Abstract
Two new halictine bees (Halictidae: Halictinae) are described and fifrom females preserved in Early Miocene (Burdigalian) amber from the Dominican Republic. Oligochlora semirugosa sp. n. (Augochlorini) is similar to O. micheneri Engel but diff ers in the shape of the pronotal dorsolateral angle, the partially rugulose gena (entirely imbricate in the latter species), and the sculpturing of the face, mesosoma, and metasomal terga. Nesagapostemon moronei gen. n. sp. n. (Caenohalictini) resembles Eickwortapis in the absence of carinae bordering the dorsal horizontal surface of the propodeum while having the vertical posterior surface encircled. Th e genus diff ers from Eickwortapis in the much larger and more robust body size (nearly twice as large), the non-slanting and shorter horizontal surface of the propodeum, sculpturing, and pilosity of the hind legs. A second specimen of O. grimaldii Engel is recorded and a provisional key to halictid bees in Dominican amber is provided.
Highlights
Our knowledge of the Dominican amber bee fauna has expanded significantly in the last 15 years
Amber paleontologists should be diligent in their search of both Mexican and Dominican ambers for bees other than stingless bees
To date 14 specimens of Halictinae have been documented from Dominican amber; this includes the holotypes of the 10 described species, the two paratypes of Eickwortapis dominicana Michener & Poinar, the paratype of Oligochlora marquettorum Engel & Rightmyer, and an additional specimen of O. grimaldii Engel in the University of Kansas collection (Engel 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000; Engel and Rightmyer 2000; )
Summary
Two New Halictine Bees in Miocene Amber from the Dominican Republic (Hymenoptera, Halictidae).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
