A new genus of halictine bees from Central America (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

Abstract

A new genus and species of halictine bees (Halictinae: Halictini: Mexalictina) is described and figured from a mid-elevation forest in northwestern Costa Rica. Meliamelitta vulcanus gen. and sp. n. is allied to Mexalictus Eickwort but differs in the structure of the labral basal elevation, the obtuse epistomal sulcus, the elongate mandibles, the pectinate inner metatibial spur, the unique pterostigma, and the sculpturing of the basal area of the propodeum, among other features. A key is appended to the genera and subgenera of Mesoamerican, Central American, and Caribbean Halictinae to facilitate the recognition of the genus.