Zikanapis elegans

(Timberlake, 1965)

Zikanapis elegans is a of plasterer bee in the Colletidae, originally described as Caupolicana elegans by Timberlake in 1965. It belongs to a of solitary bees found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other colletid bees, it likely nests in the ground and lines its with a cellophane-like secretion. The species is poorly known, with limited observational records.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zikanapis elegans: //ziː.kəˈneɪ.pɪs ˈɛl.ɪ.ɡənz//

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Identification

Zikanapis elegans can be distinguished from other Zikanapis by subtle morphological features described in the original 1965 description. The Zikanapis contains multiple western North American species that require expert examination for reliable identification. Separation from the related genus Caupolicana and other Diphaglossinae genera depends on detailed characters of the mouthparts, wing venation, and male genitalia.

Distribution

Recorded from Arizona, United States and Mexico.

Similar Taxa

CaupolicanaHistorically confused taxonomically; Zikanapis was separated from Caupolicana based on detailed morphological studies. Both belong to tribe Caupolicanini and share similar general appearance and nesting habits.
Other Zikanapis speciesMultiple occur in the same geographic region; -level identification requires examination of subtle structural characters and reference to original descriptions.

More Details

Taxonomic history

This was originally described by Timberlake in 1965 under the name Caupolicana elegans. It was later transferred to the Zikanapis, which was established to accommodate species previously placed in Caupolicana that differ in specific morphological characters. The genus name honors the Brazilian entomologist Jesus Santiago Moure, whose nickname was Zika.