Non-Apis bees of family Apidae (Hymenoptera) from Potohar region of Pakistan

Abstract

To explore non-apis bees fauna of Potohar region, consecutive surveys for three years (2011 to 2013) were conducted in various localities of five Potohar districts. Out of 1578 collected non-apis bees, 15 species were found. Ten (10) species under two subfamilies Apinae and Xylocopinae are new records to the fauna of Potohar, Pakistan, namely Anthophora (Zonamegilla) niveocincta, Anthophora (Melea) pulcherima, Anthophora (Glossamegilla) insularis, Anthophora (Zonamegilla) zonata, Bombus (Megabombus) trifasciatus and Ancyloscelis sp. represented subfamily Apinae, while Ceratina (Pithitis) sexmaculata, Ceratina (Pithitis) binghami. Xylocopa (Biluna) irridipenis and Xylocopa (Zonohirsuta) Collaris represented subfamily Xylocopinae. However, two species of genus Thyreus namely himalayensis and ramosus under subfamily Apinae have been reported earlier from Potohar. Out of above 10 reported species Anthophora (Glossamegilla) insularis while Ancyloscelis sp. and its genus Ancylini are new to Pakistan.