Notes on the systematics of the orchid-bee genus Eulaema (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Notes on the systematics of the orchid-bee genus Eulaema (Hymenoptera, Apidae). The classification of the genus Eulaema is modified in order to make it congruent with recent phylogenetic hypotheses based on molecular data. The speciosa group, containing E. peruviana, E. speciosa and related species, is removed from E. (Eulaema) and transferred to E. (Apeulaema). New morphological characters are presented to support the revised scope of the subgenera and their diagnostic features are revised. Six species groups are recognized herein: two in E. (Apeulaema) and four in E. (Eulaema). A list of valid species in each species group and an identification key to males of each of the subgenera and species groups are provided. Finally, an older overlooked designation of a type species for Eulaema is presented in the Appendix.

Are orchid bees useful indicators of the impacts of human disturbance?

“…Preserved orchid bees were identified in Cusco, using a stereo microscope, published keys, checklists and descriptions (Bonilla-Gomez and Nates-Parra, 1992;Dressler, 1978Dressler, , 1979Dressler, , 1982bDressler, , 1982cDressler, , 1982dDressler, , 1984Faria and Melo, 2007;Hinojosa-Díaz and Engel, 2011, 2012, 2014Kimsey, 1979Kimsey, , 1982Melo, 2014;Moure, 1965;Nemésio, 2011Nemésio, , 2009Nemésio and Silveira, 2007b;Niemack et al, 2012;Roubik, 2004;Roubik and Hanson, 2004). For as many species as possible, identification was verified by consulting the collections at the Department of Entomology at the Universidad de San Antonio Abad de Cusco, and at the Museo de Historia Natural, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima.…”

Population Traits and a Female Perspective for Aglae and Exaerete, Tropical Bee Parasites (Hymenoptera, Apinae: Euglossini)

“…Seemingly contrary to the ecological rule that parasites are less abundant compared to their hosts, Linnaeus, 1758, described both the first cleptoparasitic euglossine, from Trinidad, now known as Exaerete dentata (Linnaeus), and also one of its hosts, Eufriesea surinamensis (Linnaeus), under the genus Apis Linnaeus, 1758. Later, the second host genus, Eulaema (Olivier) [1], was described, as an Apis, in 1789 [1][2][3]. Aglae caerulea from the forests of French Guiana was described in 1825 by Lepeletier and Serville, and a known host is a Eulaema [4].…”

“…The large size and striking metallic color of parasitic euglossines continue to draw the attention of collectors, naturalists, and photographers. However, the secluded nests of most Eulaema and Eufriesea [3,5] made their interaction with Aglae and Exaerete difficult to observe, and their taxonomy has been slower to develop [1]. The phylogenetic position of the cleptoparasites is still debatable [6,7].…”

An integrative approach to delimit species in the Eulaema cingulata and Eulaema pseudocingulata pair (Hymenoptera: Apidae) using morphometric and molecular evidence

“…This suggest that this character is homoplastic and, consequently, undermines the decision of recognizing species groups within the subgenus Apeulaema. The recent revision of the subgeneric classification in Eulaema recognized E. pseudocingulata as not closely related to E. polychroma but as a member of the same species group that E. cingulata (Melo, 2014).…”

“…Males of orchid bees collect aromatic substances found in several plant species, especially orchids, and nonfloral resources (Dressler, 1982) to use these substances principally as a signal to attract females and communicate availability for mating (Eltz et al, 2011 (Michener, 2007;Moure et al, 2012). Eulaema contains the largest species of orchid bees, with body size varying from 18 to 30mm in length (Oliveira, 2000;Melo, 2014), and do not exhibit a metallic shine in the head and thorax as many other Euglossini do (Oliveira, 2000).…”