A new fossil bee from the Oligo-Miocene Dominican amber (Hymenoptera:Halictidae)

Abstract

A new species of fossil bee, Oligochlora grimaldii n.sp. is described and figured. The specimen is preserved in Oligo-Miocene amber from the Dominican Republic. The genus Oligochlora is not represented among the modern fauna and was originally based on two species, also from Dominican amber inclusions. O grimaldii generally agrees with the original generic definition except in the structure of the pronotal lateral angle which is slightly acute. A revised diagnosis for the genus is given in order to accommodate this specimen and a key is presented to its included species.