Euaspis polynesia Vachal, 1903 (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Megachilidae): A New Addition to Bee Fauna of India with Comments on Natural History

Abstract

The genus Euaspis is known by three species from India viz. Euaspis carbonaria, Euaspis edentata, and Euaspis strandi. The present study reports on the occurrence of Euaspis polynesia Vachal, 1903 in India for the first time. The species has been recorded during a bee survey in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh, a high-altitude biodiversity hotspot region. Besides, this report also establishes the first record of the genus from the State. Diagnostic characters for taxonomic identification have been discussed with genitalia images. We present a summary and discussion regarding the floral associations and notes on the updated geographic distribution range of the four species of the genus Euaspis within India.