Agapostemon (Agapostemon) splendens (Lepeletier)

Diagnosis.

The female of Agapostemon splendens can be recognized by the combination of the metallic green metasoma (as in Fig. 4C) and the coarsely punctured sculpturing of the scutum (Figs 5C, 6B). It is similar to Agapostemon sericeus, but that species has the sculpturing of the scutum more reticulate (Figs 4B, 6A). Agapostemon splendens can be further distinguished by the obtuse dorsolateral ridge (Fig. 5C), the upraised ventral pleural tubercle (Fig. 6D), and it is generally larger than Agapostemon sericeus (though their sizes can intergrade).

Male Agapostemon splendens can be recognized from all other midwestern Agapostemon by their very enlarged hind femur, with the length twice the width (Fig. 8C). They also tend to be larger than related species and have darker wings, but this character is subtle.

Remarks.

Some previous works (e.g., Mitchell (1960) and the keys on discoverlife.org) have used the shape of the ridges of the propodeal triangle (which often form a depressed medial triangle) to separate female Agapostemon splendens from Agapostemon sericeus (which have parallel striae throughout the propodeal triangle), but we have found the character variable and it can be quite subtle, particularly in smaller Agapostemon splendens . Agapostemon splendens is largely restricted to areas of deep sands. We have examined material from throughout the range of Agapostemon splendens, and there are many individuals, especially in the southern US, that have the scutal sculpturing more reticulate, similar to Agapostemon sericeus . More work is needed to determine whether this represents normal variation or is potentially due to a cryptic species complex.