A Second New Species of Tamanduamyia Rafael and Limeira-de-Oliveira (Diptera, Mythicomyiidae, Mythicomyiinae) from Brazil, with Discussion of the Possible First Cave Dwelling Record of a Micro-bee fly

Neotrop Entomol. 2023 Aug;52(4):560-570. doi: 10.1007/s13744-023-01054-0. Epub 2023 Jun 27.

Abstract

A new species of Tamanduamyia (Diptera, Mythicomyiidae, Mythicomyiinae) is described from Serra do Ramalho, Carinhanha, Bahia, Brazil, Tamanduamyia bichuettae sp. nov. The type series was actively collected with falcon tubes when resting at the entrance of a limestone cave in the rock exudations. The species is described and illustrated in detail, including the male terminalia and female spermathecae. This is the first record of a micro-bee fly species in the state of Bahia (Brazil) and may also represent the first recorded association of a Mythicomyiidae species with cave environments.

Keywords: Biodiversity; Limestone cave; Micro-bee flies; Neotropical Region; Tamanduamyia; Taxonomy.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Distribution
  • Animals
  • Bees
  • Brazil
  • Diptera*
  • Female
  • Male