Ericrocis lata (Cresson)

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 : 23

Ericrocis lata (Cresson)

Alexander and Rozen (1987) provided data on the number of ovarioles and oocytes of this species, which was then found to have an egg index of 0.77. Another specimen, whose mature oocytes are described here, had an egg index of 0.81, thus giving an average index of 0.79 for this species. Both specimens had an ovarian formula of 5:5.

DESCRIPTION OF MATURE OOCYTE (figs. 43, 44): Length 3.6 mm, maximum diameter approximately 0.6 mm; egg index 0.81 (medium). Shape approximately symmetrical along its moderately curved long axis, nearly parallel­sided; rounded at both ends; micropyle a cluster of pores at anterior pole (fig. 43). Chorion under SEM examination 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 with flat smooth surfaces (fig. 44); on incurved surface chorion spongy nodular with distinct polygonal borders only near micropyle (fig. 43).

MATERIAL STUDIED: One female, Arizona: Cochise Co., 1 mi. E Douglas, 8­V­1989 (J.G. Rozen).

REMARKS: See Remarks under Epiclopus gayi , above.