Abstract

Two new species of Mesoplia Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apidae) for the Antilles are described and illustrated: M. bahamensis Genaro and Breto, new species, known only from Castaway Cay, The Bahamas, and M. cubensis Genaro and Breto, new species, well distributed throughout Cuba and Isle of Youth. Mesoplia cubensis new species was a multivoltine species, which was associated with the nesting area of species of Centris Fabricius (Apidae), its possible host. The taxonomic differential characteristics and distribution of the other four known Antillean species are presented: Mesoplia undescribed sp., M. azurea (Lepeletier and Serville), M. bifrons (Fabricius) and M. pilicrus (Friese). The historical treatment given in previous publications to the names of these species in the Antillean area is analyzed.

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