Geodiscelis Michener & Rozen

Packer, Laurence & Dumesh, Sheila, 2014, Two new species of Geodiscelis Michener & Rozen (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Colletidae) with a phylogenetic analysis and subgeneric classification of the genus, Zootaxa 3857 (2), pp. 275-291 : 286

Subgenus Geodiscelis Michener & Rozen

Type species. Geodiscelis megacephala Michener & Rozen, 1999 . By original designation.

Diagnosis. The combination of pale metasomal markings present, maxillary palpus with all 6 palpomeres similarly robust, length of malar space subequal to basal depth of mandible and malar line lacking is diagnostic among Xeromelissinae for the only known species in this subgenus. Some Xeromelissa species are similar in all but the palpal character, Xenochilicola diminuta is similar except in possessing a malar line. Other xeromelissines except Xeromelissa and Xn. diminuta lack the pale metasomal banding. Other subgenera of Geodiscelis either have a linear malar space or one that is more than three times as long as the basal width of the mandible.

Description. Lower paraocular area black. Male protibia entirely or almost entirely yellow. Metasomal terga with pale subapical integumental bands, basal bands of appressed squamose pubescence present, minute silvery hairs absent. Clypeus and lower paraocular area shiny, lacking distinct imbricate microsculpture. Frontal area with interspaces similar to puncture diameters. Mesoscutum shiny, microsculpture absent; punctures transversely effaced. Galeal comb teeth absent. Mandible with small preapical tooth. Malar space present but short. Anterior tentorial pit elongate, almost attaining apex of clypeus. Supraclypeal area strongly curved in profile. Metasternum between metacoxae very narrow, at least 1.5X as long as maximum width, which is <1MOD. First abscissa of M+Cu of hind wing shorter than 2nd abscissa. Male hindleg unmodified, narrow; both sexes with two metatibial spurs. Horizontal surface of metapostnotum subequal in length to scutellum. Sclerotized portion of proctiger narrowly interrupted medially. Male S6 with apex rounded. S7 apicodorsal lobe simple, flat. S8 apical process narrow, elongate, broadened towards apex; posterior margin of lateral lobe transverse. Gonobase with apicoventral rim lacking a median process. Gonoforceps with subapical medial angulation. Gonostylus short, narrow; retrorse lobe considerably elongate, narrowing to apex. Female sternal scopa well developed.

Included species. Geodiscelis megacephala Michener and Rozen 2000 .

Comment. As currently understood, this subgenus is restricted to semi-arid regions of western Argentina and visits Heliotropium flowers (Michener & Rozen, 2000).