Phylogeny and classification of the parasitic bee tribe Epeolini (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Nomadinae)

A generic-level cladistic analysis of the cleptoparasitic bee tribe Epeolini (Apinae: Nomadinae) is presented. One hundred and two characters of adult external morphology are identified and coded for 32 representatives of all genera and subgenera presently recognized within the tribe, along with five outgroup taxa. The resulting topology is used in the formation of a higher-level classification of the tribe. Four subtribes are characterized: Odyneropsina Handlirsch, Rhogepeolina new subtribe, Epeolina Robertson, and Thalestriina new subtribe. Pscudcpcoliis and Triepeolus are not supported as subgenera of Doeriiigielln and are elevated to generic rank. The subgenus Twphocleptrin renders Epeolus sensu stricto paraphyletic and is svnonymized. The group Paraniiiiobntcs is recognized as a subgenus of Odi/iiewpjsis. Triepeolus epeolurus new species (type locality, Michoacan, Mexico), is described and figured; it is remarkable for a number of autapomorphic traits, particularly those of the pseudopygidial area. A kev to the genera of the tribe is provided. The taxonomic history of the tribe, as well as available information on hosts and biology of epeolines, is summarized. A review of pertinent morphological terminology is presented, with special emphasis on the sting apparatus.