Taxonomic note on the type species of <i>Centris</i> (<i>Melanocentris</i>) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract

Abstract. Centris (Melanocentris) Friese is one of many subgenera that have been proposed throughout the taxonomic history of the bee genus Centris Fabricius. The lack of critical study of the type specimens of its type species, Centris atra Friese, resulted in the synonymy of Melanocentris with the subgenus Ptilotopus Klug. Subsequently, Melacentris Moure was described as a new subgenus to group the large number of species identified as Melanocentris before the synonymy was proposed. The study of the syntypes of C. atra and the designation of a lectotype (herein) leads to the revalidation of Melanocentris as a subgenus distinct from Ptilotopus, and necessitates the new synonymy of Melacentris with Melanocentris.