Asperplebeia, Engel & Herhold & Davis & Wang & Thomas, 2021

Engel, Michael S., Herhold, Hollister W., Davis, Steven R., Wang, Bo & Thomas, Jennifer C., 2021, Stingless bees in Miocene amber of southeastern China (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Journal of Melittology 2021 (105), pp. 1-83 : 73

Asperplebeia Engel, new genus

ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:AB56D1E5-AF86-4E4E-8ACC-66CF54B54F5C

TYPE SPECIES: Plebeia moureana Ayala, 1999 .

DIAGNOSIS: This genus includes particularly small Plebeia -like bees, with total body lengths approximately 2.6–4.1 mm. Most notably, the integument of the mesoscutum and mesoscutellum is generally mate and finely granular or microrugulose with comparatively coarser punctures ( Figs. 124, 125 ). By contrast, in Plebeia Schwarz the integument of the mesoscutum and mesoscutellum is noticeably shiny and typically smooth with widely spaced, minute punctures ( Figs. 126, 127 ). Otherwise, the genus shares most traits with Plebeia , including the keirotrichiate zone on the retrolateral surface of the metatibia extending nearly to the retrodorsal margin. The surface of the mesoscutellum is gently and weakly convex, and posteriorly overhangs the metanotum and the basalmost margin of the propodeum. Currently, the genus is known from Mexico to Costa Rica, but likely also occurs further south.

ETYMOLOGY: The new genus-group name is a combination of the Latin terms asper (meaning, “rough” or “coarse”) and plēbēia (meaning, “commoner”), in reference to the roughened and mate mesoscutum relative to Plebeia . The gender of the name is considered to be feminine.

INCLUDED SPECIES: Aside from the type species, Asperplebeia moureana (Ayala) , the genus includes A. tica (Wille) , both new combinations.

Figures

Figures 124–127. Mesosomal dorsa of workers of Asperplebeia, new genus, and Plebeia Schwarz. 124. Mesosomal dorsum of Asperplebeia moureana (Ayala), new combination. 125. Detail of mesoscutal disc of A. moureana. 126. Mesosomal dorsum of Plebeia (Nanoplebeia) minima (Gribodo). 127. Detail of mesoscutal disc of P. (N.) minima.