Melitta (Afromelitta), Michez & Kuhlmann & Dellicour, 2014

Michez, Denis, Kuhlmann, Michael & Dellicour, Simon, 2014, Validation of some species- and genus-group names in Melitta (Hymenoptera: Melittidae), Journal of Melittology 44, pp. 1-8 : 2

Afromelitta Michez & Kuhlmann , new subgenus

ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:2A80315A-376F-40C9-B18C-A886D296FE39

TYPE SPECIES: Melitta (Afromelitta) richtersveldensis Michez & Kuhlmann, new species .

DIAGNOSIS: After Dellicour et al. (2014): The subgenus shares features with Melitta s.str. such as the large, dull, and declivitous basal area of the propodeum, the apical projection of the female metabasitarsus, and the elongate digitus of the male genitalia. Afromelitta also has the unique combination of an apically-pointed galea, with its outer surface matt and sculptured; the discs of the mesoscutum and mesoscutellum smooth and shiny between punctures; male flagellomeres slightly convex ventrally; the basal area of the propodeum rugose with basal carinae; the female pygidial plate with lateral grooves; male metasomal sternum VII with the blades swollen on the apicolateral structures; male metasomal sternum VIII with apical spines; the gonostylus as long as the gonocoxa and truncate apically.

ETYMOLOGY: The new subgeneric name is a combination of afrum (referring to Africa) and the generic name Melitta . The gender of the name is feminine.