Epiclopus gayi Spinola

ROZEN, JEROME G., 2003, Eggs, Ovariole Numbers, and Modes of Parasitism of Cleptoparasitic Bees, with Emphasis on Neotropical Species (Hymenoptera: Apoidea), American Museum Novitates 3413, pp. 1-36 : 20-23

Epiclopus gayi Spinola

The ovarian formula of this species is 5:5, like that reported for Ericrosis lata (Cresson) in table 1. These two species are the only cleptoparasites other than the Nomadinae reported to have more than the plesiomorphic number of ovarioles for their family.

DESCRIPTION OF MATURE OOCYTE (figs. 29, 37–42): Length 4.0– 4.05 mm, maximum diameter 0.68 mm; egg index 0.74 (small). Shape approximately symmetrical along its moderately curved long axis, nearly parallelsided; rounded at both ends; micropyle consisting of tight cluster of pores directed toward outcurved surface at anterior end (figs. 37, 38). Chorion dull, with microscopic sculpturing as seen through stereomicroscope; as seen through SEM, chorion with strong polygonal pattern defined by incised borders anteriorly and on outcurved surface; adjacent to micropylar cluster on outcurved surface, polygons elongate, directed toward cluster; on outcurved surface polygons persist with flat smooth surfaces (figs. 39, 40); on incurved surface chorion nodular and quickly losing incised borders (figs. 39, 41).

MATERIAL STUDIED: One female, Chile, Limari Prov., Parque Nacional Fray Jorge, 21­ X­2001 (J.G. Rozen, A. Ugarte, C. Espin a) .

REMARKS: A noteworthy feature of the oocytes of this species is the difference in the microstructure of the chorion on the outcurved side compared to the incurved side. The smooth tilelike polygons of the outcurved surface contrast with the spongy nodular incurved surface. Although not found in Mesoplia rufipes , this feature is shared with Ericrocis lata , below. The egg deposition habits of both species should be investigated to ascertain a possible adaptive explanation that might account for this shift in microstructure from one surface of the egg to the other.