Perdita punctosignata

Cockerell, 1895

Perdita punctosignata is a of mining in the , first described by Cockerell in 1895. It is one of approximately 800 described species in the Perdita, which comprises small, solitary bees to North America. The species is known to occur in both Central America and North America, with three recognized distinguished primarily by coloration. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a , though specific associations remain undocumented.

Perdita punctosignata sulphurea by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Perdita punctosignata: //pɛrˈdiːtə pʌŋktoʊsɪɡˈneɪtə//

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Identification

Identification to level requires examination of microscopic characters, including and punctation patterns on the . The specific epithet 'punctosignata' refers to distinctive markings. Three are recognized based on color variation: the nominate form, P. p. flava (described as yellowish), and P. p. sulphurea (sulfur-). Distinguishing Perdita punctosignata from requires reference to Timberlake's taxonomic revisions and comparison of male genitalia and facial markings.

Images

Distribution

Recorded from Central America and North America. Specific country records are sparse in available sources.

Similar Taxa

Other Perdita speciesThe Perdita contains approximately 800 , many of which are morphologically similar small mining . Distinguishing P. punctosignata requires detailed examination of punctation patterns, facial markings, and male as described in Timberlake's revisions.

More Details

Subspecies

Three are recognized: Perdita punctosignata punctosignata (nominate form), P. p. flava Timberlake, 1964, and P. p. sulphurea Timberlake, 1964. These were described by Timberlake based on color variation.

Taxonomic history

The was first described by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1895. P.H. Timberlake provided subsequent taxonomic treatment, describing the two additional in 1964.