Brachymelecta Linsley, 1939, previously the rarest North American bee genus, was described from an aberrant specimen and is the senior synonym for Xeromelecta Linsley, 1939

The bee genus Brachymelecta Linsley, 1939 has until now been represented by a single specimen, which puzzled melittologists since its original description as Melecta? mucida Cresson, 1879. Through detailed morphological comparison and images, we show that the holotype is no more than an unusual specimen of widespread species, most recently known Xeromelecta californica (Cresson, 1878). We demonstrate diagnostic generic features for fall within range variation observed X. californica. Although names were published simultaneously, former was proposed whereas latter subgenus Melecta Latreille, 1802. Thus, following synonymies are proposed: syn. nov. under (since precedence must be given to name originally had higher taxonomic rank) M.? B. Additionally, present updated taxon concepts identification key six species in — alayoi (Michener, 1988), californica, haitensis 1948), interrupta 1872), larreae (Cockerell, 1900), tibialis (Fabricius, 1793) along with redescriptions diagnosis genus. male females described first time. Furthermore, phylogeny based on combined molecular data Brachymelecta, evolution explored historical biogeographic context.