Perdita bellula Timberlake

Portman, Zachary M., Neff, John L. & Griswold, Terry, 2016, Taxonomic revision of Perdita subgenus Heteroperdita Timberlake (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae), with descriptions of two ant-like males, Zootaxa 4214 (1), pp. 1-97 : 27-37

Perdita bellula Timberlake

Figs. 4 C, 7I, 10D–E, 12D, 15E, 19A–B, 20A–B, 21A–B, 22A, 23B, 24B, 27, 28A, 56B, 58C–D

Perdita (Heteroperdita) bellula Timberlake, 1954: 369 , ♂♀. Holotype ♂ ( CAS type no. 14442), 4 miles north of Palm Springs , Riverside Co., California, USA.

Diagnosis. In the female, the metasoma is white or whitish-tan and dark lateral spots may be present or absent ( Figs. 7 I, 20A). In addition to the metasomal coloration, the female can be distinguished from all similar species by the combination of the pygidial plate spatulate ( Fig. 24 B), the eyes converging ventrally, the propodeum lacking a yellow triangle, and the second medial cell absent ( Fig. 4 C).

In the male, the metasoma is generally a mix of white and amber, and rarely the amber can be darkened to brown. In the typical form ( Figs. 10 E, 19A–B), T1–T3 are mainly white with amber along the apical borders of the terga, then T4–T6 are mainly amber with white restricted to apical the margin of the disc. The terga often have dark brown sublateral spots on T1–T5 ( Fig. 10 D); these spots can either be small and well-defined or large and diffuse, and are generally reduced on the apical terga. The male also can be distinguished by the metasoma light, head nonquadrate, pygidial plate triangular with a narrow rounded apex that approaches truncate ( Fig. 23 B), the eyes converging ventrally, and lack of a yellow triangle on the propodeum. The male can be further recognized by having the head wider than long, coloration of face with bluish tint, and metasoma equal in width or narrower than the mesosoma.

Redescription of female. Length: 3.0 mm. Forewing length: 1.9 mm.

Coloration. Head ( Fig. 22 A) and mesosoma base color black with bluish metallic luster; clypeus ranging from dirty-white to whitish-tan; supraclypeal mark dirty white, large, transverse; paraocular mark white, transverse, not going above level of summit of clypeus; mandible white or tan, tip reddish-brown; labrum dirty white; scape tannish-white; antenna light brown dorsally, tannish-white ventrally; pronotal collar black or dark brown with slight metallic tints with pair of white transverse marks dorso-posteriorly, transverse marks often reduced or even absent; pronotal lobe white or tan, light marks often restricted to margins; legs entirely whitish-tan, except often with faint, nebulous brown marks basally on hind coxa, medially on all femora and medially on hind tibia; distal hind tarsi more or less brown; wing veins ranging from tan to brown; metasoma variable, base color ranging from white to tan ( Figs. 20 A–B), terga generally with two faint baso-lateral and two apico-sublateral small brown spots, spots often reduced or poorly defined, especially on apical segments, terga often slightly darkened along apical margin; T2 fovea dark brown; pygidial plate tan.

Structure and vestiture. Head broader than long ( Fig. 22 A); face, except for clypeus, supraclypeal area, and frons covered by dense recumbent white pubescence; eyes converging ventrally; facial fovea diverging dorsally, narrowly oval, extending from top of antennal socket 2/3 distance to apex of eye, generally more or less obscured by pubescence; mandible simple; labrum quadrate, slightly less than 2X broader than long; disc of clypeus broader than high, convex, apically protruding slightly less than 1 OD from face; lateral extension reaching 1/3 distance to base of mandible; venter of head with abundant inward-facing broadly hooked hairs; mesosoma strongly tessellate, impunctate, slightly shiny; pronotal collar slightly impressed, humeral angle weak; mesepisternum and margins of scutum densely covered by combination of recumbent and erect white pubescence; fore coxa with abundant, broadly hooked hairs; apex of mid tibia with some short, thick, curved setae; forewing with second medial cell absent ( Fig. 4 C); metasoma suboval, wide basally, tapering apically, widest at T3 ( Fig. 20 A); terga tessellate and impunctate; T2 fovea linear, slightly thickened, half length of T2; pygidial plate spatulate, apex broadly and evenly rounded ( Fig. 24 B); hairs of prepygidial fimbria slightly thickened, dense.

Redescription of male. Length: 2.4 mm. Forewing length: 1.7 mm.

Coloration. Head ( Figs. 21 A–B) and mesosoma base color black with metallic bluish or greenish luster; clypeus yellowish-white, rarely tan; supraclypeal mark large, transverse, white, more or less yellowish; paraocular mark white, transverse, reaching level of summit of clypeus; mandible white, tip reddish; labrum white, sometimes with basomedial dark spot; scape tan; antenna light brown dorsally, tan ventrally; pronotal collar dark brown with slight metallic tints with pair of white transverse marks dorso-posteriorly; pronotal lobe white or tan, light marks often restricted to margins; ventral surface of mesepisternum lightened to white next to bases of mid and hind coxae; legs whitish-tan, ranging from entirely whitish-tan to more or less brown basally on all coxae, medially on all femora, and medially on mid tibia; wing veins ranging from tan to brown; metasoma extremely variable, coloration ranging from mostly white ( Fig. 19 A) to mostly amber ( Fig. 19 B), amber marks rarely darkened to brown, typical form ( Figs. 10 E, 19A) with T1–T3 white with amber along borders of terga, T4–6 mainly amber with white restricted to apical margin of disc, T1–T5 rarely with pair of sublateral brown spots ( Fig. 10 D); T2 fovea dark brown; pygidial plate tan or amber.

Structure and vestiture. Head oval, rarely subquadrate, broader than long ( Figs. 21 A–B); face, except for clypeus, and supraclypeal area covered by dense recumbent white pubescence (often more or less worn off); eyes converging ventrally; mandible simple, extending to far side of labrum in repose; labrum quadrate, 2X broader than long; disc of clypeus broader than high, moderately convex, apically protruding slightly less than 1 OD from face; lateral extension reaching 1/2 distance to base of mandible; head with moderately dense pubescence ventrally; mesosoma strongly tessellate, impunctate, slightly shiny; pronotal collar slightly impressed, humeral angle weak; mesepisternum and most of scutum densely covered by combination of recumbent and erect white pubescence; hind tibia with sparse, short, slightly thickened hairs; metasoma generally equal in width to mesosoma or slightly narrower, suboval, wide basally, tapering apically, widest at T3 ( Fig. 19 A); terga tessellate and impunctate; T2 fovea linear, slightly thickened, generally 1/4 length of T2; pygidial plate broadly triangular, apex rounded, approaching truncate ( Fig 23 B); hairs of prepygidial fimbria slightly thickened, sparse.

Terminalia . S8 ( Fig. 56 B) with spiculum short, bifurcate, lateral apodemes not prominent, slightly flexed downwards; apical portion slightly convex, quadrate, sides roughly parallel, slightly diverging before converging at truncate apex; short hairs ventrally; poorly-defined circle of thinned cuticle subapically. Genital capsule as in Figs. 58 C–D. Gonostyli separated dorsally by narrow U-shape; dorsal lobe of gonostylus broadly turned inward at apex; ventral lobe longer than dorsal lobe, extending to level of penis valve with minute hairs on outer edge of apex; volsella much shorter than gonostylus; cuspis with two spicules on apex; digitus shorter than cuspis with single spicule on inner margin of apex; penis valve long, strongly undulating on inner margin, apex strongly turned outward; endophallus weakly sclerotized with two vague parallel arms, extending slightly beyond level of penis valve.

Floral records. Boraginaceae (185 ♂ 170 ♀): Nama sp. 3 ♂ 3 ♀, Tiquilia latior 69 ♂ 66 ♀, T. palmeri 29 ♂ 20 ♀, T. plicata 80 ♂ 73 ♀, T. sp. 4 ♂ 8 ♀, Polygonaceae (2 ♀): Eriogonum inflatum 1 ♀, E. sp. 1 ♀.

Phenology. Active from April to October.

Distribution. Mojave and Sonoran Deserts ( Fig. 28 A), USA (and likely Mexico). Very common, particularly along roadsides.

Type material examined. Holotype data: ♂, CALIFORNIA: Riverside Co.: 4 miles north of Palm Springs , 28 June 1941, P.H. Timberlake, at flowers of Coldenia plicata [= Tiquilia plicata (Torr.) A.T. Richardson ] ( CAS type no. 14442) . Allotype data: ♀, same data as holotype ( CAS) . Paratype data: 2 ♂ 6 ♀, same data as holotype ( UCRC) .

Additional material examined. Total specimens: 608 ♂ 1231 ♀. ARIZONA: Maricopa Co.: Arlington, 10 km S; Gillespie Dam (33.2268 -112.7717) : 2 ♂ 4 ♀, 14–21 Aug 2010, M.E. Irwin; Gila River , 10 km S Arlington (33.22147 -112.75888) : 1 ♂, 7–13 Jun 2010, F.D. Parker, M.E. Irwin; 1 ♀, 15–31 Jul 2010, M.E. Irwin; 1 ♂ 3 ♀, 7– 14 Aug 2010, M.E. Irwin; Mohave Co.: Littlefield ramp of Interstate 15 (36.8906 -113.9292) : 2 ♂ 3 ♀, 27 Sep 2013, Z.M. Portman, Tiquilia latior ; Littlefield; County rd 91, right off I-15 (36.88844 -113.92928): 3 ♂ 4 ♀, 17 Jul 2012, Z.M. Portman, T. latior ; 3 ♂ 1 ♀, 25 Aug 2012, E. Sadler, K. Weglarz, T. latior ; Topock (34.71 -114.48): 1 ♂ 2 ♀, 13 May 1983, P.F. Torchio, Nama sp.; Yuma Co.: Yuma (32.72 -114.62) : 1 ♂, 2 Apr 1957, T.R. Haig; 1 ♀, 2 Sep 1957, T.R. Haig, N. sp.. CALIFORNIA: Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes; Glamis, 2 km W (32.99491 - 115.0885) : 2 ♂ 1 ♀, 7 Sep 2012, Z.M. Portman, T. plicata ; Glamis Dunes, 1 mi W Glamis (32.9941 -115.1013) : 1 ♂, 9 Oct 1988, T.L. Griswold; Ocotillo Wells, 15 km E (33.12582 -116.0082): 6 ♂ 5 ♀, 25 Sep 2013, Z.M. Portman, T. plicata ; Ocotillo, 5.3 km ENE; Roadside of Hwy S80 (32.75711 -115.94222): 1 ♂, 2 May 2012, Z.M. Portman; 1 ♀, 3 May 2012, Z.M. Portman; 10 ♂ 1 ♀, 25 Sep 2013, Z.M. Portman, T. palmeri ; 7 ♂ 1 ♀, 25 Sep 2013, Z.M. Portman, T. plicata ; Salton City, Service Rd (33.29568 -115.97715): 8 ♂ 5 ♀, 4 May 2012, Z.M. Portman, T. palmeri ; Salton City, corner of Service Rd and Cleveland Rd (33.29428 -115.9763): 3 ♂ 4 ♀, 4 May 2012, Z.M. Portman, T. plicata ; Salton City; S Marina Dr (33.29489 -115.96436): 6 ♀, 19 Jul 2012, Z.M. Portman, T. palmeri ; Salton City (33.2986 -115.9553): 2 ♂, 13 Sep 1983, P.F. & D.M. Torchio, N. sp.; Riverside Co.: 5 mi E Mecca (33.58 -115.99055) : 1 ♂ 1 ♀, 5 Oct 1976, J.D. Pinto; Cathedral City, N; Baristo Rd. (33.81972 -116.45108) : 3 ♂, 24 Sep 2013, Z.M. Portman, T. palmeri ; Cathedral City, N; Ramon Rd. (33.81616 -116.4501) : 8 ♂ 3 ♀, 24 Sep 2013, Z.M. Portman, T. palmeri ; Mecca, 15.9 km ESE, along hwy 111 (33.51267 -115.92088): 5 ♂ 2 ♀, 5 May 2012, M. C. Orr, T. plicata ; 4 ♂ 4 ♀, 5 May 2012, Z.M. Portman, T. plicata ; Mecca, 16.2 km S (33.42616 - 116.06049): 4 ♀, 19 Jul 2012, Z.M. Portman, T. palmeri ; Mecca, 4 mi E (33.5699 -116.0094): 1 ♀, 20 Jul 2012, Z.M. Portman, T. plicata ; Palm Springs, Araby Wash (33.775 -116.53194): 1 ♀, 14–21 Apr 2015, F.D. Parker, T.D. McIntyre; 4 ♀, 28 Apr–5 Mar 2015, F.D. Parker, T.D. McIntyre; Palm Springs, Hillside (33.7785 -116.55466): 2 ♂ 7 ♀, 7 Apr 2015, F.D. Parker, T.D. McIntyre; Palm Springs (33.6796 -116.548): 1 ♂ 1 ♀, 17 Oct–10 Nov 2011, F.D. Parker, T.D. McIntyre; 1 ♂ 1 ♀, 3 May 2012, F.D. Parker, T.D. McIntyre; 1 ♂ 1 ♀, 7–13 May 2013, F.D. Parker, T.D. McIntyre; 1 ♂, 14–18 Apr 2014, F.D. Parker, T.D. McIntyre; 1 ♂, 28 Apr 2014, F.D. Parker, T.D. McIntyre; 1 ♀, 1–5 May 2014, F.D. Parker, T.D. McIntyre; 1 ♂ 1 ♀, 9 May 2014, F.D. Parker, T.D. McIntyre; 1 ♀, 13–16 May 2014, F.D. Parker, T.D. McIntyre; Rice, 40 km W (34.05085 -115.21337): 5 ♂ 5 ♀, 6 Sep 2012, T.L. Griswold, T. plicata ; S Palm Springs, Palm Canyon Drive at Bogert Trail (33.77611 -116.54583): 3 ♂, 22 Apr 2000, G.R. Ballmer, T. plicata ; San Bernardino Co.: Baker, 15 km N (35.38881 -116.12663) : 5 ♂ 5 ♀, 23 Sep 2013, Z.M. Portman, T. plicata ; Black Ridge, 12 km E; Hwy 62 (34.10758 -114.93542): 7 ♂ 1 ♀, 6 Sep 2012, Z.M. Portman, T. plicata ; Essex, 4 mi NW (34.77678 -115.29426): 1 ♀, 26 May 1983, T.L. Griswold; Hwy 62, E Twentynine Palms, 1.5 mi W jct Iron Age Road (34.11388 -115.71027): 1 ♂, 21 Sep 2003, D. Yanega, T. sp.; Kelso Dunes, Devils Playground Wash, Kelso Dunes Road, 4.1 mi E Kelbaker Road, Mojave National Preserve (34.88888 -115.71722) : 1 ♀, 25 May 2009, D. Yanega, T. plicata ; Kelso Dunes (34.9768 -115.648): 3 ♂, 3 Sep 1980, T.L. Griswold, T. sp.; Kelso, 5.3 km NE (35.0448 -115.6108): 4 ♂ 4 ♀, 7 Sep 1994, T.L. Griswold, T. plicata ; Kelso, 6.3 km NE (35.0505 -115.6032): 3 ♂ 10 ♀, 7 Sep 1994, T.L. Griswold, T. plicata ; Twentynine Palms, 32 road mi E (34.0912 -115.5401): 2 ♂ 2 ♀, 6 Sep 2012, T.L. Griswold, T. plicata ; 3 ♂ 2 ♀, 6 Sep 2012, Z.M. Portman, T. plicata ; Twentynine Palms, 37.5 km E (34.1042 -115.65593): 2 ♂ 1 ♀, 6 Sep 2012, T.L. Griswold, T. plicata ; 2 ♂ 1 ♀, 6 Sep 2012, Z.M. Portman, T. plicata ; Twentynine Palms, 45 km E (34.08767 -115.58219): 1 ♀, 6 Sep 2012, T.L. Griswold, T. plicata ; 3 ♂ 3 ♀, 6 Sep 2012, Z.M. Portman, T. plicata ; San Diego Co.: Borrego Springs, 2 mi W (33.2576 -116.375) : 3 ♂ 4 ♀, 28 Apr 2013, Z.M. Portman, T. plicata . NEVADA: Clark Co.: Beehive Rock, W, West Valley of Fire State Park (36.4091 -114.5494) : 3 ♀, 5 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz; Bitter Ridge, N (36.3083 -114.6292): 11 ♂ 8 ♀, 4 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz, T. latior ; Black Ridge, S (36.506 -114.3282): 13 ♂, 27 Aug 1998, O.J. Messinger, S. Messinger, C. Schultz, T. latior ; Black Wash(36.4113 - 114.0778): 1 ♂ 1 ♀, 29 Jun 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz; 5 ♂ 9 ♀, 4 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz; Bowman Reservoir, E (36.6222 -114.467): 74 ♂ 94 ♀, 5 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz; Bunkerville, 4 mi W (36.7392 - 114.18542): 1 ♂, 14 Jun 1989, P.F. Torchio; Cottonwood Cove (35.4875 -114.6944): 8 ♂ 10 ♀, 11 Jun 1998, K. Keen, C. Schultz, T. plicata ; 5 ♂ 68 ♀, 14 Aug 1998, T.L. Griswold, C. Schultz; Devils Throat, N, turnoff to Devil's Throat (36.438 -114.153): 1 ♂ 3 ♀, 12 Aug 1998, T.L. Griswold, C. Schultz; Devils Throat, N (36.4427 - 114.151): 6 ♀, 12 Aug 1998, T.L. Griswold, C. Schultz; 3 ♀, 13 Aug 1998, C. Schultz, T. sp.; 5 ♀, 13 Aug 1998, T.L. Griswold, T. sp.; Fire Canyon Wash (36.4548 -114.5088): 8 ♂ 5 ♀, 5 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz; Jean Lake , N (35.812 -115.2328) : 1 ♀, 11 Aug 1998, T.L. Griswold, Eriogonum sp.; Jean Lake , N (35.8145 -115.2427) : 4 ♂ 28 ♀, 11 Aug 1998, M. Andres, T.L. Griswold, C. Schultz; Jean Lake , NE (35.8067 -115.2233) : 9 ♂ 54 ♀, 11 Aug 1998, M. Andres, T.L. Griswold, C. Schultz; 1 ♀, 8 Oct 1998, T.L. Griswold; Jean Lake , NE (35.8092 - 115.219) : 16 ♂ 129 ♀, 11 Aug 1998, M. Andres, T.L. Griswold, C. Schultz; Jean, N (35.8102 -115.2998): 1 ♀, 8 Oct 1998, T.L. Griswold; Jean, SW (35.777 -115.3232): 1 ♀, 11 Aug 1998, M. Andres, T.L. Griswold, C. Schultz; Kaolin Wash, S (36.479 -114.5267): 1 ♀, 5 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz, E. inflatum ; 13 ♂ 25 ♀, 5 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz, T. latior ; 15 ♂ 17 ♀, 27 Aug 1998, O.J. Messinger, S. Messinger, C. Schultz, T. latior ; Las Vegas Dunes (36.2845 -114.9598): 1 ♀, 9 Jun 1998, K. Receveur, C. Schultz, T. latior ; Las Vegas Dunes (36.286 - 114.9667): 6 ♀, 22 May 1998, M. Andres, K. Keen, K. Receveur, C. Schultz; Las Vegas Dunes (36.287 -114.9622): 5 ♂ 4 ♀, 6 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz, T. latior ; Laughlin, W (35.1833 -114.6167): 1 ♀, 13 May 1998, K. Receveur, C. Schultz, T. palmeri ; Mesquite Lake , E (35.7335 -115.5505) : 1 ♂ 7 ♀, 10 Aug 1998, M. Andres, T.L. Griswold, C. Schultz; Mormon Mesa (36.5702 -114.4197): 27 ♂ 94 ♀, 5 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz; Mormon Mesa (36.7437 -114.375): 139 ♂ 175 ♀, 5 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz; Mud Wash (36.433 - 114.1588): 1 ♂, 28 Aug 1998, O.J. Messinger, S. Messinger, C. Schultz; Overton, SE (36.5213 -114.4367): 32 ♂ 120 ♀, 5 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz; Riverside, 7.5 km SW; Virgin Valley ; New Gold Butte Rd (36.68514 - 114.27375) : 2 ♀, 16 May 2012, Z.M. Portman, T. latior ; Riverside, 8.0 km SW; New Gold Butte Rd. (36.68319 - 114.27962) : 4 ♂, 23 Jul 2012, Z.M. Portman, T. latior ; Sheep Mountain , W (35.75983 -115.32133) : 28 ♂ 96 ♀, 11 Aug 1998, M. Andres, T.L. Griswold, C. Schultz; Sheep Mtn, 1.92 mi E (35.7596 -115.2531): 1 ♂, 18 Jul 2005, E. Green, T. plicata ; St. Thomas Gap , 0.4 mi E (36.4084 -114.0937) : 1 ♀, 25 May 2005, S.M. Higbee, E. Ahlstrom; St. Thomas Gap (36.4023 -114.093) : 2 ♂ 5 ♀, 7 Jun 1998, F.D. Parker; St. Thomas Gap (36.4041 -114.0933) : 1 ♂ 3 ♀, 27 Aug 1998, O.J. Messinger, S. Messinger, C. Schultz; St. Thomas Gap (36.4058 -114.0937) : 2 ♂ 10 ♀, 29 Jun 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz; 1 ♂ 2 ♀, 29 Jun 1998, M. Andres, K. Keen, K. Receveur, C. Schultz; St. Thomas Gap (36.4075 -114.0937) : 13 ♂ 38 ♀, 4 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz; St. Thomas Wash (36.435 -114.4363) : 18 ♂ 43 ♀, 5 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz; Tramp Ridge, E (36.3482 -114.143): 2 ♀, 4 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz; Tramp Ridge, E (36.3905 -114.1287): 17 ♂ 25 ♀, 4 Aug 1998, M. Andres, C. Schultz; Valley of Fire State Park (36.4435 -114.528): 1 ♀, 21 May 1998, K. Keen, K. Receveur, T. latior ; Virgin Valley (36.6868 -114.2643) : 3 ♂ 5 ♀, 12 Aug 1998, T.L. Griswold, C. Schultz; Whitney Pocket (36.5247 -114.1397): 1 ♀, 12 Aug 1998, T.L. Griswold, C. Schultz.

Remarks. Perdita bellula is the most common Heteroperdita in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. It is also one of the most variable species in terms of coloration, making it difficult to differentiate from numerous similarlooking species. In addition to being naturally variable, the coloration of the metasoma can be quite altered by the collection method. For example, the white coloration is very susceptible to discoloration due to cyanide, and the resulting specimens can have a reddish or amber metasoma ( Fig. 15 E) that resemble P. rhodogastra . When pantrapped or malaise-trapped, specimens can often be bleached, which reduces the dark maculations and can bring out the amber coloration, resulting in specimens that resemble P. coldeniae . Darker specimens often have larger lateral spots ( Fig. 10 D), resulting in male specimens that resemble P. optiva .

Figures

FIGURE 4. Second submedial cell of forewing. (A) Perdita vesca female, present (BBSL 816135; Harney Co., OR). (B) P. prodigiosa female, 2 m-cu vein weakened dorsally (paratype, BBSL 344037; Clark Co., NV). (C) P. bellula female, absent / weakened (BBSL 316794; Clark Co., NV). (D) P. wasbaueri male, absent / weakened (BBSL 842242; Imperial Co., CA).

FIGURE 7. Spotted female metasomas. (A) Perdita arenaria (BBSL 813432; Imperial Co., CA). (B) P. frontalis (BBSL 813797; Imperial Co., CA). (C) P. maculosa (BBSL 638406; Clark Co., NV). (D) P. nuttalliae (paratype, BBSL 816167; Harney Co., OR). (E) P. sycorax (paratype, BBSL 389685; Emery Co., UT). (F) P. titania (paratype, BBSL 342256; San Bernardino Co., CA). (G) P. wasbaueri (141836; Imperial Co., CA). (H) P. yanegai (BBSL 282782; Clark Co., NV). (I) P. bellula with distinct spots (FDP 161540; Riverside Co., CA). All scale bars 0.5 mm.

FIGURE 10. Striped male metasomas. (A) Perdita optiva (BBSL 288698; Clark Co., NV). (B) P. sexfasciata (141743; Mojave Co., AZ). (C) P. trifasciata (141760; Terrell Co., TX). (D) P. bellula dark form (FDP 161544; Riverside Co., CA). (E) P. bellula typical light form (BBSL 817812; Mojave Co., AZ). (F) P. coldeniae (UCRC 169099; Imperial Co., CA). (G) P. scutellaris (DEVA 55309; San Bernardino Co., CA). All scale bars 0.5 mm.

FIGURE 15. Amber male metasomas. (A) Perdita rhodogastra, typical form (BBSL 817862; Riverside Co., CA). (B) P. rhodogastra, dark with medial bars (paratype, UCRC 185330; Imperial Co., CA). (C) P. hippolyta (paratype, BBSL 844677 Culberson Co., TX). (D) P. hooki (paratype, 141837; Terrell Co., TX). (E) P. bellula, cyanided (BBSL 315311; Clark Co., NV). All scale bars 0.5 mm.

FIGURE 19. Miscellaneous male metasomas. (A) Perdita bellula, typical form (141678; Yuma Co., AZ). (B) P. bellula, variation (BBSL 817827; Riverside Co., CA). (C) P. exusta (141895; Clark Co., NV). (D) P. rhodogastra (BBSL 309170; Clark Co., NV). (E) P. rhodogastra, dark form with light band (BBSL 290131; Clark Co., NV). (F) P. vesca, light coloration (BBSL 904888; Nye Co., NV). (G) P. vesca, spotted (BBSL 816156; Harney Co., NV). (H) P. vesca, solid coloration (141789; Clark Co., NV). All scale bars 0.5 mm.

FIGURE 20. Miscellaneous female metasomas. (A) Perdita bellula, typical coloration (103744; San Bernardino Co., CA). (B) P. bellula, melanized (BBSL 316794; Clark Co., NV). (C) P. desdemona (paratype, UCRC 185342; San Bernardino Co., CA). (D) P. exusta (paratype, 141946; Clark Co., NV). (E) P. prodigiosa, light coloration (BBSL 344016). (F) P. prodigiosa, dark coloration (paratype, BBSL 344044; Clark Co., NV). (G) P. rhodogastra (BBSL 271666; Clark Co., NV). (H) P. vesca, dark typical coloration (BBSL 816172; Harney Co., OR). (I) P. vesca, light coloration (BBSL 904881; Nye Co., NV). All scale bars 0.5 mm.

FIGURE 21. Miscellaneous male faces. (A) Perdita bellula, large specimen (BBSL 842249; Imperial Co., CA). (B) P. bellula, small specimen (BBSL 817812; Mojave Co., AZ). (C) P. rhodogastra (BBSL 817150; Mojave Co., AZ). (D) P. exusta (141888; Clark Co., NV). (E) P. vesca, dark coloration (BBSL 816156; Harney Co., OR). (F) P. vesca, light coloration (BBSL 904888; Nye Co., NV). All scale bars 0.25 mm.

FIGURE 22. Miscellaneous female faces. (A) Perdita bellula (BBSL 813459; Imperial Co., CA). (B) P. desdemona (paratype, BBSL 289006; San Bernardino Co., CA). (C) P. exusta (paratype, 141952; Clark Co., NV). (D) P. vesca, dark coloration (BBSL 816172; Harney Co., OR). (E) P. vesca, light coloration (BBSL 904881; Nye Co., NV). (F) P. prodigiosa, dark coloration (paratype, BBSL 813546; Clark Co., NV). (G) P. prodigiosa, light coloration (paratype, BBSL 318844; Clark Co., NV). All scale bars 0.25 mm.

FIGURE 23. Male pygidial plates. (A) Perdita arenaria (BBSL 814703; Imperial Co., CA). (B) P. bellula (103717; San Bernardino Co., CA). (C) P. coldeniae (UCRC 277998; Imperial Co., CA). (D) P. exusta (141888; Clark Co., NV). (E) P. frontalis (BBSL 989204; Imperial Co., CA). (F) P. hippolyta (paratype, BBSL 844677; Culberson Co., TX). (G) P. hooki (note: the pygidial plate is from a dissected specimen and the lateral edges have been artificially enhanced to give a better idea of the lateral edges, paratype, BBSL 852902; Coahuila de Zaragoza, MEX). (H) P. maculosa (BBSL 668379; Clark Co., NV). (I) P. nuttalliae (paratype, BBSL 816190; Harney Co., OR). (J) P. optiva (BBSL 813428; Imperial Co., CA). (K) P. pilonotata (CAVE 17654; Eddy Co., NM). (L) P. prodigiosa (paratype, BBSL 344085; Clark Co., NV). (M) P. rhodogastra (UCRC 277717; Yuma Co., AZ). (N) P. scutellaris (DEVA 55305; San Bernardino Co., CA). (O) P. sexfasciata (141736; San Bernardino Co., CA). (P) P. sycorax (note: the picture is taken at an angle but it still accurately represents the shape the pygidial plate, paratype, 37225; Emery Co., UT). (Q) P. titania (pygidial plate is artificially outlined for better visibility, paratype, UCRC 166000; Imperial Co., CA). (R) P. trifasciata (141767; Chihuahua, MEX). (S) P. vesca (BBSL 816156; Harney Co., OR). (T) P. wasbaueri (BBSL 904842; Imperial Co., CA). (U) P. yanegai (UCRC 50407; Riverside Co., CA). Scale bar = 0.1 mm. All images are at the same scale.

FIGURE 24. Female pygidial plates. (A) Perdita arenaria (BBSL 289244; Clark Co., NV). (B) P. bellula (103744; San Bernardino Co., CA). (C) P. coldeniae (BBSL 813873; Imperial Co., CA). (D) P. desdemona (holotype, BBSL 289742; San Bernardino Co., CA). (E) P. exusta (paratype, 141946; Clark Co., NV). (F) P. frontalis (BBSL 813797; Imperial Co., CA). (G) P. hippolyta (paratype, BBSL 844647; Culberson Co., TX). (H) P. hooki (paratype, 141840; Terrell Co., TX). (I) P. maculosa (UCRC 179125; Riverside Co., CA). (J) P. nuttalliae (142005; Box Elder Co., UT). (K) P. optiva (BBSL 284974; Clark Co., NV). (L) P. pilonotata (neotype, UCRC 182770; Otero Co., NM). (M) P. prodigiosa (paratype, BBSL 319169; Clark Co., NV). (N) P. rhodogastra, pointed (FDP 102612; Maricopa Co., AZ). (O) P. rhodogastra, rounded (BBSL 271674; Clark Co., NV). (P) P. scutellaris (BBSL 904845; Imperial Co., CA). (Q) P. sexfasciata (BBSL 295303; Clark Co., NV). (R) P. sycorax (paratype, 37238; Emery Co., UT). (S) P. titania (holotype, BBSL 326372; San Bernardino Co., CA). (T) P. trifasciata (FDP 75046; Brewster Co., TX). (U) P. vesca (BBSL 339200; Nye Co., NV). (V) P. wasbaueri (141836; Imperial Co., CA). (W) P. yanegai (UCRC 221828; San Bernardino Co., CA). Scale bar = 0.1 mm. All images are at the same scale.

FIGURE 28. Distribution of (A) Perdita bellula and (B) P. coldeniae. Scale bar = 100 km.

FIGURE 56. Male S 8 in dorsal view. (A) Perdita arenaria (BBSL 814693; Imperial Co., CA). (B) P. bellula (BBSL 842486; Riverside Co., CA). (C) P. coldeniae (BBSL 813338; Yuma Co., AZ). (D) P. exusta (BBSL 578345; Clark Co., NV). (E) P. frontalis (BBSL 813814; Imperial Co., CA). (F) P. hippolyta (paratype, CAVE 4578; Eddy Co., NM). (G) P. hooki (paratype, BBSL 852902; Coahuila, MEX). (H) P. maculosa (BBSL 638408; Clark Co., NV). (I) P. nuttalliae (BBSL 816192; Harney Co., OR). (J) P. optiva (BBSL 814695; Imperial Co., CA). (K) P. pilonotata (CAVE 17654; Eddy Co., NM). (L) P. prodigiosa (BBSL 344096; Clark Co., NV). Scale bar = 0.25 mm. All images are at the same scale.

FIGURE 58. Male genital capsules in ventral and dorsal view. (A) Perdita arenaria dorsal and (B) ventral (BBSL 814693; Imperial Co., CA). (C) P. bellula dorsal and (D) ventral (BBSL 307306; Clark Co., NV). (E) P. coldeniae dorsal and (F) ventral (BBSL 817844; Riverside Co., CA). (G) P. exusta dorsal and (H) ventral (141875; Clark Co., NV). (I) P. frontalis dorsal and (J) ventral (BBSL 813814; Imperial Co., CA). (K) P. hippolyta dorsal and (L) ventral (paratype, CAVE 4578; Eddy Co., NM). (M) P. hooki dorsal and (N) ventral (paratype, BBSL 852902; Coahuila, MEX). Scale bar = 0.25 mm. All images are at the same scale.