The leucografa species group of Megachile (Chrysosarus) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

Abstract

The study contributes to the knowledge of the morphological diversity within the Chrysosarus lineage, one of the largest subgenera of Megachile in the Neotropics. The species of the leucografa group share characteristics with other groups of Megachile that have been placed until recently in different subgenera, such as Dactylomegachile Mitchell and Chrysosarus Michell. Species included are Megachile leucografa Friese, M. obscurior Jörgensen and M. rancaguensis Friese. The last two species have not been properly recognised since their description early in the twentieth century. Diagnoses, redescriptions, study of type material, distributions and illustrations are presented.