First record of Halictoxenos Pierce (Strepsiptera: Stylopidae) from Mexico with the description of a new species parasite of Lasioglossum exiguum (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

Zootaxa. 2024 Sep 26;5514(2):157-168. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.5514.2.4.

Abstract

Halictoxenos is a genus of parasites with a mainly holarctic distribution and exclusive parasite of bees of the Halictinae subfamily. In this work, we describe a new species from Mexico, parasite of the halictid Lasioglossum exiguum and with a known distribution in locations of central and southern Veracruz. The delimitation of this species is supported by morphological and molecular evidence. A diagnosis for Halictoxenos and certain characters for species delimitation is also proposed. It is expected that this research may be a steppingstone to the continuity of the study of Halictoxenos and the Stylopidae family in Mexico and the American continent.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Distribution*
  • Animal Structures / anatomy & histology
  • Animal Structures / growth & development
  • Animals
  • Bees / anatomy & histology
  • Bees / classification
  • Bees / parasitology
  • Body Size
  • Female
  • Hymenoptera / anatomy & histology
  • Hymenoptera / classification
  • Male
  • Mexico
  • Organ Size
  • Phylogeny
  • Wasps / anatomy & histology
  • Wasps / classification