Augochloropsis (Paraugochloropsis) cuprea (Smith) stat. nov.

Augochlora cuprea Smith, 1853: 79 ♀. Images examined by ZP and MA (Fig. 22). Holotype: ♀ North America [OUMNH]. (Labels read: "[small square with illegible markings] // HOLOTYPE / Augochloropsis /cuprea (Sm) / J.S. Moure 1957 // Probably the Holotype as labelled. No specimen labelled Type in B.M. / C.D. Michener in litt. 13 VIII 1965").

Augochloropsis cuprea (in Sandhouse 1937 [in part]: key).

Comments.

The type of Augochloropsis cuprea (Fig. 22) was located in the Oxford Museum, and based on the label, it was examined by J.S. Moure in 1957 and C.D. Michener in 1965. The specimen is not clearly labeled as the type, but both Moure and Michener agreed that it was likely the holotype. Sandhouse (1937) appears to have only examined the type by proxy through sawfly taxonomist R. B. Benson and Mitchell (1960) did not examine it.

Augochloropsis cuprea was considered a junior synonym of Augochloropsis metallica metallica by both Moure (1960) and Mitchell (1960). However, examination of the type of Augochloropsis cuprea reveals that it is distinct from Augochloropsis metallica based on the short T2 fringe (Fig. 22D), the relatively short T3 impressed area (Fig. 22D), the presence of some black hairs on the metasoma (Fig. 22A, D), the more shining propodeum (Fig. 22C), and the short posterior carina of the propodeum (Fig. 22C, D). As a result, we recognize the two forms as heterospecific and thus Augochloropsis cuprea as a valid species.

The range of Augochloropsis cuprea is unclear as Smith (1853) reports the type locality as "North America". We have in our possession a single female from Oklahoma (from Four Canyon Preserve headquarters, Ellis County) that may be a match for Augochloropsis cuprea, but this must be considered tentative, especially since the Oklahoma specimen lacks the number of black hairs on the metasoma seen in the type. There is also the possibility that Augochloropsis cuprea is a Mexican species, especially since multiple Mexican species share the character of the broadly shiny propodeal triangle. The male remains unknown and additional investigation, with more material, is sorely needed.