The halictid bee tribe Augochlorini is revised at the level of genus and subgenus. Forty-one genera and subgenera are recognized with two being extinct. New subgenera of Augochlora, Electraugochlora, and of Oligochlora, Soliapis, are described for new fossils from Tertiary amber of the Dominican Republic. Complete taxonomic histories are given along with information on revisions at the species level, biological studies, and general distribution for each family- and genus-group taxon. The following subgenera are newly synonymized: Aethechlora new junior subjective synonym of Oxystoglossella, Mycterochlora new junior subjective synonym of Augochlora, Vachalius new junior subjective synonym of Neocorynurella, and Neocorynuroides new junior subjective synonym of Neocorynura. The group Glyptochlora is resurrected from synonymy as a valid subgenus of Augochloropsis. The males of Chlerogella and Micrommation are described for the first time. A key to the genera and subgenera of the tribe is presented along with a key to the species of the rare Augochloropsis (Glyptochlora). Suprageneric relationships in the tribe are explored cladistically. Characters of adult external morphology (72 characters) and ethology (12 characters) are coded for all recognized augochlorine genera as well as outgroups from the Halictini, Nomioidini, and Nomiinae. Results of the cladistic analysis are remarkably resolved but not very robust. The cladogram is summarized and infratribal groups defined. Most notably, the tribe is divided into two monophyletic subtribes: the Corynurina (new subtribe), containing the southern South American genera Corynura, Halictillus, Rhectomia, and Rhinocorynura; and the nominate subtribe, Augochlorina. Implications of the cladistic analysis on diversification in the Augochlorini and evolutionary patterns within the tribe are discussed. New distribution records are given for three species which extend the known ranges of their respective genera. Augochlora essequibensis is a new junior subjective synonym of A. nigrocyanea while A. cladopyga, A. seminigra, Augochlorella bidentata, Halictus caucasicus, H. cerasis, H. chrysaspis, H. myrrhites, H. simotes, and Pereirapis rhizophila are all new junior subjective synonyms of P. semiaurata. Megalopta intermedia, Augochlora nitidior, Augochlorella eusticta, Augochlorodes clementis, and Augochloropsis scabriceps are all recognized as nomina nuda. Vachalius cosmetor, from Colombia and Venezuela, is transferred to Neocorynurella while Corynura biciliata, from Costa Rica, is recognized as a species of Halictini and is transferred to the genus Lasioglossum (Evylaeus) (new combinations). Four fossil and recent species new to science are described as Augochlora (Electraugochlora) leptoloba (fossil), Augochlora (Oxystoglossella) rightmyerae (extant), Oligochlora (Soliapis) rozeni (fossil), and Pseudaugoehlora pulchra (extant).

ÿThe genus Chlerogella historically has been one of the most infrequently encountered lineages of augochlorine bees (Apoidea: Anthophila: Halictidae: Augochlorini). By 1993 only three species were described and less than 40 specimens were known of a group presumed to be species poor and of limited geographic scope. With their frequently elongate heads and characteristic habitus, species of the genus are quite distinctive, and although the available material of these rare bees has grown to only 165, the number of species and their broader distribution has expanded significantly. This volume completes a revision of the world?s species of Chlerogella, completing the large South American fauna (Part I, covering Central America, is available in ZooKeys 23). In total, the genus has grown from three species to 34 (27 are treated in the current work). Color photomicrographs, detailed descriptions, and keys are provided to permit identification of the currently known taxa and aid the future discovery of new species. Unfortunately, almost nothing is known of the biology of these fascinating bees and this work will hopefully aid the discovery and elucidation of their natural history.

What are the evolutionary mechanisms and ecological implications behind a pollinator choosing its favourite flower? Sixty-five million years of evolution has created the complex and integrated system which we see today and understanding the interactions involved is key to environmental sustainability. Examining pollination relationships from an evolutionary perspective, this book covers both botanical and zoological aspects. It addresses the puzzling question of co-speciation and co-evolution and the complexity of the relationships between plant and pollinator, the development of which is examined through the fossil record. Additional chapters are dedicated to the evolution of floral displays and signalling, as well as their role in pollination syndromes and the building of pollination networks. Wide-ranging in its coverage, it outlines current knowledge and complex emerging topics, demonstrating how advances in research methods are applied to pollination biology.

Because historical biogeography—the study of historical causes of biotic distributions—is a comparative science, one must draw on data from many different disciplines. This book brings together for the first time the results of studies on a variety of insect groups native to the islands of the Caribbean, and is intended as an early progress report on the use of insects in biogeographical research from this area. The Caribbean has been of great interest to zoogeographers because of its geologic position and history, and because the fauna is of limited diversity relative to mainland America. This limited diversity coupled with the accessibility of the islands has resulted in the Caribbean fauna being relatively well known compared to other Neotropical faunas. Intriguing questions include how and when the West Indian islands became populated, how the fauna and flora of the islands relate to those of the continents, and whether the Caribbean islands served as a dispersal corridor between the Americas. As the interpretation of biographic patterns and knowledge of earth history go hand in hand, this book appropriately opens with a chapter reviewing the geology of the Caribbean and its land masses, including various interpretations of plate tectonics. Eight specialists on six orders of insects then present from study sites in the Caribbean the results of their research on the biogeographic distribution and historical biogeography of their study animals. A final chapter puts into a concise framework the various methods by which taxonomists approach biogeography.

The most up-to-date and authoritative resource on the biology and evolution of solitary bees While social bees such as honey bees and bumble bees are familiar to most people, they comprise less than 10 percent of all bee species in the world. The vast majority of bees lead solitary lives, surviving without the help of a hive and using their own resources to fend off danger and protect their offspring. This book draws on new research to provide a comprehensive and authoritative overview of solitary bee biology, offering an unparalleled look at these remarkable insects. The Solitary Bees uses a modern phylogenetic framework to shed new light on the life histories and evolution of solitary bees. It explains the foraging behavior of solitary bees, their development, and competitive mating tactics. The book describes how they construct complex nests using an amazing variety of substrates and materials, and how solitary bees have co-opted beneficial mites, nematodes, and fungi to provide safe environments for their brood. It looks at how they have evolved intimate partnerships with flowering plants and examines their associations with predators, parasites, microbes, and other bees. This up-to-date synthesis of solitary bee biology is an essential resource for students and researchers, one that paves the way for future scholarship on the subject. Beautifully illustrated throughout, The Solitary Bees also documents the critical role solitary bees play as crop pollinators, and raises awareness of the dire threats they face, from habitat loss and climate change to pesticides, pathogens, parasites, and invasive species.

Insects are the most diverse group of organisms in the 3 billion-year history of life on Earth, and the most ecologically dominant animals on land. This book chronicles for the first time the complete evolutionary history of insects: their living diversity, relationships and 400 million years of fossils. Whereas other volumes have focused on either living species or fossils, this is the first comprehensive synthesis of all aspects of insect evolution. The book is illustrated with 955 photo- and electronmicrographs, drawings, diagrams, and field photos, many in full colour and virtually all of them original. The book will appeal to anyone engaged with insect diversity: professional entomologists and students, insect and fossil collectors, and naturalists.