Amegilla pulchra

Tilcayo Cats original · Amegilla · Sources and editorial assessment · Originals retention rule

Amegilla pulchra is a pale-banded bee found mainly east of the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales and Queensland. It is also recorded from Fiji, where genetic comparisons suggest that it was introduced. It belongs to the genus Amegilla.

Identification

Its face has ivory-coloured marks, and the abdomen has pale blue or white hair bands. Unlike those of A. murrayensis, the bands do not broaden at the sides in the same way. Females have a broad oval patch of white hair near the abdominal tip and a dark streak along at least half the hind tibia. Colour and hair patterns vary, making careful comparison necessary.

Distribution

The 2017 revision's Australian records are concentrated on the coastal side of the Great Dividing Range. Specimens from Fiji had mitochondrial variants matching those from the Brisbane area. The authors regarded an introduction as probable, rather than claiming that the genetic match established a precise arrival date or transport route.

Taxonomic history

Smith described the species in 1854. The 2017 revision placed several later names under it, including A. holmesi, A. parapulchra, A. salteri, A. townleyella, A. shafferyella and A. wallaciella. The revisers also identified a problem with a supposed historical female type: it appeared to be a different, non-Australian species with a mistaken locality label. They designated a male as the lectotype, fixing which specimen anchors the name.