Perdita octomaculata

(Say, 1824)

eight-spotted miner bee, eight-spotted perdita, eight-spotted fairy bee

Perdita octomaculata is a small solitary mining bee in the Andrenidae. The was originally described as Panurgus octomaculatus by Thomas Say in 1824. It is one of approximately 700 species in the Perdita, which represents one of the most diverse genera in North America. The specific epithet 'octomaculata' refers to eight spots, likely describing a distinctive marking pattern on the body.

Perdita octomaculata by (c) Amy Schnebelin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Amy Schnebelin. Used under a CC-BY license.

Perdita octomaculata by no rights reserved, uploaded by Glenn Berry. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Perdita octomaculata: //pɛrˈdiːtə ˌɒktəʊˌmækjʊˈleɪtə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The can be distinguished from other Perdita by the eight-spotted pattern referenced in its name. As with other members of the , it is small-bodied compared to many other . The two recognized —P. o. octomaculata and P. o. terminata—may show geographic variation in spot patterns and other morphological features.

Images

Distribution

North America. Records include the northeastern United States, specifically Vermont.

Similar Taxa

Perdita minimaAnother extremely small Perdita , but P. minima is noted as the smallest known (approximately 2mm) and lacks the distinctive eight-spotted pattern.
Other Perdita speciesThe Perdita contains approximately 700 in North America; most are distinguished by subtle differences in integumental coloration, punctation patterns, and male genitalia.

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Perdita octomaculata octomaculata and Perdita octomaculata terminata Cockerell, 1922-28.

Taxonomic history

Originally described in the Panurgus by Thomas Say in 1824, later transferred to Perdita.