Annotated checklist of the megachilid bees of Corsica (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae)

Abstract

Corsica stands as one of the largest Mediterranean Islands and has been the exploration ground for renowned entomologists like Charles Ferton. However, no synthesis on Corsican bees has been published so far. To fill this gap in knowledge, we propose an overview of the megachilid bee fauna of the island based on fieldwork, a thorough examination of material housed at the Museum national d'Histoire naturelle (MNHN, Paris), data compilation from various collections and a comprehensive review of existing literature. We reviewed 5,886 specimens and we extracted 279 additional data from literature sources. These data confirm the presence in Corsica of 91 species of which two are endemic, including Hoplitis corsaria (Warncke, 1991) which is elevated to species rank stat. nov. One new synonymy is established: Megachile lucidifrons Ferton, syn. nov. of Megachile albocristata Smith, 1853. The presence in Corsica of 19 species is regarded as dubious or erroneous. Finally, the types of Megachilid bees housed at MNHN and described based on Corsican material are illustrated. Lectotypes are designated for Megachile sicula var. corsica Benoist, 1935, Osmia corsica Ferton, 1901, Osmia erythrogastra Ferton, 1905, Osmia lanosa Perez, 1879, and Osmia lineola Perez, 1895.