A new species of Eufriesea Cockerell (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossina) from northeastern Brazil

Abstract

A new species of Eufriesea Cockerell (Hymenoptera, Apidae) from northeastern Brazil. Eufriesea pyrrhopyga sp. nov. a short-tongued Eufriesea is described as a new species. It can be easily recognized for its predominantly violet lower frons and thorax, violet tergum 1 contrasting with the strong reddish coloration on the lateral portions of terga 2 to 4 and on entire terga 5 and 6, and head pubescence with contrasting colors, white on the lower two-thirds of the face and black on upper frons and vertex. This new species, collected in Recife (Pernambuco, Brazil), apparently is restricted to the Pernambuco endemic center, and seems to be highly endangered.<br>Uma nova espécie de Eufriesea Cockerell (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Euglossina) do nordeste brasileiro. Eufriesea pyrrhopyga sp. nov., uma Eufriesea de língua curta, é descrita como espécie nova. Esta espécie pode ser facilmente reconhecida pela cor predominantemente violeta na região inferior da fronte e no tórax; primeiro tergo violeta, contrastando com a coloração avermelhada intensa nas porções laterais dos tergos 2 à 4 e nos tergos 5 e 6; e pela pilosidade da cabeça com cores contrastantes, com pêlos claros nos dois terços inferiores da face e escuros na região superior da fronte e no vértice. Esta nova espécie, coletada em Recife, (Pernambuco, Brasil) está aparentemente restrita ao Centro de Endemismo Pernambuco, e parece correr um sério risco de extinção

Eufriesea zhangi sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossina), a new orchid bee from Brazil revealed by molecular and morphological characters

“…The observed genetic distance between E. nigrohirta and the new species was 1.5%, the same interespecific distance observed between E. nigrohirta and E. auriceps (Table 1). Besides, we present also COI gene distances for other lineages of E. auriceps and E. nordestina that were suggested to be also distinct species (Faria & Melo 2011), which depicts a large diversity in the E. auriceps complex of species, from which the new species is derived (Table 1).…”

“…Although outstandingly conspicuous orchid-bee species have recently been described from time to time (e.g. Moure 1996, Nemésio 2006, Faria & Melo 2011, Oliveira 2011, the recent boom in orchid-bee alpha-taxonomy is mostly due to the recognition of cryptic or sibling species among long established taxa (e.g. Roubik 2004;Rasmussen & Skov 2006;Hinojosa-Díaz & Engel 2007;Bembé 2007Bembé , 2008Ayala & Engel 2008;Nemésio & Bembé 2008;Nemésio 2008Nemésio , 2010Nemésio , 2011bNemésio , c, d, 2012Eltz et al 2011;Hinojosa-Díaz et al 2011.…”

“…The specimens belonging to a previously unknown species were compared to specimens belonging to the Eufriesea auriceps complex, namely E. auriceps proper and E. nordestina. Since this group is potentially the subject of a forthcoming study, as anticipated by Faria & Melo (2011), we refrain here to introduce any nomenclatural acts such as designation of neotypes and/or synonymization or revalidation of species. We do, however, recognize that E. nordestina is a species distinct from E. auriceps (contra Nemésio 2009), and follow Moure et al (2012) in this regard.…”

“…Since this particular group of Eufriesea may be under study in the near future (cf. Faria & Melo 2011), recognition of this new species may be of importance for our understanding of its actual diversity.…”

Two common species dominate the species-rich Euglossine bee fauna of an Atlantic Rainforest remnant in Pernambuco, Brazil

“…In addition this narrow strip of coastal forest houses endemic species of birds, woody plants, bromeliads, frogs and butterflies Tabarelli, 2000, 2001). Among the endemic insects are the orchid bee species Euglossa perpulchra, Eulaema felipei Nemesio 2010 and Eufriesea pyrrhopyga Faria &Melo 2011 (Moure andSchlindwein, 2002;Nemesio, 2010;Faria and Melo, 2011). Thus, CEP deserves consideration with respect to local orchid bee species richness, species distribution and composition.…”