Sphecodopsis minutissima (Cockerell, 1933)

Pöllein, Daniela & Kuhlmann, Michael, 2025, Taxonomic revision of the southern African bee genus Sphecodopsis Bischoff, 1923 (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Nomadinae), European Journal of Taxonomy 980, pp. 1-157 : 140-141

Sphecodopsis minutissima (Cockerell, 1933)

Fig. 108

Morgania (Omachthes) minutissima Cockerell, 1933a: 379 , holotype ♀ (type locality: Aliwal North, South Africa) (NHML) examined.

Morgania (Pseudopasitess) rufula Cockerell, 1933a: 382–383 , holotype ♀ (type locality: 38 miles E of Ceres, South Africa) (NHML) examined.

Diagnosis

The female of S. minutissima can be separated from that of all other species of the genus by the combination of the following characters: S6 bifid posteriorly, apical notch about as long as its apical width ( Fig. 108E); Metasoma partially red ( Fig. 108B); fore tibia and tarsi completely or largely red ( Fig. 108A); Head only slightly wider than long, vertex conspicuously raised and rounded ( Fig. 108C). Males were not available for study (see Eardley & Brothers 1997).

This characteristic species was described in detail by Eardley & Brothers (1997). Thus, to facilitate the identification only images are provided ( Fig. 108) without repeating the description.

Additional material examined

None.

Distribution

Only known from the type localities in central South Africa ( Eardley & Brothers 1997).

Host bees

Unknown.

Seasonal activity

November–January ( Eardley & Brothers 1997).

Comment

The additional specimens mentioned by Eardley & Brothers (1997) are misidentifications and represent other species.