The leucografa species group of Megachile (Chrysosarus) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

The study contributes to the knowledge of the morphological diversity within the Chrysosarus lineage, one of the largest subgenera of Megachile in the Neotropics. The species of the leucografa group share characteristics with other groups of Megachile that have been placed until recently in different subgenera, such as Dactylomegachile Mitchell and Chrysosarus Michell. Species included are Megachile leucografa Friese, M. obscurior Jorgensen and M. rancaguensis Friese. The last two species have not been properly recognised since their description early in the twentieth century. Diagnoses, redescriptions, study of type material, distributions and illustrations are presented.

Automated summary

This study contributes to the understanding of morphological diversity within the Chrysosarus lineage of Megachile in the Neotropics. The species in the leucografa group share characteristics with other Megachile groups that were previously classified in different subgenera. Diagnoses, redescriptions, study of type material, distributions, and illustrations are presented for the three species included in this study.