Schwarzia Eardley

Eardley, Connal, 2009, First record of the tribe Biastini from the Afrotropical Region (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Zootaxa 2264, pp. 65-68 : 65-66

Schwarzia Eardley , gen. nov.

Type species. Schwarzia emmae sp. nov.

Description. Mandible with inner, pre-apical tooth; omaulus carinate; forewing second submarginal cell two and a half times longer than first submarginal cell, first submarginal cross vein interstitial with first recurrent vein; female T5 with subapical, elliptical pseudopygidium, posterolateral region of T5 elongate, curved inwards to form a circular orifice ( Fig. 4 ); S5 narrowly emarginate posteromedially ( Fig. 5 ); S6 spinose and bifid ( Fig. 6 ).

Etymology. This genus is named for Maximillian Schwarz, for his help in establishing that this material belongs to a new genus, for his unfailing support and for his contributions to bee taxonomy. This genus is only known from the type species.

Schwarzia appears to be most closely related to Biastes Panzer , according to the descriptions in Michener (2007). They both have a pre-apical mandibular tooth and the median section of the metanotum is raised. In Biastes , however, the second submarginal cell of the forewing is longer than the first but in Schwarzia the first submarginal cell is the longest. The major difference between the two genera is in the structure of the female tergum 5 (T5) and sternum 6 (S6). In Biastes brevicornis Panzer and Biastes emarginatus Schenck the pseudopygidial area on T5 is apicomedian, whereas in Schwarzia it is subapical. In Biastes the T5 extends backwards posterolaterally beyond the pseudopygidium towards the posterior margin on either side of the pseudopygidium; in addition, this integument is glabrous and not heavily sculptured like the anterior region of T5. In Schwarzia , T5 is elongate with a circular aperture posteromedially (behind the pseudopygidium) through which S6 protrudes. In Biastes the female S5 extends gently upwards posteriorly, whereas in Schwarzia it extends sharply upwards. In Biastes , Rhopalolemma and Neopasites the female S6 is wide whereas in Schwarzia it is bifid-spinose, as in many Ammobatini . The habitus of this species is clearly resembles the Biastini more closely than any other bee tribe.

Schwarzia emmae Eardley , sp. nov. ( Figs 1–11 )

Description. Lengths: holotype: head 1.8 mm; scutum 1.6 mm; forewing 5.2 mm; body 7.3 mm (variation: head 1.6–2.0 mm; scutum 1.2–1.7 mm; forewing 4.5–5.4 mm; body 6.3–8.3 mm). Pubescence white, densely plumose, appressed and conspicuous on most of lower face, paraocular area ( Fig. 1 ), upper gena, upper mesepimeron, metanotum ( Fig. 3 ), dorsolateral region of propodeum ( Fig. 2 ), all coxae, tibiae and tarsi, anterodorsal region of T1 and anterior regions of T2–T5; remainder of body with very fine inconspicuous, densely plumose, erect, white hair. Integument entirely black, except distal end of female T5 ( Fig. 4 ) and male pygidial plate brownish ( Fig. 6 ); deeply punctuate, except glabrous ventrolateral to propodeal triangle (this glabrous area distinctly narrower in female than in male). Male pygidial plate entire ( Fig. 7 ); terminalia as in Figs. 8–11 (proximal region of S8 strongly curved and therefore longer than apparent in ventral view ( Fig. 8 )).

Etymology. This species is named for Emma Schwarz, Max Schwarz’s late wife.

Distribution. Schwarzia emmae is only known from East Africa in east and southeastern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania. The specimens were apparently all collected in pan traps.

Type material. Female holotype ( SAMC) and 1 female paratype ( SANC). ‘ Tanzania, Mkomazi Game Res., Ibaya 3.58S 37.48E 10 June 1995 A. Russell-Smith ex pitfall traps Burnt hillside, SAM-HYM- B008448’. Male paratype ( NMK). ‘ KENYA MakinduKindu 2B 23.iii.2007 M. Otieno Alt. 1015m 2 S 17.283 37 E 49.497 Yellow Pan Trap On Pigeon pea (Cajanas cajan) Leguminosae farm’. One female and 2 male paratypes (SC). ‘ KENYA E of Mwingi 14.5.2007, leg. M. Halada’ (Mwingi = 03.56S 39.04E).

Figures

FIGURES 4 – 11. Schwarzia emmae, sp. n., 4 – 6. Female. 4. T 5, dorsal view. 5. S 5, ventral view. 6. S 6, ventral view. 7 – 11. Male. 7. T 7, dorsal view. 8. S 7, ventral view. 9. S 8, ventral view. 10. Genital capsule, dorsal view left, ventral view right. 11. Genital capsule, lateral view.

FIGURES 1 – 3. Schwarzia emmae, sp. n., female: 1. Face. 2. Habitus, dorsal view. 3. Habitus, lateral view.