[Botany • 2025] Myosotis persica (Boraginaceae) • A New Species from alpine wetlands of NW Iran

 

Myosotis persica  Bidarlord, Akbarnejad & F. Ghahrem.,

in Bidarlord, Akbarnejad, Riahi, Hoseini et Ghahremaninejad, 2025. 

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2112  

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract

A new species, Myosotis persica, is described and illustrated from the alpine wetlands of the Talesh Mountains in northwestern Iran, a transitional zone between the Irano-Turanian and Euro-Siberian floristic regions. Morphological distinctiveness and phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosomal ITS sequences support its recognition as a species new to science. Morphological comparisons indicate that M. persica is closely allied to M. koelzii, M. ramosissima, and M. diminuta but can be distinguished by its dwarf habit, branched filiform stems, patent to erect leaf hairs, deeply lobed calyx, and nutlet morphology. Phylogenetic reconstruction confirms its placement within Myosotis subgen. Myosotis, forming a supported clade with M. koelzii and M. ramosissima. With an estimated extent of occurrence less than 10 km² and a total population size under 1500 individuals, the species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) under IUCN criteria. The findings underscore the importance of conserving alpine wetland habitats and provide new insights into species diversification within the genus Myosotis in south-western Asia.

Keyword: alpine wetland, Ardabil, forget-me-nots, Irano-Turanian region, taxonomy, Talesh Mountains

Myosotis persica:
A.-B. in flower (bar 1 cm), C. in fruit, D. habitat, E. pedicel and calyx in fruiting, .F. calyx in flowering and gynoecium (bar 1 mm), G. corolla with anthers and faucal scales (bar 1 mm), H. erem (nutlet) in both side (bar 1 mm), I. SEM photos of nutlet attachment scar (bar 0.1 mm), J. basal leaf, K. stem leaf (bar 1 mm), from the holotype.

Myosotis persica Bidarlord, Akbarnejad & F. Ghahrem., sp. nov.  

 Diagnosis. Differs from M. koelzii, M. diminuta, and M. ramosissima by its dwarf habit, branched filiform ascending to prostrate stem, obovate to oblong leaves with patent to erect hairs, deeply lobed calyx with dense appressed straight hairs, and nutlets with marginally grooved areolae (Table 2).

Mahmoud Bidarlord, Bahareh Akbarnejad, Mehrshid Riahi, Ehsan Hoseini, Farrokh Ghahremaninejad. 2025. Myosotis persica (Boraginaceae), A New Species from alpine wetlands of NW Iran. Taiwania. 70(4); 585-590.  DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.585

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2112 [2025 August 06] 

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[Botany • 2025] Onosma sanninensis (Boraginaceae) • A New Species from the Mount Sannine, Central Lebanon

 

Onosma sanninensis  

in Maalouf et Binzet, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.702.1.5  

  facebook.com/RamyMaaloufPhotography

Abstract

In this study, a new species of Onosma (Boraginaceae: Lithospermeae), subsect. Asterotricha, from Mount Sannine, Lebanon, is described and illustrated. This new species was conclusively identified through a comprehensive analysis of morphological features and geographical distributions compared across herbarium specimens from multiple collections. The new species is closely related to O. caerulescens and O. inexspectata, but it is different with 1–2 terminal cymes, smaller bracts, longer pedicels in fruit, larger calyx in flower and fruit, different corolla color, smaller anthers, and different pollen shape. Additionally, geographical distributions and map, an image of the holotype specimen, diagnostic characters, detailed photographs, habitat descriptions, and an identification key for the new species, O. caerulescens, and O. inexspectata are provided, along with a vernacular name and IUCN conservation status.

Boraginaceae, Onosma, Asterotricha, nova taxa, microendemic, Lebanon, Eudicots

Ramy MAALOUF and Riza BINZET. 2025. Onosma sanninensis (Boraginaceae), A New Species from the Mount Sannine Central Lebanon.  Phytotaxa. 702(1); 72-82. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.702.1.5 [2025-05-22]  

  facebook.com/RamyMaaloufPhotography/posts/1283809297078118

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[Botany • 2024] Cryptantha whippleae (Boraginaceae) • A New Serpentine-adapted Species endemic to northern California, U.S.A.

 Cryptantha whippleae  D.A.York & M.G.Simpson, 

in Simpson et York, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.247.132060 

Abstract

Cryptantha whippleae D.A.York & M.G.Simpson (Boraginaceae) is described as new. This species is currently known to occur in serpentine barrens in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest of Siskiyou County, California, with one outlier population in possible serpentine of Lake County, California. The new species is most similar to Cryptantha grandiflora and to C. milobakeri, these three likely each others’ closest relatives. All three have a relatively large corolla limb width and similar smooth, lance-ovate to ovate, marginally rounded, acuminate and abaxially transversely flattened nutlets. Cryptantha whippleae differs from C. grandiflora in having a short, as opposed to a tall, stem height; bifurcate as opposed to trifurcate primary axis cymules; and typically 2–3 nutlets per fruit, as opposed to usually one nutlet per fruit. Cryptantha whippleae differs from C. milobakeri also in having a short, versus tall, stem height; appressed-strigose and spreading-hispid stem vestiture, as opposed to strigose only or strigose and hirsute; calyx trichomes with two distinct vestiture types, these marginally appressed hirsute and medially hispid, as opposed to calyx trichomes of one type, dense, appressed to ascending, whitish sericeous; and 2–3 nutlets per fruit, as opposed to one nutlet per fruit. Cryptantha whippleae is relatively rare and joins seven other Cryptantha species that are found on serpentine, either obligately or facultatively. Current molecular phylogenetic studies support the mostly convergent evolution of serpentine adaptation in Cryptantha, but additional studies are needed.

Key words: Boraginaceae, California, conservation, Cryptantha whippleae, endemic, Klamath Mountains, serpentine, taxonomy

Field shots of Cryptantha whippleae at holotype locality A upper part of plant. Note terminal bifurcate cymules at apex of primary stem; lateral cymules are solitary B close-up of a single cymule. Note hispid vestiture along sepal mid-ribs C ascendingly orientated stem leaf, abaxial surface showing hispid vestiture along raised mid-rib D close-up of corolla, showing yellow fornices and relatively large limb (this one ca. 5 mm wide) E several plants in the field at the type locality. Note small stature of plants and surrounding rocky, gravelly serpentine substrate F free nutlets (from various fruits), characteristically smooth and shiny, ovate to lance-ovate, abaxially transversely flattened, apically acuminate.

 Cryptantha whippleae D.A.York & M.G.Simpson, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Cryptantha whippleae is similar to C. grandiflora in having a relatively wide corolla limb [3–6 mm wide in C. whippleae; 4–8 mm wide in C. grandiflora] and in the size, shape and sculpturing of nutlets, differing in having a mostly shorter plant height [3–8(15) cm tall in C. whippleae versus 5–35 cm tall in C. grandiflora], in cymule branching [bifurcate or rarely solitary in C. whippleae versus trifurcate in C. grandiflora] and in having more nutlets per fruit [2–3 in C. whippleae versus (2) in C. grandiflora]. Cryptantha whippleae is similar to C. milobakeri in corolla limb width [3–6 mm wide in C. whippleae; 2–6 mm wide in C. milobakeri] and in the size, shape and sculpturing of nutlets, differing in having a shorter height [3–8(15) cm tall in C. whippleae versus 10–50 cm tall in C. milobakeri], in calyx vestiture [with two distinct trichome types in C. whippleae versus a single trichome type in C. milobakeri] and in having more nutlets per fruit [2–3 in C. whippleae versus 1(2) in C. milobakeri].

Etymology: The epithet is named after Jennifer J. Whipple, an avid collector in the Mount Eddy/Scott Valley region and a retired Yellowstone National Park botanist. The epithet whippleae can be pronounced whíp-pul-ee as a commemorative, using the female genitive ending -ae and following Anglicised Latin (Stearn 1993).

Suggested common name: We suggest Whipple’s Cryptantha as a common name.

 Michael G. Simpson and Dana A. York. 2024. Cryptantha whippleae (Boraginaceae), A New Serpentine-adapted Species endemic to northern California, U.S.A. PhytoKeys. 247: 155-172. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.247.132060 

 

[Botany • 2024] Lappula effusa (Boraginaceae) • A New Species from Xinjiang, China

Lappula effusa D.H.Liu & W.J.Li, 

in Liu, Zhou, Shang, Wu et Li, 2024. 

展枝鹤虱  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.243.123468

 

Abstract

Lappula effusa D.H.Liu & W.J.Li, a new species of Boraginaceae from Xinjiang, China, is described and illustrated in this study. The new species is morphologically similar to Lappula himalayensis and L. tadshikorum. However, it can be distinguished from the compared species by several characteristics, such as: stem single, erect, frequently branched at middle and above, densely spreading hispid, hairs discoid at base; corolla white or blue; fruit compressed, heteromorphic nutlets with two rows of marginal glochids, nutlets acute ovoid, disc narrowly ovate-triangular. The diagnosis of the new species is supported with comprehensive investigation including photographs, detailed description, notes on etymology, distribution and habitat, conservation status, as well as comparisons with morphologically similar species.

Key words: Boraginaceae, China, Lappula, new taxon, taxonomy

Lappula effusa D.H.Liu & W.J.Li, sp. nov.
A habitat B habit C, D flower morphology E inflorescences F fruit G spreading calyx in fruit.

 Lappula effusa D.H.Liu & W.J.Li, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: The new species is morphologically similar to Lappula himalayensis and L. tadshikorum, but differs from the L. himalayensis primarily in the following characteristics: stem single (vs. stems 4–6, cespitose), erect (vs. ascending or erect), frequently branched at middle and above (vs. branched above), densely spreading hispid, hairs discoid at base (vs. densely appressed pubescent); corolla white or blue (vs. blue); fruit compressed (vs. ...

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the appearance of new species, stems frequently branched at middle and above and nearly horizontal spreading.

Vernacular name: Simplified Chinese: 展枝鹤虱 (Chinese pinyin: zhǎn zhī hè shī).

Dan-Hui Liu, Yi-Xin Zhou, Shu-Jing Shang, Jia-Ju Wu and Wen-Jun Li. 2024. Lappula effusa (Boraginaceae), A New Species from Xinjiang, China. PhytoKeys. 243: 105-112. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.243.123468

[Entomology • 2024] Hoplitis (Hoplitis) onosmaevae • A New osmiine Bee (Hymenoptera: Anthophila: Megachilidae) with a spectacular Geographic Disjunction

Hoplitis onosmaevae

Aubert, Müller & Praz, 2024

  DOI: 10.3897/alpento.8.118039

Abstract

A new osmiine bee species, Hoplitis (Hoplitis) onosmaevae sp. nov. (Megachilidae), is described. So far, this species is exclusively known from the Mercantour National Park in the southwestern French Alps and from mountainous ranges in Turkey and northern Iraq, two areas separated by at least 2000 km. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes revealed that H. onosmaevae is closely related to H. adunca (Panzer, 1798), H. benoisti (Alfken, 1935) and H. manicata (Morice, 1901). Hoplitis onosmaevae is presumably narrowly oligolectic and harvests pollen only on flowers of Onosma L. (Boraginaceae). It has a particularly long proboscis, which is probably an adaptation to collect nectar from the long-tubed flowers of this plant genus. The females collect pollen by buzzing the Onosma flowers, a rare behavior in megachilid bees. The species nests in insect burrows in dead wood, similar to H. adunca and H. manicata but unlike other closely related representatives of the subgenus Hoplitis, suggesting a single origin of nesting in dead wood and hollow stems in this lineage. In France, H. onosmaevae inhabits alpine steppe-like habitats close to forests and appears to be extremely local, since only two populations are currently known. The conservation status of this extremely rare bee species in Europe is discussed.

Key Words: Anthophila, Apiformes, Hoplitis, Onosma, osmiine bees, buzzing, conservation, France, Iraq, Turkey

Hoplitis onosmaevae sp. nov., foraging habitat and behaviour (France, Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, 23.6.2020). 15. Foraging habitat with patch of the host plant, Onosma tricerosperma subsp. fastigiata; 16. Male resting on stone between two patrolling flights, with unfolded proboscis; 17. Male resting on stone between two patrolling flights; 18. Female on a flower of Onosma tricerosperma subsp. fastigiata; 19. Female concentrating nectar with widely open mandibles.

Hoplitis (Hoplitis) onosmaevae Aubert, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: In most species of Hoplitis (Hoplitis), the length of the proboscis is at most one-third as long as the body. Only H. linguaria, H. holmboei, H. homalocera and H. semilinguaria have a longer proboscis, which reaches about half of the body length. Hoplitis onosmaevae possesses an even longer proboscis, which is approximately as long as the body (Fig. 3). In both sexes of H. holmboei and H. homalocera, the vertex is comparatively short (ocelloccipital distance less than two ocellar diameters) and, when seen in front view, not elevated behind ocelli, but regularly rounded across its width; in H. onosmaevae the vertex is longer (ocelloccipital distance about ...

Etymology: The species epithet onosmaevae refers to the assumed close association with plants of the genus Onosma (see section on pollen hosts below) and to Maëva Gardenat, to whom the first author wishes to dedicate this species.

 Matthieu Aubert, Andreas Müller and Christophe Praz. 2024. A New osmiine Bee with a spectacular Geographic Disjunction: Hoplitis (Hoplitis) onosmaevae sp. nov. (Hymenoptera, Anthophila, Megachilidae). Alpine Entomology. 8: 65-79. DOI: 10.3897/alpento.8.118039

Résumé: Une nouvelle espèce d’abeille appartenant à la tribu des Osmiini, Hoplitis onosmaevae sp. nov. (Megachilidae), est décrite. Elle est à ce jour connue du Parc national du Mercantour dans le Sud des Alpes françaises et de zones montagneuses de Turquie et du Nord de l’Irak, deux aires distantes de plus de 2000 km. Des analyses phylogénétiques de gènes mitochondriaux et nucléaires indiquent que cette nouvelle espèce est apparentée à H. adunca (Panzer, 1798), H. benoisti (Alfken, 1935) et H. manicata (Morice, 1901). Hoplitis onosmaevae est certainement oligolectique, spécialisée pour la récolte du pollen sur les fleurs d’Onosma L (Boraginaceae). Elle est caractérisée notamment par un proboscis très allongé, qui est probablement une adaptation à la collecte du nectar dans les fleurs de ce genre botanique. Les femelles en exploitent le pollen en les faisant vibrer («buzzing»), comportement rare au sein de la famille des Megachilidae. Il a été observé que cette nouvelle espèce nidifie dans des galeries existantes dans le bois mort, à l’instar de H. adunca et de H. manicata, mais contrairement à d’autres représentants du sous-genre Hoplitis, ce qui suggère une origine unique de l’emploi du bois mort et des tiges creuses en tant que substrat de nidification au sein de ce groupe. En France, H. onosmaevae semble extrêmement localisée : elle n’a été trouvée que sur deux stations, correspondant à des habitats d’altitude d’affinité steppique, non loin de boisements. Son statut de conservation en Europe est discuté.

[Botany • 2018] Onosma erzincanica (Boraginaceae: Lithospermeae) • A New Scree Species from Turkey

Onosma erzincanica Binzet & Eren,  

in Binzet et Eren, 2018.

DOI:10.11646/phytotaxa.356.2.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/325766042

Abstract

A new species of Onosma (Boraginaceae: Lithospermeae) from the Erzincan province of eastern Anatolia, O. erzincanica, is described and illustrated. It belongs to the Haplotricha informal group which comprises the species with basal leaves covered by simple setae only. The species appears to be endemic to scree and is very narrowly distributed. The closest relative of O. erzincanica is O. obtusifolia Hausskn. & Sint. ex Riedl, which also occurs in Turkey. In addition to the its restriction to screes, it is primarily distinguished from O. obtusifolia by its golden yellow, shorter (14–17 mm) and clavate corollas, longer pedicels (2–5 mm), shorter filaments (ca. 4 mm), acute cauline leaves and having stems covered not only with 2–5 mm long patent setae but also with short hairs, and chartaceous to membranous leaves, calyx and bracts when dried. The geographical distribution of O. erzincanica and O. obtusifolia are mapped and an identification key for those species is provided. Pollen and nutlet micrographs of O. erzincanica are presented using scanning electron microscopy. The site conditions and conservation status of O. erzincanica are also considered.

Keywords: Eudicots, Flora of Turkey, Irano-Turanian, Munzur Mountains, steppe, taxonomy

Onosma erzincanica Binzet & Eren sp. nov.

Rıza Binzet and Özkan Eren. 2018. Onosma erzincanica (Boraginaceae: Lithospermeae), A New Scree Species from Turkey. Phytotaxa. 356(2); 117 DOI:10.11646/phytotaxa.356.2.2

  Researchgate.net/publication/325766042_Onosma_erzincanica_a_new_scree_species_from_Turkey

[Botany • 2020] Antiphytum charruasorum (Boraginaceae) • White Flowers in South America: A New Species of Antiphytum from western Uruguay

Antiphytum charruasorum

in Mendoza-Díaz, Díaz, Brussa, Muñoz, Bonifacino & Flores-Olvera, 2020.  

DOI: 10.1600/036364420X16033963649291

Abstract

Antiphytum charruasorum, a new endemic species from western Uruguay, is described. This is the only South American species in the genus with white corolla and an infra-medial cicatrix on the ventral face of the eremocarp, both features shared with the North American species of Antiphytum, in sharp contrast with the blue corolla and the basal cicatrix at the end of a stipe-like prolongation that characterizes all South American species in the genus. Antiphytum charruasorum increases the diversity of the genus in South America, as well as the endemism and distribution range into Uruguay. Moreover, this new species adds novel features in Antiphytum such as the irregularly dichasial inflorescences, the hirsute faucal appendages, the eremocarps with a tissue plug from the gynobase, and the habitat where the species has been reported.

Nidia Mendoza-Díaz, Marina Díaz, Patricia Brussa, Fabián Muñoz, José M. Bonifacino and Hilda Flores-Olvera. 2020. White Flowers in South America: A New Species of Antiphytum (Echiochiloideae, Boraginaceae). Systematic Botany. 45(4); 913-920. DOI: 10.1600/036364420X16033963649291

 twitter.com/MatimAndrade/status/1362728218495696897

[Botany • 2020] Onosma fuyunensis (Boraginaceae) • A New Species from Xinjiang, China

Onosma fuyunensis Y. He & Q.R. Liu

in He, Xu, Zhou & Liu, 2020. 
 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.144.33287 

Abstract

Onosma fuyunensis, a new species of Boraginaceae from northern Xinjiang, China, is described and illustrated here. Onosma fuyunensis is similar to O. simplicissima and O. gmelinii; it differs in having a particularly bristly indumentum, unbranched stems, white and yellow corollas, anthers united only at base, and nutlets with a stipitate cicatrix. An updated key to the species of Onosma from Xinjiang and Altai Mountains is also provided.

Keywords: Boraginaceae, new species, Onosma fuyunensis, Xinjiang

Figure 2. Photographs of Onosma fuyunensis.
A Habitat B inflorescence during late flowering season C habit D basal leaves (show spreading bristles) E leaves in abaxial view (show netted venation) F scanning electron micrographs of leaves in adaxial view. Photo by Yi He.

Onosma fuyunensis Y. He & Q.R. Liu, sp. nov.

Onosma gmelinii auct. non Ledeb.: Fl. Reipub. Popul. Sinicae 64(2): 54. 1989. p.p.; Fl. China 16: 352. 1995. p.p.; Clavs Plantarum Xijiangensis. 428. 2000. p.p.; Fl. Xinjiangensis 4: 157. pl. 50. 2004. p.p.

Onosma simplicissima auct. non L.: Fl. China 16: 351. 1995; Fl. Xinjiangensis. 4: 157. 2004.

Diagnosis: Closely allied to O. simplicissima L., a widespread species distributed from E Europe to E Siberia. It is differentiated by being perennial herb with rosettes (v.s. mostly subshrub with woody branching base and sterile shoots, Fig. 1B), having leaves with spreading bristles (Fig. 2 C–F, v.s. densely silky appressed pilose), larger nutlets (ca. 5 mm v.s. 2.5–3 mm), longer calyx (15–22 mm v.s. 6–13 mm) and corolla (22–27mm v.s. 18–20 mm). Also nearly to O. gmelinii Ledeb., but different through having obvious reticulate venation (v.s. obscure lateral veins), slightly elongating and straightening inflorescences in fruit (v.s. markedly elongating and straightening), longer and parallel calyx lobes in fruit (1.2–2 mm v.s. ca. 4mm, lobes converging), cream and pale yellow corolla (v.s. pale yellow), included anthers united only at base (v.s. united into a tube, Fig. 3D), nutlet with stipitate cicatrix and elongated, rectangular surfaces epidermis cells (v.s. complanate cicatrix and reticulate cells, Fig. 3A, F) and isopolar pollen grains (v.s. heteropolar, Fig. 3H).

Etymology: The specific epithet of the new species refers to its type locality, Fuyun County, Xinjiang, China.

Distribution and habitat: Onosma fuyunensis is mainly distributed in Fuyun County, Qinghe County and Altay Prefecture (Fig. 4), it is also known from W Mongolia near the border (Khovd aimag), according to the photo record by Peter Kosachev (http://www.plantarium.ru/page/image/id/128255.html). It prefers dry rocky screes and upland meadows along the hillside, from 500–1400 m a.s.l. Species growing nearby are: Echinops gmelinii Turcz, Goniolimon speciosum (L.) Boiss., Artemisia rutifolia var. altaica (Kryl.) Krasch. and Carex turkestanica Regel.

 Yi He, Xue-Min Xu, Yu Zhou and Quan-Ru Liu. 2020. Onosma fuyunensis (Boraginaceae), A New Species from Xinjiang, China. PhytoKeys. 144: 11-22. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.144.33287

[Entomology • 2016] Taxonomic Revision of Perdita subgenus Heteroperdita Timberlake (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae), with Descriptions of Two Ant-like Males

[A-B] Perdita (Heteroperdita) pilonotata Timberlake
[C-E]  Perdita (Heteroperdita) prodigiosa Portman & Griswold, 2016

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4214.1.1

Utah State University entomologist Zach Portman reports nine, newly identified species of desert bees of the genus Perdita, including two species of ant-like males (pictured), which are completely different in appearance from their mates. 

photo: Zach Portman 

Abstract

Perdita subgenus Heteroperdita Timberlake, a distinctive subgenus of 22 species from the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico, all specialists on Tiquilia (Boraginaceae), is revised. Nine new species are described: Perdita (Heteroperdita) desdemona Portman, sp. n., P. (H.) exusta Portman & Griswold, sp. n., P. (H.) hippolyta Portman & Griswold, sp. n. (male previously incorrectly described as P. pilonotata Timberlake), P. (H.) hooki Portman & Neff, sp. n., P. (H.) nuttalliae Portman, sp. n., P. (H.) prodigiosa Portman & Griswold, sp. n., P. (H.) sycorax Portman, sp. n., P. (H.) titania Portman & Griswold, sp. n., and P. (H.) yanegai Portman, sp. n. The following sexes are associated and described for the first time: the male of P. (H.) frontalis Timberlake, 1968, the female of P. (H.) optiva Timberlake, 1954, and the true male of P. (H.) pilonotata Timberlake, 1980. Perdita (H.) fasciatella Timberlake, 1980 is proposed as a junior synonym of P. (H.) sexfasciata Timberlake, 1954. A neotype is designated for P. (H.) pilonotata Timberlake, 1980. Two species in particular, P. prodigiosa and P. pilonotata, are sexually dimorphic with distinctive ant-like males. Information is presented on floral relationships, phenology, and geographic distribution. Identification keys for males and females are provided.

Keywords: Hymenoptera, Apoidea, new species, Tiquilia, synonymy, identification

Perdita pilonotata Timberlake 

Perdita prodigiosa Portman & Griswold, sp. n. 

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the Latin prodigiosus, meaning “unnatural,” “wonderful,” or “prodigious” due to the bizarre features of the male

Perdita rhodogastra is gathering pollen from Tiquilia latior. Desert bee of the Perdita genus collecting pollen from a matted crinklemat plant near southern California's Salton Sea. Utah State University entomologist Zach Portman reports new, newly identified species of the bee genus in the Dec. 23, 2016, issue of  Zootaxa.

photo: Zach Portman/Utah State University 

Perdita rhodogastra Timberlake

Portman, Zachary M., John L. Neff and Terry Griswold. 2016. Taxonomic Revision of Perdita subgenus Heteroperdita Timberlake (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae), with Descriptions of Two Ant-like Males.
Zootaxa. 4214(1); 1–97.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4214.1.1

'Ant-like' bees among new desert species identified by USU entomologist http://phy.so/401705817 via @physorg_com

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161227110229.htm