Taxonomy of Liphanthus Reed (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) in Peru, with notes on floral associations and new distribution records
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17161/jom.vi150.24786Abstract
A new species of Liphanthus Reed (Andrenidae: Panurginae: Protandrenini), Liphanthus mabelae Romero & Calizaya, new species, is described from mid- to high-elevation localities (2500–4000 m) in southern Peru (Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna). The previously unknown female of Liphanthus cuscoensis Gonzalez, Rasmussen & Engel, 2014 is also described, based on specimens collected 2 km from the type locality in Cusco Province. Although superficially similar, the two species belong to distinct DNA barcode clusters (BINs) and can be readily distinguished by differences in the proportions of male F11; the yellow colouration patterns on the pronotal lobe and metatibia of males; and the degree of yellow pigmentation on the ventral surface of the flagellum in both sexes. Diagnostic images of these characters are provided to facilitate identification of the two Peruvian species. Floral associations are documented for each species. These findings enhance our understanding of Peruvian bee diversity and emphasize the need for continued sampling across the heterogeneous high-Andean landscapes of Peru, including western and eastern slopes, inter-Andean valleys, and puna–páramo ecosystems.
Resumen. Se describe una nueva especie de Liphanthus Reed (Andrenidae: Panurginae: Protandrenini), Liphanthus mabelae Romero & Calizaya, especie nueva, procedente de localidades de elevación media a alta (2500–4000 m) en el sur del Perú (Arequipa, Moquegua y Tacna). También se describe la hembra previamente desconocida de Liphanthus cuscoensis Gonzalez, Rasmussen & Engel, 2014, basada en ejemplares recolectados a 2 km de la localidad tipo en la provincia de Cusco. Aunque ambas especies son superficialmente similares, pertenecen a distintos clústeres de códigos de barras de ADN (BINs) y pueden distinguirse fácilmente por diferencias en las proporciones del F11 del macho; la coloración amarilla en el lóbulo pronotal y la metatibia de los machos; y el grado de pigmentación amarilla en la superficie ventral del flagelo en ambos sexos. Se proporcionan imágenes diagnósticas de estos caracteres para facilitar la identificación de las dos especies peruanas del género. Se documentan asociaciones florales para cada especie. Estos hallazgos amplían nuestro conocimiento sobre la diversidad de abejas en el Perú y enfatizan la necesidad de continuar el muestreo en los paisajes heterogéneos de los Andes peruanos, incluyendo las vertientes occidentales y orientales, los valles interandinos y los ecosistemas de puna y páramo.
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