Dasypoda delectabilis sp. nov., a morphologically intriguing pantaloon bee species from south-eastern Iran (Hymenoptera: Melittidae)

With its diverserange of climates and landscapes, the Middle East offers a remarkable area for the study of bee taxonomy and biogeography. In this work, a new species of pantaloon bee (Dasypoda delectabilis Ghisbain & Michez sp. nov.) is described from a single male collected in south-eastern Iran. Although the new species shows affinities with the subgenus Heterodasypoda Michez, its morphology is highly intriguing due to the presence of characters shared by representatives of the subgenus Dasypoda sensu stricto Latreille. A diagnostic comparison with phenotypically close Dasypoda species is provided, along with comparative remarks on the morphology and biogeography of the subgenus Heterodasypoda. Finally, a checklist of the genus Dasypoda is given for the Middle East, highlighting the need for increased attention to this highly interesting yet largely overlooked fauna.

Automated summary

A new species of pantaloon bee, Dasypoda delectabilis, is described from south-eastern Iran, highlighting its unique morphology and similarities with other Dasypoda species in the Middle East. Comparative remarks on the morphology and biogeography of the subgenus Heterodasypoda are provided, along with a checklist of the genus Dasypoda for the region. This study emphasizes the need for further research on this interesting yet overlooked fauna.