Thistledown velvet ants in the Desert Mimicry Ring and the evolution of white coloration: Müllerian mimicry, camouflage and thermal ecology.

Adaptive coloration among animals is one of the most recognizable outcomes of natural selection. Here, we investigate evolutionary drivers of white coloration in velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae), which has previously been considered camouflage with the fruit of creosote bush (Larrea tridentata). Our analyses indicate instead that velvet ants evolved white coloration millions of years before creosote bush was widespread in North America's hot deserts. Furthermore, velvet ants and the creosote fruit exhibit different spectral reflectance patterns, which appear distinct to potential insectivorous predators. While the white coloration in velvet ants likely did not evolve as camouflage, we find that white-coloured species remain cooler than their red/orange relatives, and therefore we infer the white coloration likely evolved in response to Neogene desertification. This study shows the importance of cross-disciplinary investigation and of testing multiple hypotheses when investigating evolutionary drivers of adaptive coloration.

Molecular phylogeny of Pompilinae (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae): Evidence for rapid diversification and host shifts in spider wasps.

Pompilinae is one of the largest subfamilies of spider wasps (Pompilidae). Most pompilines are generalist spider predators at the family level, but some taxa exhibit ecological specificity (i.e., to spider-host guild). Here we present the first molecular phylogenetic analysis of Pompilinae, toward the aim of evaluating the monophyly of tribes and genera. We further test whether changes in the rate of diversification are associated with host-guild shifts. Molecular data were collected from five nuclear loci (28S, EF1-F2, LWRh, Wg, Pol2) for 76 taxa in 39 genera. Data were analyzed using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI). The phylogenetic results were compared with previous hypotheses of subfamilial and tribal classification, as well as generic relationships in the subfamily. The classification of Pompilus and Agenioideus is also discussed. A Bayesian relaxed molecular clock analysis was used to examine divergence times. Diversification rate-shift tests accounted for taxon-sampling bias using ML and BI approaches. Ancestral host family and host guild were reconstructed using MP and ML methods. Ancestral host guild for all Pompilinae, for the ancestor at the node where a diversification rate-shift was detected, and two more nodes back in time was inferred using BI. In the resulting phylogenies, Aporini was the only previously proposed monophyletic tribe. Several genera (e.g., Pompilus, Microphadnus and Schistonyx) are also not monophyletic. Dating analyses produced a well-supported chronogram consistent with topologies from BI and ML results. The BI ancestral host-use reconstruction inferred the use of spiders belonging to the guild "other hunters" (frequenting the ground and vegetation) as the ancestral state for Pompilinae. This guild had the highest probability for the ML reconstruction and was equivocal for the MP reconstruction; various switching events to other guilds occurred throughout the evolution of the group. The diversification of Pompilinae shows one main rate-shift coinciding with a shift to ground-hunter spiders, as reconstructed by the BI ancestral character-state analysis.

Twenty two years later: An updated checklist of Neotropical spider wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae).

Twenty two years after the first checklist of Neotropical Spider Wasps, a new list of genera and species is offered, including novelties in phylogeny and systematics, as well as reviews, synonyms and descriptions since the year 2000. Sixty three genera and 946 species of Pompilidae are listed.

Evolution of the courtship display of Melittobia (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae).

Melittobia, a polyphagous pupal parasitoid of many solitary bees and wasps, has a complex courtship display, the evolutionary history of which is poorly understood. The current phylogeny of this genus suggests the complexity of the courtship has increased over time. We test this hypothesis using Bayesian and Maximum likelihood techniques to construct a molecular phylogeny of Melittobia-the first for this genus using modern techniques--using two intergenic regions (Internal Transcribed Spacer regions 1 and 2) and Cytochrome Oxidase 1 (CO1), and reconstruct the ancestral state of each major node in the phylogeny for five behaviors coincidental to major shifts in display complexity. We show that species-groups identified solely on behavioral characters are reliable, although the relationships among groups are different than those previously hypothesized. We also show that behaviors traditionally used in the courtship studies do not support a hypothesis of increasing display complexity over time.

Evolution of the nocturnal Nearctic Sphaeropthalminae velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) driven by Neogene orogeny and Pleistocene glaciation.

The influence of historical climatic and geological changes on patterns of species diversification was investigated in a widely distributed group of North American nocturnal mutillids (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae: Sphaeropthalminae), with particular focus on Pleistocene glacial cycles and earlier patterns of Neogene mountain building. We collected molecular data from two nuclear intergenic regions (internal transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2; approximately 2600 bp in total) to produce the first phylogeny of nocturnal Nearctic mutillids. Bayesian inference of the combined data returned a well-resolved tree with posterior probabilities of over 95% for most nodes. This tree suggested the monophyly of the nocturnal, primarily Nearctic, Sphaeropthalminae genera, but the paraphyly of the three largest genera (Odontophotopsis, Photomorphus and Sphaeropthalma). Dates of species divergences were obtained using r8s (PL and NPRS) and BEAST with the date of Dominican amber set at three different dates (15 Ma, 20 Ma, and 45 Ma) to account for uncertainty in the fossil age. The derived dates ranged from the Pleistocene to the Middle Miocene, suggesting that both recent Pleistocene glaciation cycles and older orogenic events, albeit to a somewhat greater extent, were both causes of major diversification in western North America. Examination of other phylogeographical studies using North American desert taxa indicated that diversification patterns are explained by either mountain building or Pleistocene climate change, depending on the taxa in question.

Re-examination of Australian and Oriental species of Minagenia Banks, 1934 (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae), with a new record for the genus in Australia and a new species description.

The genus Minagenia Banks, 1934 is reported for the first time from Australia. A new species, M. lasallei Decker, Rodriguez Pitts, sp. nov. (Australia: from Queensland to Tasmania), is described and illustrated. A key to the four species from the Australasian and Oriental regions is given. Three species are removed from Asian Minagenia: granulosa Tsuneki, 1989, comb. nov., to the genus Priocnemis Schiødte, 1837; pempuchiensis Tsuneki, 1989, comb. nov., to the genus Nipponodipogon Ishikawa, 1965; and assimilis Smith, 1861, comb. nov., to the genus Dichragenia Haupt, 1950. Minagenia alticola Tsuneki, 1989 is a member of an undescribed genus. Placement of this species is maintained in Minagenia until the new genus can be described in a future work. Minagenia brevicornis (Banks, 1934) is redescribed.

Systematic revision of the North American velvet ant genus Invreiella Suárez (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) with description of eleven new species.

The velvet ant genus Invreiella Suárez, 1966 is redescribed and revised. Females are grouped into five species-groups, with eleven new species described based on females: I. acuminata Waldren, sp. nov., I. australis Waldren, sp. nov., I. bimaculata Waldren, sp. nov., I. breviclypeata Waldren, sp. nov., I. chihuahuensis Waldren, sp. nov., I. cuernavaca Waldren, sp. nov., I. erythrocephala Waldren, sp. nov., I. manleyi Waldren, sp. nov., I. mesomexicana Waldren, sp. nov., I. suarezi Waldren, sp. nov., and I. tequila Waldren, sp. nov. One new combination is included, I. cephalargia (Mickel, 1924), comb. nov., formerly placed in Pseudomethoca Ashmead, 1896. Additionally, I. curoei Quintero Cambra, 2011 is synonymized with I. cardinalis (Gerstaecker, 1874), syn. nov., and I. megacantha (Cockerell Casad, 1894), stat. resurr., is treated as a nomen dubium. The lectotype of Mutilla satrapa Gerstaecker, 1874 originally designated by C. Mickel is here validated. An illustrated key to species is included.

Addition to the taxonomic and distribution records of Abernessia Arlé (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae).

Species of spider wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) are diverse in the tropical regions. The Neotropical genus Abernessia Arlé, 1947 was described from São Paulo and later found in Espírito Santo, Bahia and Minas Gerais, Brazil. Herein, we establish a neotype for the type-species A. irmgardae Arlé, discuss the previous distribution records of Abernessia in South America, add new records for Brazil, and expand the recorded distribution to San Pedro, Paraguay. The male of Abernessia giga is described and illustrated. Finally, an updated key to species known from males is provided.

New and unusual host records for North American and South American spider wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae).

New and unusual host records for 133 species and subspecies of Pompilidae predominantly from the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America are presented in modified taxonomic order. First-time species host records are given for Calopompilus Ashmead, Pepsis Fabricius, Hemipepsis Dahlbom, Priocnessus Banks, Entypus Dahlbom, Pompilocalus Roig-Alsina, Sphictostethus Kohl, Auplopus Spinola, Ageniella Banks, Eragenia Banks, Aporus Spinola, Poecilopompilus Ashmead, Tachypompilus Ashmead, Anoplius Dufour, Priochilus (Fabricius) and Notocyphus Smith. New host spider families are introduced for Calopompilus, Pepsis, Hemipepsis, Priocnessus, Entypus, Cryptocheilus Panzer, Priocnemis Schiødte, Auplopus, Ageniella, Eragenia, Aporus, Tachypompilus, Anoplius, Priochilus and Notocyphus. Eight host spider families are reported from the Western Hemisphere for the first time: Halonoproctidae (Notocyphus dorsalis dorsalis Cresson); Dipluridae (Pepsis pretiosa Dahlbom, P. montezuma Smith, P. infuscate Spinola, P. atripennis Fabricius, P. martini Vardy, Priocnessus vancei Waichert and Pitts); Nemesiidae (Pepsis pallidolimbata Lucas, P. viridis Lepeletier, P. spp., Pompilocalus hirticeps (Guérin), Sphictostethus gravesii (Haliday), S. striatulus Roig-Alsina, Priocnemis oregona Banks); Barychelidae (Eragenia sp.); Paratropididae (Pepsis stella Montet); Trechaleidae (Hemipepsis toussainti (Banks), Entypus unifasciatus cressoni (Banks), Tachypompilus ferrugineus (Say), Tachypompilus unicolor cerinus Evans, Priochilus gloriosum (Cresson); Desidae (Ageniella accepta (Cresson), Sphictostethus isodontus Roig-Alsina) and Selenopidae (Priochilus scrupulum (Fox), Tachypompilus erubescens (Taschenberg) or xanthopterus (Rohwer)). The first known host records for the rare South American pompilid genera Chirodamus (Lycosidae: Lycosa sp.) and Herbstellus (Nemesiidae: Diplothelopsis cf bonariensis Mello-Leitão) are presented.

Redescription of Neanoplius Banks (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae).

Neanoplius Banks, 1947 is a monotypic genus of Neotropical spider wasp. It has been ignored in taxonomic works since its description. We redescribe the genus and type species, provide illustrations, provide additional characters to help separate it from other closely related genera, and provide a discussion of probable evolutionary relationships of this interesting genus.

Review of the genus Lomachaeta Mickel, 1936 (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) with new species and sex associations.

New species and sex associations are proposed in the genus Lomachaeta Mickel, 1936. Six new species are described: Lomachaeta calamondin Williams, L. eironeia Williams, L. juanita Williams, L. meloi Williams, L. osita Williams, and L. warneri Williams. The previously unknown females of five species are described: L. beadugrimi (Pitts Manley, 2004); L. chionothrix Pitts Manley, 2004; L. hedera Williams Pitts, 2009; L. hyphantria Pitts Manley, 2004; and L. vacamuerta Williams Pitts, 2009. The previously unknown male of L. vianai Casal, 1969 is described and L. megomicron Williams Pitts, 2009 is placed as its synonym. Various new country and state records are presented. New keys and habitus pictures for all the 24 known species are provided.

Revision of the bee group Anthophora (Micranthophora) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), with notes on potential conservation concerns and a molecular phylogeny of the genus.

Anthophora (Micranthophora) comprises the largest subgenus of Anthophora in the Western Hemisphere, with 26 species. Though previously synonymized with the Anthophora (Heliophila), A. (Micranthophora) is here confirmed as a subgenus, morphological and multi-gene molecular phylogenetic evidence refute this and the synonymy of A. (Micranthophora) to A. (Heliophila) is formally rejected. Characters for (Micranthophora) are given and a key to species is provided. Seven new species are described: Anthophora (Micranthophora) caudata Orr, sp. nov.; Anthophora (Micranthophora) chihuahua Orr, sp. nov.; Anthophora (Micranthophora) escalante Orr, sp. nov.; Anthophora (Micranthophora) parkeri Orr, sp. nov.; Anthophora (Micranthophora) rara Orr, sp. nov.; Anthophora (Micranthophora) striata Orr, sp. nov.; and Anthophora (Micranthophora) timberlakei Orr, sp. nov. Further, four new synonyms are enacted: A. arthuri and A. flexipes to A. albata, A. nigritula to A. exigua, and A. xanthochlora to A. pachyodonta. Distributional and phenological data, as well as known details of nesting biology and floral specialization, are provided. Future research directions and species of potential conservation interest are also discussed.

Stinging wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata), which species have the longest sting?

The stings of bees, wasps, and ants are something that catches the attention of anyone that experiences them. While many recent studies have focused on the pain inflicted by the stings of various stinging wasps, bees, or ants (Hymenoptera: Aculeata), little is known about how the length of the sting itself varies between species. Here, we investigate the sting length of a variety of aculeate wasps, and compare that to reported pain and toxicity values. We find that velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) have the longest sting compared to their body size out of any bee, wasp, or ant species. We also find that there is no link between relative sting length and pain; however, we did find an inverse relationship between relative sting length and toxicity with taxa having shorter relative stings being more toxic. While we found a significant relationship between host use and relative sting length, we suggest that the long sting length of the velvet ants is also related to their suite of defenses to avoid predation.

Phylogeny and population genetic analyses reveals cryptic speciation in the Bombus fervidus species complex (Hymenoptera: Apidae).

Bumble bees (Bombus Latrielle) are significant pollinators of flowering plants due to their large body size, abundant setae, and generalist foraging strategies. However, shared setal coloration patterns among closely and distantly related bumble bee species makes identification notoriously difficult. The advent of molecular genetic techniques has increased our understanding of bumble bee evolution and taxonomy, and enables effective conservation policy and management. Individuals belonging to the North American Bombus fervidus species-complex (SC) are homogenous in body structure but exhibit significant body color phenotype variation across their geographic distribution. Given the uncertainty of the genealogical boundaries within the SC, some authors have synonymized all members of the B. fervidus SC within a single taxon, while others propose an alternative two taxa hypothesis. Operating under the phylogenetic species concept, our analysis supports the hypothesis that there are two independent lineages of bumble bees within the B. fervidus SC. With the current evidence, however, it is not possible to assign valid names to either of them, because both lineages include the color phenotypes found in the original species descriptions of B. fervidus and B. californicus. Cryptic speciation does not seem to be the product of Müllerian mimicry between the clades, because diverging coloration patterns are observed when the distribution of the clades overlaps. Furthermore, within each lineage there is evidence for strong population differentiation that is correlated with geographic distribution rather than color phenotype. In our study, we demonstrate the importance of obtaining a broad sample of multiple populations when conducting lower-level phylogenetic analyses. In addition to improving our knowledge of bumble bee diversification patterns, characterizing the evolutionary history of these pollinators provides the foundation needed to guide contemporary conservation assessments and management strategies.

Taxonomic contributions to Ageniella Banks, 1912 (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) from Brazil.

Ageniella Banks is the second most diverse genus in the tribe Ageniellini (Pompilidae: Pepsinae) with about 200 valid names. Ageniella is known to be paraphyletic; yet, no revision has been made. Lack of a taxonomic catalogue and of identification keys has further delayed taxonomic studies. Additionally, many of the currently valid names should be treated as synonyms. This present study is the first attempt to organize the species of Ageniella, focusing on the species occurring in Brazil. A total of six subgenera and 40 species of Ageniella occur in Brazil. Of these, 25 species are endemic to Brazil. The new synonyms are proposed for (valid names are first): Alasagenia Banks, 1944 =Lissagenia Banks, 1946, syn. nov.; Ageniella (Alasagenia) erichsoni Banks, 1944 =Priophanes major Banks, 1945, syn. nov.; Ageniella (Ameragenia) zeteki (Banks, 1925) =Priophanes marcida Banks, 1946, syn. nov.; Ageniella (Ameragenia) agitata (Smith, 1873), comb. nov. =Salius (Priocnemis) setaceicornis Fox, 1897, syn. nov.; Ageniella (Ameragenia) sanguinolenta (Smith, 1864) =Agenia ruficeps Smith, 1864, syn. nov.; =Ageniella alternata Banks, 1946, syn. nov.; Ageniella (Priophanes) dolorosa (Banks, 1946), comb. nov. =Priophanes plagosa Banks, 1946, syn. nov.; Ageniella (Ameragenia) fabricii (Banks, 1944) =Ameragenia notabilis Banks, 1946, syn. nov. A new combination is proposed for: Ageniella (Alasagenia) cursor (Smith, 1873), comb. nov. (from Agenia Schiødte); Ageniella (Ameragenia) clypeata (Fox, 1897), comb. nov. (from Salius Fabricius), Ageniella (Ameragenia) rutila (Fox, 1897), comb. nov. (from Salius), Ageniella (Priophanes) tegularis (Fox, 1897), comb. nov. (from Salius), Ageniella (Priophanes) rufitarsis (Fox, 1897), comb. nov. (from Salius), Ageniella (Ameragenia) citricornis (Fox, 1897), comb. nov. (from Salius), Ageniella (Ameragenia) serrula (Fox, 1897), comb. nov. (from Salius), Ageniella (Priophanes) cingulata (Fox, 1897), comb. nov. (from Agenia). A new name Ageniella (Ameragenia) banksii Waichert, nom. nov. is proposed for Ameragenia festina Banks, 1946, secondary homonym of Ageniella festina Banks, 1917, and Ageniella (Priophanes) otiosa is reinstate, stat. resurr.

The geological record and phylogeny of spider wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae): A revision of fossil species and their phylogenetic placement.

Accurate fossil identification has become increasingly relevant with the widespread use of phylogenetic divergence time estimation methods, which rely on fossil data to determine clade hard-minimum ages. Here we revise, diagnose and illustrate known spider wasp (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) fossil species and place them within the latest Pompilidae phylogenetic hypothesis. Ceropalites infelix Cockerell, from the Florissant Fossil Beds (Priabonian), is no longer recognized as Pompilidae, but as Aulacidae. Agenioideus saxigenus (Cockerell) comb. nov., Deuteragenia wettweri (Statz) comb. nov., Caputelus scudderi (Cockerell, 1906) comb. nov., Pepsinites avitula (Cockerell, 1941) comb. nov., Pepsinites contentus (Theobald, 1937) comb. nov., Pepsinites florissantensis (Cockerell, 1906) comb. nov., Pepsinites laminarum (Rohwer, 1909) comb. nov., Pepsinites scelerosus (Meunier, 1919) comb. nov., Pepsinites cockerellae (Rohwer, 1909) comb. nov., Pompilinites coquandi (Theobald, 1937) comb. nov., Pompilinites depressus (Statz, 1936) comb. nov., Pompilites incertus (Theobald, 1937) comb. nov., Pompilites induratus (Heer, 1849) comb. nov., Pompilites fasciatus (Theobald, 1937) comb. nov., and Pompilites senex comb. nov. are new combinations. Twenty-three fossil species of spider wasps are now recognized in 13 genera. Four new genera are proposed: Caputelus Waichert & Pitts gen. nov., Pompilites Rodriguez gen. nov., Pompilinites Rodriguez & Waichert gen. nov., and Pepsinites Rodriguez & Waichert gen. nov., of which the three latter are collective-group names for fossils with taxonomic uncertainty. One species of fossil spider wasp is described: Deuteragenia catalunyia Rodriguez, Waichert & Pitts sp. nov., from the Bellver deposits in Catalonia, Spain. Five of the 23 known species can be used to determine hard-minimum age for calibrations of genera stem-groups (Agenioideus, Anoplius, Cryptocheilus, Deuteragenia, Priocnemis). The fossil belonging to the stem-group of the tribe Ageniellini (Chubutholites) is not recommended for calibration because of the high uncertainty in its age and taxonomy. The remaining taxa can be assigned to the lineage comprising Pompilinae + Pepsinae (12 species) or crown-group Pompilidae (four species).

More new records of spider wasps from Colombia (Hymenoptera, Pompilidae).

Aporinellus Banks, Austrochares Banks and Dicranoplius Haupt are new generic records for Colombia, as well as the species Dipogon ariel Banks, Evagetes peruana Banks, and Euplaniceps notabilis (Smith). Five new combinations are formally endorsed: Aimatocare argentinica (Banks), comb. n.; Aimatocare longula (Banks), comb. n.; Aimatocare imitator (Evans), comb. n.; Aimatocare impensa (Evans), comb. n.; Aimatocare vitrea (Fox), comb. n. Although these names have been used in Pompilidae, no formal nomenclatural act had been proposed. The presence of Chirodamus paramicola Roig-Alsina, previously reported with uncertainty, is confirmed. Finally, a new combination for Euplaniceps notabilis (Smith), comb. n. is proposed based on molecular phylogenetics and morphological data. The Colombian fauna of Pompilidae sums up to 38 genera and approximately 150 species.

Spatial-temporal dynamics of neotropical velvet ant (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) communities along a forest-savanna gradient.

Understanding how and why biological communities are organized over space and time is a major challenge and can aid biodiversity conservation in times of global changes. Herein, spatial-temporal variation in the structure of velvet ant communities was examined along a forest-savanna gradient in the Brazilian Cerrado to assess the roles of environmental filters and interspecific interactions upon community assembly. Velvet ants were sampled using 25 arrays of Y-shaped pitfall traps with drift fences for one year along an environmental gradient from cerrado sensu stricto (open canopy, warmer, drier) to cerradão (closed canopy, cooler, moister). Dataloggers installed on each trap recorded microclimate parameters throughout the study period. The effects of spatial distances, microclimate parameters and shared ancestry on species abundances and turnover were assessed with canonical correspondence analysis, generalized dissimilarity modelling and variance components analysis. Velvet ant diversity and abundance were higher in the cerrado sensu stricto and early in the wet season. There was pronounced compositional turnover along the environmental gradient, and temporal variation in richness and abundance was stronger than spatial variation. The dry season blooming of woody plant species fosters host abundance and, subsequently, velvet ant captures. Species were taxonomically clustered along the gradient with Sphaeropthalmina (especially Traumatomutilla spp.) and Pseudomethocina more associated, respectively, with cerrado sensu stricto and cerradão. This suggests a predominant role of environmental filters on community assemble, with physiological tolerances and host preferences being shared among members of the same lineages. Induced environmental changes in Cerrado can impact communities of wasps and their hosts with unpredictable consequences upon ecosystem functioning and services.

Phylogenomic Insights into the Evolution of Stinging Wasps and the Origins of Ants and Bees.

The stinging wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) are an extremely diverse lineage of hymenopteran insects, encompassing over 70,000 described species and a diversity of life history traits, including ectoparasitism, cleptoparasitism, predation, pollen feeding (bees [Anthophila] and Masarinae), and eusociality (social vespid wasps, ants, and some bees) [1]. The most well-studied lineages of Aculeata are the ants, which are ecologically dominant in most terrestrial ecosystems [2], and the bees, the most important lineage of angiosperm-pollinating insects [3]. Establishing the phylogenetic affinities of ants and bees helps us understand and reconstruct patterns of social evolution as well as fully appreciate the biological implications of the switch from carnivory to pollen feeding (pollenivory). Despite recent advancements in aculeate phylogeny [4-11], considerable uncertainty remains regarding higher-level relationships within Aculeata, including the phylogenetic affinities of ants and bees [5-7]. We used ultraconserved element (UCE) phylogenomics [7, 12] to resolve relationships among stinging-wasp families, gathering sequence data from >800 UCE loci and 187 samples, including 30 out of 31 aculeate families. We analyzed the 187-taxon dataset using multiple analytical approaches, and we evaluated several alternative taxon sets. We also tested alternative hypotheses for the phylogenetic positions of ants and bees. Our results present a highly supported phylogeny of the stinging wasps. Most importantly, we find unequivocal evidence that ants are the sister group to bees+apoid wasps (Apoidea) and that bees are nested within a paraphyletic Crabronidae. We also demonstrate that taxon choice can fundamentally impact tree topology and clade support in phylogenomic inference.

Association of the female of Perdita (Xeromacrotera) cephalotes (Cresson), and a replacement name for Perdita bohartorum Parker (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae).

The monotypic Perdita subgenus Xeromacrotera Timberlake is currently known only from the male sex. Here, the female of Perdita (Xeromacrotera) cephalotes (Cresson, 1878) is associated, resulting in two new junior synonyms of P. (X.) cephalotes: Perdita (Procockerellia) excellens Timberlake, 1958, new synonym and Perdita (Cockerellia) autumnalis Timberlake, 1977, new synonym. The true number of maxillary palpi are reported, and updated subgeneric and species diagnoses are provided. In addition, Perdita boharti Portman & Griswold, new name, is designated as a replacement name for the primary junior homonym P. bohartorum Parker, 1983 (not P. bohartorum Timberlake, 1956) and is assigned to the related subgenus Cockerellia Ashmead.