Taxonomic revision of the South American subgenus Augochloropsis (Glyptobasia) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Halictinae)

Zootaxa. 2024 Oct 1;5514(5):431-450. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.5514.5.2.

Abstract

Augochloropsis (Glyptobasia) Moure, a small Neotropical subgenus, is revised, with the description of a new species, Augochloropsis aenea sp. nov., from Puno, southern Peru. Augochloropsis (Glyptobasia) comprised the two nominal species, A. bertonii (Schrottky) with a bluish-violet body coloration and A. chloera (Moure) with a bright green body coloration, both species have coarse integumental punctures and an unusual propodeal structure. We interpret these striking color differences, as a case of color polymorphism within a single species. Therefore, Moure's taxon is placed as a junior synonym of A. bertonii. An identification key for the species and a distribution map are also provided.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Distribution*
  • Animal Structures / anatomy & histology
  • Animal Structures / growth & development
  • Animals
  • Bees / anatomy & histology
  • Bees / classification
  • Body Size*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Organ Size
  • Peru
  • South America