Rediscovering the eusocial sweat bee Lasioglossum marginatum (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) in Sicily through DNA barcoding

Sicily (Italy) is an important hotspot diversity for bees and new species records are constantly reported for the island. Here, we rediscovered after 45 years without records, the occurrence in Eastern Sicily of Lasioglossum marginatum (Brulle 1832) confirmed by DNA barcoding. This is the only known species of eusocial sweat bees (Halictidae) with perennial colonies. Since a single female was collected in our large 2-years bee sampling, combined with its absence in previous collections, this species is suggested to be rare in Sicily.

Automated summary

In this study, we rediscovered the presence of Lasioglossum marginatum in Eastern Sicily after 45 years without records, and its existence was confirmed by DNA barcoding. This species is the only known eusocial sweat bee with perennial colonies, suggesting its rarity in Sicily.