Notes on Euglossini (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Apinae) of Costa Rica: Identification key for genus Eulaema Lepeletier, 1841 and Exaerete hoffmannsegg, 1817

Authors: Sánchez-Ocampo M*

DOI: 10.23880/izab-16000516

Volume 6, Issue 5

Abstract

Within the Euglossini tribe we find the Exaerete genus, a group of cuckoo bees which attacks Eulaema and Eufriesea hives. In Costa Rica, the interspecific associations of paracitism in bees have been little studied, so the exact association between paracitous and paracitous taxa is unknown. Eulaema bees are popularly known as bumblebees just like Bombus, and their resemblance to some Eufriesea makes it difficult to identify them in the field, likewise the species of cuckoo bees are very similar, for which an identification key is presented for the bees of the genera Eulaema and Exaerete. The size, coloration and venation of the wings of these bees can be very important when identifying them in the field, so it is concluded that they are the most appropriate diagnostic traits for identification in the field.

Keywords: Hymenoptera; Cucu Bees; Identification Key; Orchid Bees

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