Augochloropsis (Paraugochloropsis) humeralis (Patton) Portman & Arduser & Lane & Cariveau, 2022

Portman, Zachary M., Arduser, Mike, Lane, Ian G. & Cariveau, Daniel P., 2022, A review of the Augochloropsis (Hymenoptera, Halictidae) and keys to the shiny green Halictinae of the midwestern United States, ZooKeys 1130, pp. 103-152 : 103

Augochloropsis (Paraugochloropsis) humeralis (Patton) stat. nov.

Augochlora humeralis Patton, 1879: 365 ♀♂. Lectotype: ♀ USA, North-western Kansas, 8 Sep 1877 leg. S.W. Williston, on goldenrod [ANSP]. Images examined by ZP and MA. New lectotype designation. (Labels read: "N.W. Kans. / Williston // Augochlora ♀ / humeralis n.s.").

Agapostemon caeruleus Ashmead, 1890: 7 ♂ (not ♀) (syn. Sandhouse 1937). Holotype: ♂ USA, Colorado, Denver [USNM ENT 00536769]. Images examined by ZP and MA. Online record: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/320b8ee01-69e8-40bd-ab90-fcb717151953. (Labels read: "Col. // [illegible symbol] Type / No 5516 / U.S.N.M. [red label] // Ashmead / Collection // Collection / Ashmead // Augochlora (Agapostemon) / ♀ coerulea Ash // USNM ENT / 00536769 [yellow label with barcode]").

Augochlora sumptuosa bolliana Cockerell, 1909: 31 ♀ (syn. Under Augochloropsis caerulea by Sandhouse 1937). Images cursorily examined by ZP and MA. New synonym. Syntype(s?): USA, Texas, Lee Co. [USNM Type No. 23306 barcode #: 00536763]. Online record: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/32fdc8c3b-b5b4-4cec-968e-4040825fa92d (Labels read: "Lee Co. / TX. 06 / VI. 0 [illegible symbol] // [red label] Type No. / 23306 / U.S.N.M. // A. sumptuosa / bolliana Ckll / TYPE // USNM ENT / 00536763 [yellow label with barcode]").

Halictus (Augochlora) pattoni Vachal, 1903: 132 (proposed replacement name for Augochloropsis humeralis Patton; syn. by Sandhouse 1937).

Augochlora (Augochloropsis) humeralis (in Titus 1901: taxonomy).

Augochloropsis caerulea (in Sandhouse 1937 [in part]: key; Lovell 1942: key).

Augochloropsis humeralis (in Dreisbach 1945: key).

Augochloropsis (Paraugochloropsis) sumptuosa (in Mitchell 1960 [in part]: key, redescription; Hurd 1979 [in part]: catalog; Moure and Hurd 1987 [in part]: catalog).

Diagnosis.

Both sexes of Augochloropsis humeralis can be distinguished from Augochloropsis metallica and Augochloropsis viridula by multiple characters. The pronotal flange of Augochloropsis humeralis has the lateral edges approaching 90 degrees (Figs 14D , 16D ) whereas, the lateral edges of the pronotal flange in Augochloropsis metallica and Augochloropsis viridula are obtuse (Figs 14E, F , 16E, F , note they do still have a distinct pronotal flange as well). In addition, the vertex of Augochloropsis humeralis rises distinctly above the ocelli (Figs 14A , 16A ) whereas it does not rise above the ocelli in Augochloropsis metallica and Augochloropsis viridula (Figs 14B, C , 16B, C ). Finally, the strongly tessellate and “silky” texture of Augochloropsis humeralis (Figs 14G , 16G ) is distinct in comparison to Augochloropsis metallica and Augochloropsis viridula (Figs 14H, I , 16H, I ).

Augochloropsis humeralis is similar in most respects to Augochloropsis sumptuosa . The females can be separated by the more densely punctate metasomal terga: Augochloropsis humeralis has the punctures on T1 and T2 close together and separated by about one puncture width (at least over most of the terga), whereas Augochloropsis sumptuosa has the punctures always well-separated (about 3-5 puncture widths apart). In addition, females of Augochloropsis sumptuosa have a weak but distinct semicircular carina around the propodeal triangle (Fig. 17D ), which Augochloropsis humeralis lacks (Fig. 17A ). More work is needed on how to separate the males of Augochloropsis sumptuosa , but the male of Augochloropsis humeralis appears to have the median emargination of S4 more acute (Fig. 20C ), compared to more rounded truncate in Augochloropsis sumptuosa (see Mitchell 1960: fig 111 (mislabeled as S5)), though this character is variable and it’s not clear how reliable it is.

Comments.

What has previously been called Augochloropsis sumptuosa by Mitchell (1960) is not a single species but rather a species complex. Therefore, we have reinstated the name Augochloropsis humeralis Patton for the species occurring in the midwestern United States and retained the name Augochloropsis sumptuosa Smith for the species occurring in the southeastern United States. The exact extent of the range of Augochloropsis sumptuosa is unclear, and it is not clear to what extent the ranges of Augochloropsis humeralis and Augochloropsis sumptuosa may overlap. However, we have so far found no evidence that the two species overlap in range, with Augochloropsis sumptuosa appearing to be limited to the east coast of the United States and Augochloropsis humeralis appearing to be limited to the prairie region (Fig. 18 ). Historic records of Augochloropsis sumptuosa from Ohio were found to be misidentified Augochloropsis metallica . Since the identity of the midwestern species is clear, we have decided to proceed with a formal split; further delineation of the range of Augochloropsis sumptuosa must be accomplished in future research.

Two syntypes of Augochloropsis humeralis (1 male and 1 female) were located in the ANSP collection, where Sandhouse (1937) reported examining them. Though the specimens are undated and not clearly labeled as type specimens, the labels indicate that they are from the type locality. In addition, the specimens bear labels stating " Augochlora humeralis n.s." and " Augochlora humeralis n.sp.". The combination of the little-used name, the "n. sp.", the type locality, and the fact that Sandhouse (1937) considered these types, makes us confident that these are indeed Patton’s syntypes. As a result, we have designated the female as the lectotype, making the male a paralectotype. Additional paralectotypes may potentially be present at the Smithsonian, as Titus (1901) states "Mr. Ashmead very kindly examined specimens in the U.S.N.M. of A. humeralis Patt., marked 'N. W. Kans., Williston’”. However, our inquiries to the Smithsonian have received no answer.

Sandhouse (1937) considered the name Augochloropsis caerulea (Ashmead) to have priority because the name Augochloropsis humeralis is a secondary homonym in the genus Halictus . However, Augochloropsis humeralis is not a secondary homonym in the genus Augochloropsis and the substitute name is no longer in use, so following IZCN Article 59.3, the name Augochloropsis humeralis is available and has priority.

Augochlora sumptuosa bolliana Cockerell is from Texas and was synonymized with Augochloropsis sumptuosa by Sandhouse (1937). Based on the online images of one of the syntypes, we are tentatively assigning it as a synonym of Augochloropsis humeralis , but a more critical evaluation of the specimen, with additional Texas material, should be performed.

Range.

Augochloropsis humeralis occurs throughout the prairie region, ranging from North Dakota and Minnesota south to New Mexico and Texas, extending to Colorado in the west and Indiana in the east (Fig. 18 ). Specimens from Indiana Dunes National Park represent the easternmost records.

Biology.

Augochloropsis humeralis is polylectic and nests are associated with deep sand (MA, pers. obs.). The sociality and the specifics of the nesting biology are unknown.

Material examined.

Colorado: Adams Co.: Denver (39.8207, -104.8613): 1 ♂ [iNat], 29 Aug 2019, @francesco167 leg.; Douglas Co.: (39.3467, -104.7511): 1 ♀ [iNat], Jul 2020, @calebcam leg.; Logan Co. : (40.7752, -103.2721): 1 ♂ [iNat], 22 Aug 2014, R. Webster leg. Illinois: Hancock Co.: Warsaw (40.3427, -91.4493): 1 ♂ [iNat], 14 Aug 2016, A. Moorehouse leg. , Monarda punctata ; Madison Co.: [MASR]; Mason Co. : (40.3921, -89.9104): 1 ♀ [iNat], 18 Jun 2019, A. Moorehouse leg. , Asclepias sp. Indiana: Lake Co.: Indiana Dunes NP, Marquette Trail (41.6111, -87.2365): 1 ♀ [IDNP], 19 Jun 2019, McGill leg. , blue pan; Indiana Dunes NP, Miller woods (41.6057, -87.2644): 1 ♂ [IDNP], 12 Sep 2018, McGill leg. , white pan; 1 ♀ [IDNP], 4 Jun 2019, McGill leg., yellow pan; 1 ♀ [IDNP], 23 Jul 2019, McGill leg., yellow pan; Indiana Dunes NP, Miller woods (41.6071, -87.2644): 1 ♀ [IDNP], 23 Jul 2019, McGill leg. , yellow pan; Newton Co.: Kankakee Sands (41.0848, -87.402): 1 ♀ [iNat], 24 May 2018, D. Lucas leg. ; Porter Co.: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Mnoke Prairie (41.6185, -87.1012): 1 ♀ [IDNP], 29 Jun 2017, J. Villalpando leg. , bee bowl. Minnesota: Faribault Co.: (43.7, -93.96): 1 ♀ [UMSP], 18 Sep 1911; Fillmore Co. : Pin Oak SNA (43.79261, -92.21915) : 1 ♀ [MNDNR], 24 Jul 2017, bowl; Hennepin Co.: (44.9, -93.4): 1 ♂ [UMSP], date unknown; Norman Co.: Agassiz Dunes SNA (47.51154, -96.28976) : 1 ♂ [MNDNR], 24 Aug 2015, bowl; Sherburne Co.: Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge (45.46477, -93.67435) : 2 ♀ [EERC], 15 Aug 2016, E. Evans leg., bowl; Wabasha Co.: Weaver Dunes (44.27746, -91.93892): 1 ♀ [UMSP], 28 May 2015, M.J. Hatfield leg. , Ceanothus herbaceus ; Weaver Dunes TNC/SNA (44.25096, -91.93795) : 21 ♀ [MNDNR], 6 May 2017, bowl; 15 ♀ [MNDNR], 26 Jun 2017, bowl; 8 ♂ [MNDNR], 24 Jul 2017, bowl; 3 ♂ [MNDNR], 19 Aug 2017, bowl; 1 ♀ [MNDNR], 21 Sep 2017, bowl; Washington Co.: Belwin Conservancy (44.9241, -92.7931) : 1 ♀ [EERC], 4 Sep 2015, J. Gardner leg., net, Solidago nemoralis ; Belwin Conservancy (44.92569, -92.80001): 1 ♀ [CRC], 12 Jun 1995, C.C. Reed leg. , net, Penstemon grandifloris ; 1 ♀ [UMSP], 12 Jun 1995, C.C. Reed leg., net, P. grandiflorus ; 9 ♀ [CRC], 15 Jun 1995, C.C. Reed leg., net, P. grandifloris ; 6 ♀ [CRC], 16 Jun 1995, C.C. Reed leg., net, P. grandifloris ; 1 ♀ 3 ♂ [CRC, UMSP], 15 Aug 1995, C.C. Reed leg., net, Dalea purpurea ; 3 ♀ [CRC], 13 Jun 1997, C.C. Reed leg., net, P. grandifloris ; Gray Cloud Dunes (44.79, -92.957): 1 ♀ 4 ♂ [UMSP], 9 Jul 1988; Grey Cloud Dunes (44.79, -92.957): 1 ♂ [CNBL], 23 Jul 2018, J. Petersen leg. , net; Grey Cloud Dunes (44.7912, -92.9601): 1 ♂ [iNat], 14 Sep 2018, A. Birkey leg. ; Grey Cloud Dunes SNA (44.79004, -92.95536) : 1 ♂ [MNDNR], 9 Oct 2018, net, S. nemoralis ; Grey Cloud Dunes SNA (44.790046, -92.955076) : 1 ♂ [MNDNR], 31 Jul 2018, net, D. villosa ; Winona Co.: Whitewater WMA (44.15033, -92.00066) : 1 ♀ [MNDNR], 6 May 2017, bowl; 1 ♀ [MNDNR], 26 Jun 2017, bowl. Missouri: Clark Co.: [MASR]; Scott Co.: [MASR]. Nebraska : Hooker Co. : [MASR]; Rock Co. : (42.5, -99.8): 1 ♂ [iNat], Sep 2018, @allysond leg.; Thomas Co. : Neb Ntl For , near Halsey , 1 ♂ [WRME], 9 Aug 1991, Arduser leg. ; Neb. Ntl For. Nr Whitetail campground: 1 ♀ [WRME], 10 Aug 1991, Arduser leg. , Helianthus petiolarus . New Mexico: Chaves Co.: [MASR]. North Dakota : Ransom Co. : (46.474534, -97.342645): 1 ♂ [iNat], 9 Aug 2021, E. Wood leg .. Oklahoma: Ellis Co.: [MASR]. South Dakota : Clay Co. : Missouri National Recreation River (42.76215, -96.9743): 1 ♂ [iNat], 7 Jul 2021, @stenthesnake leg. Texas: Taylor Co.: (32.32, -99.92): 1 ♀ [OSUC], 18 Jun 1952, J.N. Knull, D.J. Knull leg.

Figures

Figure 14. Augochloropsis female characters A Augochloropsis humeralis face B Augochloropsis metallica face C Augochloropsis viridula face D Augochloropsis humeralis well-developed, 90 - degree pronotal flange indicated by red arrow E Augochloropsis metallica obtuse pronotal flange indicated by red arrow F Augochloropsis viridula obtuse pronotal flange indicated by red arrow G Augochloropsis humeralis metasoma H Augochloropsis metallica metasoma I Augochloropsis viridula metasoma. Scale bars: 1 mm (A-F); 2 mm (G-I).

Figure 16. Augochloropsis male characters A Augochloropsis humeralis face B Augochloropsis metallica face C Augochloropsis viridula face D Augochloropsis humeralis well-developed, 90 - degree pronotal flange indicated by red arrow E Augochloropsis metallica obtuse pronotal flange indicated by red arrow F Augochloropsis viridula obtuse pronotal flange indicated by red arrow G Augochloropsis humeralis metasoma H Augochloropsis metallica metasoma I Augochloropsis viridula metasoma. Scale bars: 1 mm (A-F); 2 mm (G-I).

Figure 17. Augochloropsis female propodea A Augochloropsis humeralis B Augochloropsis metallica C Augochloropsis viridula D Augochloropsis sumptuosa E Augochloropsis anonyma F Augochloropsis sp. (likely undescribed species from Eastland, Texas). Scale bars: 1 mm, all images at the same scale.

Figure 18. Map of specimens or observations examined for this study from the species Augochloropsis humeralis, Augochloropsis anonyma, and Augochloropsis fulgida.

Figure 20. Augochloropsis male terminalia A Augochloropsis humeralis dorsal genitalia B Augochloropsis humeralis ventral genitalia C Augochloropsis humeralis S 4 D Augochloropsis humeralis S 8 E Augochloropsis humeralis S 7 F Augochloropsis metallica dorsal genitalia G Augochloropsis metallica ventral genitalia H Augochloropsis metallica S 4 I Augochloropsis metallica S 8 J Augochloropsis metallica S 7 K Augochloropsis viridula dorsal genitalia (note the gonobase was torn off) L Augochloropsis viridula ventral genitalia M Augochloropsis viridula S 4 N Augochloropsis viridula S 8 O Augochloropsis viridula S 7. Scale bars: 1 mm.