Scaptotrigona ochrotricha (Buysson)

Engel, Michael S., 2022, Notes on South American stingless bees of the genus Scaptotrigona (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Part II: Subgroup A of the postica species group, Journal of Melittology 2022 (110), pp. 1-51 : 46-47

Scaptotrigona ochrotricha (Buysson)

( Figs. 64–68 ; additional figures in Engel, 2022)

Trigona ochrotrichus Buysson in Buysson & Marshall, 1892: 54.

Melipona ochrotricha (Buysson) ; Dalla Torre, 1896: 582.

Trigona (Nannotrigona) ochrotricha (Buysson) ; Schwarz, 1938: 482.

Scaptotrigona ochrotica (Buysson) ; Vit & Pulcini, 1996: 58, lapsis calami.

DIAGNOSIS: The identity of this species has been in question for quite some time given that the original series is lost. The material reported here is within the greater vicinity of the type locality, is of the same caste, and matches the original description quite well. Accordingly, I have selected one worker to serve as neotype in order to stabilize the application and circumscription of this species.

This rather robust species is most similar to S. nigrohirta , as well as to S. macarenensis , S. yungasensis , and S. xanthotricha , the assemblage perhaps forming a distinct clade in the postica group. From S. nigrohirta , S. ochrotricha differs most notably in the presence of distinct striping on the mesoscutum and the absence of dark fuscous to black bristles on metasomal terga III – V.

NEOTYPE (hic designatus): ⚲, Venezuela, Bolivar, Rancho Las Nieves, 6°20’N, 66°50’W, 500 m, 5–7 February 1990, C.D. Michener ( SEMC); the neotype is here designated for the express purpose of stabilizing the application of this specific epithet.

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: 24⚲⚲, Venezuela, Bolivar, Rancho Las Nieves, 6°20’N, 66°50’W, 500 m, 5–7 February 1990, C.D. Michener ( SEMC) .

Figures

Figures 64–66. Worker of Scaptotrigona ochrotricha (Buysson). 64. Lateral habitus. 65. Dorsal habitus. 66. Facial view.

Figures 67–68. Worker of Scaptotrigona ochrotricha (Buysson). 67. Dorsal view of head and me- sosoma. 68. Dorsal view of metasoma.