and learned trade details from other ports on the island, e.g., Vienne, 2015); and the Latin apis (meaning, “bee”), and –istra, the diminutive suffix referencing “wild resemblance”.  The gender of the name is feminine.

Varthemapistra edentata Engel, new species

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the absence of preapical teeth on the fe-male mandible.


Michael S. Engel. 2018. A New Genus of Anthophorine Bees from Brunei (Hymenoptera: Apidae).  Journal of Melittology. 78; 1–13. DOI: 10.17161/jom.v0i78.7488

Researchgate.net/publication/325095344_A_new_genus_of_anthophorine_bees_from_Brunei 

[Entomology • 2020] Four New Species of Isepeolini (Hymenoptera; Apidae) from northern Chile

Isepeolus mankalunthata

Packer & Graham, 2020

 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-020-00052-8

Abstract

Background: 

Cleptoparasitic bees are less commonly collected than their hosts and often more difficult to identify and additional descriptions and treatment of diagnostic characteristics are needed.

Results: 

Four new species of Isepeolini are described from northern Chile: Isepeolus mankalunthata Packer & Graham, new species; Melectoides licancabur Packer & Graham, new species, M. desiccata Packer & Graham new species and M. glaucodontus Packer & Graham new species. Putative host information is provided where possible, comments on the habitats of these bees are made and additional records of the tribe from Chile are listed.

Conclusion: 

Using traps left out for weeks to months in areas where bees are sparse is proving a useful technique to catch rare and undescribed species.

Keywords: Cleptoparasite, Colletes, Phylogeny, Host associations, Identification

Isepeolus mankalunthata Packer & Graham, new species,
male holotype - oblique dorso-lateral habitus. 

Isepeolus mankalunthata Packer & Graham sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Aymara words for thief – manka, and food – lunthata, in reference to the cleptoparasitic nature of the bee.

Melectoides desiccata Packer & Graham, sp. nov.

Etymology: The type locality is in the driest desert in the world. Although the rainfall at this locality occurs regularly enough for some perennials to grow, annual amounts are very low and the vegetation extremely sparse (Fig. 9). Hence, the specific epithet refers to this degree of aridity.

Melectoides licancabur Packer & Graham, sp. nov.

Etymology: The species is named after Volcan Licancabur as the type locality is just beyond the northern slopes of the volcano which exceeds 5900 m in altitude. Licancabur means “mountain of the people” in the Atacameñan language.

Melectoides glaucodontus Packer & Graham, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the greyish colour of the rutellum of the mandible.

Laurence Packer and Liam Graham. 2020. Four New Species of Isepeolini (Hymenoptera; Apidae) from northern Chile. BMC Zoology. 5: 3.  DOI: 10.1186/s40850-020-00052-8

[Botany • 2019] Impatiens jenjittikuliae (Balsaminaceae) • A New Species from Northern Thailand

Impatiens jenjittikuliae Ruchis. & Suksathan

in Ruchisansakun & Suksathan, 2019.

เทียนทยา ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.124.33607
 facebook.com/SarojRuchisansakun

Abstract

Impatiens jenjittikuliae Ruchis. & Suksathan, a new species from a limestone area in Thasongyang District, Tak Province, Northern Thailand, is described and illustrated. This endemic new species is distinguished from the most similar, I. lacei Hook.f. through having pilose lateral sepals vs glabrous, and by the absence of long hairs along the lamina margin. Its pollen and seed morphology, stem anatomy, and pollination ecology are also observed. Furthermore, its conservation status as Critically Endangered is also assessed.

Keywords: Uniflorae, lithophytic, endemic, critically endangered



    

Figure 1. Impatiens jenjittikuliae. A Habit B Flower, front view C Inflorescence with flower in lateral view D Lateral sepals E Lower sepal F Dorsal petal G Lateral united petals. Drawn by Saroj Ruchisansakun.

 Figure 2. Impatiens jenjittikuliae A flower, front view B flower, lateral view C habit in situ. Photographs by Saroj Ruchisansakun.

Impatiens jenjittikuliae Ruchis. & Suksathan, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Impatiens jenjittikuliae is most similar to I. lacei Hook.f. It differs from I. lacei by its densely pilose lateral sepal (versus glabrous) and by having no long hairs along its lamina margin (versus distinct long hairs especially along the lower-half of leaf margin).

... 

Distribution: The new species is only known from the type locality in Tak Province, Thailand.

Ecology: Impatiens jenjittikuliae grows on limestone close to waterfall in a mixed deciduous forest, 520–600 m elevation (pers. obs.).

Etymology: The new species is named in honor of Dr. Thaya Jenjittikul who encouraged the first author to step in and study this lovely plant family.

Pollination ecology: The author observed five visitations by bees from the family Apidae (identified by an entomologist, Pornpimon Tangtorwongsakul) during the expeditions. The size of bee body fit well with the floral entrance (Fig. 6). Moreover, the floral structure of this new species is similar to other bee-pollinated species, e.g. I. psittacina (Ruchisansakun et al. 2016). Hence, we concluded that it is a bee-pollinated species.

Figure 6. Floral visitation by bee in the locality of Impatiens jenjittikuliae.

     

Discussion: 

Impatiens jenjittikuliae is similar to I. lacei and the other species closely related to I. pulchra Hook.f (= I. mengtszeana Hook.f. in Ruchisansakun et al. 2015) in its raceme inflorescence, shape of flower, and short fusiform capsule. The short fusiform capsule and the 4-colpate pollen grains of the new species support its placement in the subgenus Impatiens (Yu et al. 2015). In addition, I. jenjittikuliae has seeds coated with inflated cells with granulate walls similar to those described in species, such as I. napoensis Y. L. Chen, within the sect. Uniflorae (Janssens et al. 2012; Yu et al. 2015).

The cross sections of the stem of I. jenjittikuliae have shown that the new species is herbaceous, similar to the morphologically similar species in the sect. Uniflorae, I. pulchra, which also show in Lens et al. (2012) as I. mengtszeana Hook.f. (Lens et al. 2012; Ruchisansakun et al. 2015; Yu et al. 2015).

 Saroj Ruchisansakun and Piyakaset Suksathan. 2019. Impatiens jenjittikuliae (Balsaminaceae), A New Species from Thailand.  PhytoKeys. 124: 139-147. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.124.33607

facebook.com/SarojRuchisansakun/posts/10156359103382897
BaanLaeSuan.com/157005/plant-scoop/impatiens

     

[Entomology • 2018] Revision of the Bee Group Anthophora (Micranthophora) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), with Notes on Potential Conservation Concerns and A Molecular Phylogeny of the Genus

Anthophora hololeuca Cockerell, 1923

in Orr, Pitts & Griswold, 2018. 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4511.1.1 

Abstract

Anthophora (Micranthophora) comprises the largest subgenus of Anthophora in the Western Hemisphere, with 26 species. Though previously synonymized with the Anthophora (Heliophila), Anthophora (Micranthophora) is here confirmed as a subgenus, morphological and multi-gene molecular phylogenetic evidence refute this and the synonymy of A. (Micranthophora) to A. (Heliophila) is formally rejected. Characters for (Micranthophora) are given and a key to species is provided. Seven new species are described: Anthophora (Micranthophora) caudata Orr, sp. nov.; Anthophora (Micranthophora) chihuahua Orr, sp. nov.; Anthophora (Micranthophora) escalante Orr, sp. nov.; Anthophora (Micranthophora) parkeri Orr, sp. nov.; Anthophora (Micranthophora) rara Orr, sp. nov.; Anthophora (Micranthophora) striata Orr, sp. nov.; and Anthophora (Micranthophora) timberlakei Orr, sp. nov. Further, four new synonyms are enacted: A. arthuri and A. flexipes to A. albata, A. nigritula to A. exigua, and A. xanthochlora to A. pachyodonta. Distributional and phenological data, as well as known details of nesting biology and floral specialization, are provided. Future research directions and species of potential conservation interest are also discussed. 

Keywords: Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Anthophorini, Heliophila, systematics, taxonomy, new species

Michael C. Orr, James P. Pitts and Terry Griswold. 2018. Revision of the Bee Group Anthophora (Micranthophora) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), with Notes on Potential Conservation Concerns and A Molecular Phylogeny of the Genus. Zootaxa. 4511(1); 1–193. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4511.1.1

[Entomology • 2018] Lepidotrigona satun • A New Species of Lepidotrigona (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from Thailand with the Description of Males of L. flavibasis and L. doipaensis and Comments on Asymmetrical Genitalia in Bees

Lepidotrigona satun Attasopa & Bänziger, 2018

in Attasopa, Bänziger, Disayathanoowat & Packer, 2018.

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4442.1.3

Abstract

We describe Lepidotrigona satun Attasopa and Bänziger new species from southern Thailand based upon associated males and females (workers). The new species is a member of the L. ventralis species group, which is otherwise represented in Thailand only by L. flavibasis and L. doipaensis. We also describe the males of the latter two species, associated with nests from close to their type localities in northern Thailand. Lepidotrigona doipaensis Schwarz and L. flavibasis (Cockerell) had previously often been misidentified as L. ventralis (Smith), a species confirmed only from Borneo. Based upon differences in male morphology, especially of the metasomal sterna, we conclude that the male described from Vietnam by Sakagami (1975) as belonging to L. flavibasis represents an undescribed species. Our findings support previous taxonomic studies that highlight the importance of including males in the differentiation of closely related species of meliponines and their association with workers. The three species whose males we describe have asymmetric penis valves with the asymmetry differentially developed among the three. We compare this genitalic asymmetry with that known from a different apid genus, Tarsalia.

Keywords: Hymenoptera, Asymmetry, Lepidotrigona satun n. sp., L. ventralis, stingless bees, taxonomy, Trigona

FIGURE 4. Lepidotrigona satun n. sp., dorsal habitus. (A) male holotype and (B) worker paratype.

Lepidotrigona satun Attasopa and Bänziger n. sp. 

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the province in Thailand where the species was collected; it is a noun in apposition.

 Diagnosis. Lepidotrigona satun is a member of the “ventralis” species group based primarily on size: body and forewing length each less than 5 mm. It is the only species in the group known from the lower peninsula of Thailand. Males can be differentiated from those of the other two species of the “ventralis” group confirmed as occurring in Thailand (L. flavibasis and L. doipaensis) based upon external morphology as follows: margin of mesoscutum of L. satun with plumose, scale-like, yellow hairs (Fig. 4: A) (no such hairs in the other two species). S4 of L. satun is angularly emarginate apicomedially (Fig. 2: A1) (convex medially and bisinuate laterally in L. flavibasis, slightly concave in L. doipaensis). The apicosubmedial lobes of S5 in L. satun are apically rounded each with 4–7 thick, long setae (Fig. 2: A2) (the lobes are pointed in the other two species and bear only 1–2 setae which are very short in L. flavibasis (Fig. 2: B2) or with one very long and, if present, a second much shorter in L. doipaensis (Fig. 2: C2)). S5 gradulus does not touch the antecosta in L. satun (Fig. 2: A2) whereas it does touch it in the other two species, briefly in L. flavibasis (Fig. 2: B2) and extensively in L. doipaensis (Fig. 2: C2).

....

FIGURE 5. Lepidotrigona satun n. sp., lateral habitus. (A) male holotype and (B) worker paratype. 

 FIGURE 6. Lepidotrigona satun n. sp., head, frontal view. (A) male holotype and (B) worker paratype.

....

Final Comments on the Lepidotrigona ventralis species group. 

Our data clearly demonstrate that what has been considered by some to be a single (Ascher & Pickering 2017), albeit perhaps variable (Sakagami 1975), species termed L. ventralis, is a complex of species (as recognized by Rasmussen 2008) whose members are readily differentiable using pubescence coloration characteristics, morphological measurements and, where males are available, details of male metasomal sterna and genitalia. The male external metasomal sterna and the genital capsules of L. satun n. sp. provide excellent characters for species delimitation, and also permit the differentiation of other species in the L. ventralis group: L. flavibasis and L. doipaensis and the undescribed species thought to belong to the former by Sakagami (1975). We encourage others to make the, often considerable, effort required to find males of Meliponini from nests, as our data suggest they may often have more diagnostic species level characters than do the workers, as has been noted by others (Schwarz 1939; Sakagami 1975, 1978; Sakagami & Inoue 1978; Camargo & Moure 1994; Camargo et al. 2000; Gonzalez & Griswold 2011, 2012; Dollin et al. 2015; Halcroft et al. 2016; Engel et al. 2017b). However, we would argue against nest destruction in order to find them: all the males we describe here were collected as they left the nest entrance associated with conspecific nestmate workers. Lepidotrigona ventralis differs from the new species not only by morphology of the holotype as indicated in the original description by Smith (1857), Schwarz’s (1939) identification key (as L. ventralis s.s.), and the holotype examined by Rasmussen (2016, pers. comm. with H.B.), but also our examined museum specimens from the type locality and nearby areas, in which all the hairs on the dorsal surface of the metatibia are white. 

There are biogeographic differences between the new species and the others in the L. ventralis species group in Thailand. The new species’ nests were discovered from a low altitude area, 100 m a.s.l. in Satun province, which is around 480 km away from the Isthmus of Kra to the South. Kra is a biogeographically important region; it is an ecotone between the evergreen forests south of it and the forests with a marked dry season north of it (van Steenis 1950; Woodruff 2003). In contrast, L. doipaensis and L. flavibasis, for which type material and our own specimens agree, come from higher altitudes, of at least 500–1100 and 925–1700 m a.s.l. respectively in northern Thailand, some 1,300 km north of Satun. Moreover, L. ventralis itself is known only from the island of Borneo which is at least 1,200 km across the South China Sea from the type locality of the new species. Although L. ventralis s.s. has been recorded from several other countries, including Thailand (as listed in Rasmussen 2008), Schwarz (1939) never verified this species from anywhere except the type locality. All supposed L. ventralis s.s. H.B. has seen from Thailand were misidentified.

Korrawat Attasopa, Hans Bänziger, Terd Disayathanoowat and Laurence Packer. 2018. A New Species of Lepidotrigona (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from Thailand with the Description of Males of L. flavibasis and L. doipaensis and Comments on Asymmetrical Genitalia in Bees. Zootaxa. 4442(1); 63–82. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4442.1.3

Researchgate.net/publication/326096090_A_new_species_of_Lepidotrigona_from_Thailand

[Pollination / Plant-Insect Interactions • 2013] Carpenter Bees and the Orchid of a Princess: Natural Pollination of Sirindhornia monophylla in Thailand

Abstract 

Research on the pollination of Sirindhornia monophylla (Collett & Hemsl.) H. A. Pedersen & Suksathan was carried out in W Thailand, 2010‒2012. The orchid is a nectariferous, non-autogamous and self-compatible terrestrial. During 120 man-hours of flower watching, three species of Ceratina were found to be the main pollinators, viz. C. (Ceratinidia) lieftincki van der Vecht, C. (C.) collusor Cockerell, C. (Pithitis) smaragdula (Fabricius), males and/or females. Braunsapis hewitti (Cameron) was a minor pollinator. Ceratina acquired pollinia on their forehead and in some cases they subsequently deposited massulae on the stigma of other S. monophylla flowers. Three further species, viz. Ceratina (Ceratinidia) accusator Cockerell, C. (C.) chiangmaiensis W., M. & L. and C. (C.) bryanti Cockerell, did not acquire pollinia; but in these cases all pollen in the visited flowers had already been removed by previous pollinators. Ceratina belongs to family Apidae, subfamily Xylocopinae, tribe Ceratinini, whereas Braunsapis belongs to tribe Allodapini. Fruit set was nearly 50%. This is the first detailed account on the pollination of a Sirindhornia species, a recently described genus with three species, all included in the Thai redlist. 

Key words: Apidae, Braunsapis, Ceratina, Orchidaceae pollination, Sirindhornia, Xylocopinae

Kanok-orn Srimuang, Hans Bänziger, Henrik Æ. Pedersen and Santi Watthana. 2013. Carpenter Bees and the Orchid of a Princess: Natural Pollination of Sirindhornia monophylla in Thailand. Taiwania. 58(3): 163‒170. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.6165/tai.2013.58.163  

http://tai2.ntu.edu.tw/taiwania/pdf/tai.2013.58.3.163.pdf