DESCRIPTION OF NEW PARACOLLETINE BEES ASSOCIATED WITH FLOWERS OF EREMOPHILA (HYMENOPTERA COLLETIDAE)

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 1 decade ago

Abstract: Thlrteen species of Paraeolletini oligolectie (or probably oIigolectic) on flowers of Erelllophila (Myoporaceae) arc described as new. They are as follows: eleven species of Lieoproctus sensu stricto (canutus, capito, concavus, eremites, eremitulus, kumarina, longipalpus, lucanus and lucidicinctus, collectively forming a monophyletic assemblage designated the L. capito species-group, and nasutus and two closely related species of Trichocolletes s. str.
(eremophilae and multipectinatus).

All are characterized by elongation of the proboscis, an adaptation to the constricted corolla tube of the forage plants. The l.e/oproetus species, especially members of the capito group, are further charactemed by enlargemcnt of the labial palpi.

Males of L. capito and L. lucanus are unusual in being much larger than the females and 111 having extraordinarily large heads and mandibles.