Abstract
The South African endemic bee genus Redivivoides Michener, 1981 is revised and redefined. The genus comprises seven species, six of which are described here as new: Redivivoides capensis sp. nov. ♀♂, R. eardleyi sp. nov. ♀, R. kamieskroonensis sp. nov. ♀, R. karooensis sp. nov. ♀♂, R. namaquaensis sp. nov. ♀♂ and R. variabilis sp. nov. ♀♂. A key to species is provided.
Highlights
The bee genus Redivivoides was described by Michener (1981) based on a single species, R. simulans Michener, 1981, collected in the winter rainfall region of western South Africa
In some respects R. simulans is an exception within the genus so a redefinition of Redivivoides is required in the light of the six new species described in this paper
A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Redivivoides and related genera is in preparation to investigate the intra-generic relationships, so for convenience the species are here listed in alphabetical order
Summary
The bee genus Redivivoides was described by Michener (1981) based on a single species, R. simulans Michener, 1981, collected in the winter rainfall region of western South Africa. Michener (1981) suggested that Redivivoides is the sister-group of Rediviva and the close relationship of both genera was later confirmed by phylogenetic studies (Danforth et al 2006; Michez et al 2009). Because Melittidae are the most basal bees (Danforth et al 2006), Redivivoides and Rediviva are a key group for understanding the evolution of oil-collecting in bees (Michez et al 2009) and they might help to understand the origin of the unusual bee diversity in the Greater Cape Floristic Region (Kuhlmann 2009)
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