Megalopta (Noctoraptor) atlantica, Santos, Leandro M. & Silveira, Fernando A., 2009

Santos, Leandro M. & Silveira, Fernando A., 2009, Taxonomic notes on Megalopta Smith, 1853 (Hymenoptera: Halictidae: Augochlorini) with a synopsis of the species in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, Zootaxa 2194, pp. 1-20 : 4

Key to the species of Megalopta occuring in Minas Gerais

Although this study focused on the species of Minas Gerais, the present key includes all species currently known to occur in the Southeastern and Southern Regions of Brazil (states of Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, in addition to Minas Gerais).

Females

[unknown for M. (Noctoraptor) atlantica sp. n.]

1 Lateral surface of metapostnotum reticulate at least along its posterior margin, sometimes rugulose on the lateralmost section of the anterior margin; posterior margin of metapostnotum straight or gently arcuate, gradually curved towards the anterior margin laterally ( Figs. 3 , 4); disc of scutellum convex, dorsal surface of axilla and contiguous antero-lateral margin of scutellum below level of disc of scutellum as seen from behind .......................................... 2

- Lateral surface of metapostnotum polished, although sometimes minutely punctate; posterior margin of metapostnotum straight, abruptly bending laterally toward metanotum (Figs. 5, 6); disc of scutellum uniformly flat or very gently arcuate, dorsal surface of axilla and contiguous antero-lateral margin of scutellum on same or almost on same plane as disc of scutellum as seen from behind ........................................................................................................... 3

2 Metepisternal process conspicuous, wide, with velvety pilosity ( Fig. 1); longitudinal rugae of metapostnotum short throughout its surface, not reaching its posterior margin, normally stronger laterally ( Fig. 3 ); disc of metapostnotum slightly convex, its posterior margin frequently depressed in relation to contiguous surface of propodeum ............... .................................................................................................................................................. M. aegis ( Vachal, 1904)

- Metepisternal process inconspicuous, narrow and without velvety pilosity ( Fig. 2); longitudinal rugae of metapostnotum stronger in the mid triangular depression, longer medially, shortening laterad (Fig. 4); disc of metapostnotum concave, its posterior margin at same level or above contiguous surface of propodeum .... M. sodalis ( Vachal, 1904)

3 Metepisternal process, inconspicuous, narrow, without velvety pilosity ( Fig. 2); longitudinal rugae of metapostnotum absent, ferruginous with metallic green hues restricted to lateral areas .................... M. amoena ( Spinola, 1853)

- Metepisternal process, conspicuous, wide, covered by velvety pilosity ( Fig. 1); metapostnotum with at least one weak but distinct mid-longitudinal ruga, shiny, entirely and homogeneously green, light brown or black ................... ....................................................................................................................................................... M. guimaraesi sp. n.

Figures

FIGURE 3. Megalopta aegis (Vachal, 1904), female: postero-lateral view of mesosoma. FIGURE 4. Megalopta sodalis (Vachal, 1904), female: postero-lateral view of mesosoma. FIGURE 5. Megalopta amoena (Spinola, 1853), female: postero-lateral view of mesosoma. FIGURE 6. Megalopta guimaraesi sp. n., female: postero-lateral view of mesosoma.