Hoplitis onosmaevae sp. Credit: Aubert et al. A new bee species, Hoplitis onosmaevae, discovered in the French Alps and parts of Turkey and Iraq, shows special environmental adjustments and faces preservation challenges due to its extremely specialized environment requirements.A team of European researchers has found a new species of osmiine bee with an unusual geographical distribution.Hoplitis onosmaevae is currently discovered exclusively in the Mercantour National Park in the French Alps and disparate mountainous areas in Turkey and Northern Iraq. Presumed to just collect pollen from Onosma types, it has a long proboscis, which is most likely an adaptation to gather nectar from the long-tubed flowers of this genus.The highly disjunct distribution of Hoplitis onosmaevae has essential implications for conservation. The species likely has an extremely narrow eco-friendly specific niche, making it extremely susceptible to future changes in its environments, for example, due to changes in agricultural practices or to climate change.Distribution map of Hoplitis onosmaevae sp. Credit: Aubert et al.The scientists emphasize the requirement for detailed preservation strategies in the southwestern Alps to make sure the survival of Hoplitis onosmaevae, considering its highly specialized environmental niche and as a result its vulnerability to environment modifications.
Hoplitis onosmaevae sp. nov., woman (holotype). 3. Lateral view; 4. Head; 5. Clypeus and mandibles; 6. Metasoma, dorsal view; 7. Last sternum, forward view; 8. Propodeum; 9. Inner spur of hind tibia, posterior view. Credit: Aubert et al. A new bee types, Hoplitis onosmaevae, found in the French Alps and parts of Turkey and Iraq, displays unique ecological adaptations and faces conservation obstacles due to its highly specialized habitat requirements.A group of European scientists has discovered a brand-new types of osmiine bee with an unusual geographic distribution.Hoplitis onosmaevae is currently discovered specifically in the Mercantour National Park in the French Alps and disparate mountainous areas in Turkey and Northern Iraq. The range of more than 2000 km between these locations highlights a considerable biogeographic disjunction.Hoplitis onosmaevae, nesting habitat and habits (France, Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, 23.6.2020, for photos). 20. Female in buzzing position on a flower of Onosma tricerosperma subsp. fastigiata; 21. Female leaving a flower of Onosma tricerosperma subsp. fastigiata; 22. Nesting habitat with dead trunks of larch; 23. Nest entrance plugged with sand and pebbles; 24. Female near the nest entrance, which shows up at the bottom left; 25. Cross-section of nest (P = pollen provisions). Credit: Aubert et al.Described in the open-access journal Alpine Entomology, the new bee types demonstrates special environmental attributes such as its unique nesting behaviour in dead wood. Presumed to only gather pollen from Onosma species, it has a long proboscis, which is most likely an adaptation to gather nectar from the long-tubed flowers of this genus.The highly disjunct circulation of Hoplitis onosmaevae has essential implications for preservation. The types likely has an extremely narrow eco-friendly specific niche, making it highly vulnerable to future changes in its habitats, for instance, due to modifications in agricultural practices or to climate change.Distribution map of Hoplitis onosmaevae sp. nov. Credit: Aubert et al.” The factor to consider of the few recognized populations of this species in France is extremely important in the conservation field,” says lead author Matthieu Aubert, freelance entomologist and member of the Observatoire des Abeilles association. “This research study highlights the extraordinary diversity of wild bees which we still have a lot to find out from our environment, even in western Europe,” he continues.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 2 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 focusing nectar with extensively open mandibles. Credit: Aubert et al.The researchers emphasize the requirement for comprehensive preservation strategies in the southwestern Alps to guarantee the survival of Hoplitis onosmaevae, considering its highly specialized ecological specific niche and consequently its vulnerability to environment modifications. Their proposals for initial preservation steps can be discovered in the full research study paper.Reference: “A new osmiine bee with a spectacular geographic disjunction: Hoplitis (Hoplitis) onosmaevae sp. nov. (Hymenoptera, Anthophila, Megachilidae)” by Matthieu Aubert, Andreas Müller and Christophe Praz, 20 March 2024, Alpine Entomology.DOI: 10.3897/ alpento.8.118039.