The propodeal corbicula of Andrena proxima and allied species (hymenoptera, andrenidae)

Abstract

In the present study the external morphology of the lateral surface of the propodeum of females of Andrena proxima and A. alutacea - which is possibly a synonym of the former - is investigated by light- and scanning electron microscopy. Two different hair types and characteristic star-shaped structures of the cuticle at the bases of hairs in the central region of the lateral surface of the propodeum are described. Between the two taxonomic forms no differences could be found. Both, the different hair types as well as the star-shaped structures of the cuticle are possibly used for retention of the collected pollen. The described structures are probably autapomorphic characters which justify A. proxima-group as a separate species group not included in the subgenus Micrandrena as Warncke did.