Taxonomic revisionary studies on subgenus Plastandrena (Andrena: Andrenidae: Hymenoptera) of India

Abstract

The taxonomic revisionary studies has been done on the subgenus, Plastandrena which is represented in India by three species viz., Andrena (Plastandrena) bimaculata (Kirby, 1802), Andrena (Plastandrena) tibialis Imhoff, 1832 and Andrena (Plastandrena) peridonea Cockerell, 1924. The diagnostic characters of subgenus, Plastandrena, first time established for Indian species. This subgenus was earlier represented in India by two species, Andrena bimaculata and Andrena tibialis. Andrena peridonea which had not been placed under any subgenus till date could be placed under this subgenus during the present investigations due to the presence of the following diagnostic characters: coarsely rugose Propodeal Triangle and hind tibial spur strongly basally broadened. This research will prove quite fruitful for conservation and enhancement the populations of wild bees through taxonomic studies of these bees and widening the range of subgenus as well as species belongs to this subgenus and other subgenus.