Bee species newly recorded for the Moroccan fauna, including two new species of Ammobatoides and Thyreus (Hymenoptera: Anthophila)

Abstract

Summary Morocco has a large and species-rich bee fauna, but due to its large size and diversity of habitats, it remains understudied. Expeditions during 2022 discovered 16 new species for the country, including several very rarely collected or poorly studied taxa. The female of Thyreus mauretaniensis (Strand, 1911) is described for the first time, and Melitturga (Australomelitturga) rubricata Morice, 1916 is rediscovered and confirmed as a valid species; a female specimen is designated as a neotype for this taxon. Additionally, two new species of brood parasitic bees were discovered: Ammobatoides schwarzi n. sp. is described from southern Morocco where it is probably the parasite of Melitturga (Australomelitturga) albescens Pérez, 1895, and Thyreus rasmonti n. sp. is described from south-western Morocco where it likely parasitises Anthophora (Paramegilla) species. Lasioglossum (Evylaeus) marginatum (Brullé, 1832) is confirmed as present in Morocco in the Middle Atlas. Additional data are presented on the ecology and taxonomy of poorly known species. These findings further emphasise the understudied nature of both the Moroccan and broader North African bee fauna.