A new subgenus of Heterotrigona from New Guinea (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract

A new subgenus is established within the Indomalayan stingless bee genus Heterotrigona Schwarz (Meliponini).  Sahulotrigona Engel & Rasmussen, new subgenus, is distinguished from amongst other Heterotrigona, particularly the subgenus Platytrigona Moure, within which one of the two included species was previously placed.  The subgenus presently includes two species from New Guinea: Heterotrigona (Sahulotrigona) paradisaea Engel & Rasmussen, new species, and H. (S.) atricornis (Smith), new combination.  A key to the subgenera of Heterotrigona is provided and the species are tabulated, resulting in the following new combinations: Heterotrigona (Platytrigona) flaviventris (Friese), H. (P.) hobbyi (Schwarz), H. (P.) keyensis (Friese), H. (P.) lamingtonia (Cockerell), H. (P.) planifrons (Smith), H. (Sundatrigona) lieftincki (Sakagami & Inoue), and H. (Su.) moorei (Schwarz).  The stingless bees of Papuasia are briefly summarized, and a key is presented to the genera and subgenera of Paupasian Meliponini.