Halictus (Platyhalictus) constantinensis Strand, 1910

Halictus (Platyhalictus) constantinensis Strand, 1910 was previously included in the European checklist. While the species is widespread across Morocco and Algeria, its presence in Europe remains contentious. In 1923, Blüthgen suggested, based on personal observations, that this species could be found not only in North Africa but also in the Greek islands and Apulia, Italy, although no specific locality or supporting geographical data were provided (Blüthgen 1923). In 1944, another specimen of H. constantinensis was reportedly identified in Taormina, Italy, likely by Blüthgen, but this attribution remains uncertain. In fact, Giordani Soika (1944) mentions Blüthgen’s assistance in identifying certain specimens but does not specify which ones were identified by Blüthgen or himself. Consequently, it remains unclear whether the identification of Halictus constantinensis was indeed made by Blüthgen. Due to the absence of verifiable data and any subsequent observations in Europe, it is now recommended that this species be excluded from the European checklist. It is plausible that Blüthgen’s identifications were mistaken, as species closely resembling H. constantinensis, such as Halictus alfkenellus Strand, 1909 and Halictus mediterranellus Strand, 1909 or Halictus gruenwaldti Ebmer, 1975, which does not belong to the same subgenus but is morphologically close, leading to possible misidentifications.

Distribution. Algeria, Morocco (Ebmer 1985).