Andrena helouanensis Friese, 1899

Andrena helouanensis Friese, 1899: 341 . ♀. Type locality: Egypt . Type depository: SMFD or UMO or ZMHB. Andrena arabica Scheuchl & Gusenleitner, 2007: 544 . ♀, ♂. Type locality: United Arab Emirates, Wadi Maidaq. Type depository: DEI. n. syn.

Material examined: EGYPT: Sinai, Feiran, 6.iv.1974, D. Furth (1♀) ; Wadi Digla, 8.iv.1932, H. Priesner (1♀) (OLML, SMNHTAU) ; ISRAEL AND WEST BANK: Nahal Bitron, 11.iii.2013, G. Pisanty, on Zilla spinosa (1♀) ; Nahal Roded, 17.i.2013, G. Pisanty, on Zilla spinosa (1♀) ; Nahal Zfahot, 18.i.2013, G. Pisanty, on Zilla spinosa (1♀) (ES, SMNHTAU) ; UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Wadi Maidaq, 26.xii–02.i.2005, A. van Harten (1♂) ; 14–25.i.2006, A. van Harten (2♂); 29.iii–10.iv.2006, A. van Harten (1♀); Wadi Wurayah, 22.i.2006, C. Tourenq (1♀) (ES, OLML) .

Remarks. The subgeneric position of A. helouanensis and the closely related A. maidaqi Scheuchl & Gusenleitner is uncertain, as they do not conform well to any particular known subgenus. Future research, preferably aided by the use of molecular markers, is needed to resolve the classification of these species.