
The first case of gynandromorphy in <i>Centris pallida</i> (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Centridini)
Author(s) -
Meghan Barrett
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of melittology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2325-4467
DOI - 10.17161/jom.i104.13782
Subject(s) - apidae , hymenoptera , biology , zoology , apoidea
A case of gynandromorphy is reported for the first time for Centris pallida Fox, a bee species found predominantly in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This specimen marks only the second report of a gynandromorph within the tribe of oil-collecting bees, Centridini, and the first Centris Fabricius. The specimen exhibits mosaic gynandromorphy, with male and female characteristics randomly distributed throughout the body. Males of C. pallida are morphologically and behaviorally dimorphic (a large and a small male morph), and the male characteristics of the gynandromorph are more similar to the large male morph, which is also most similar in head width to the specimen.