Bees of the Socotra Archipelago (Hymenoptera: Anthophila), their biogeography and association with parasites

A comprehensive taxonomic evaluation of bees (Hymenoptera: Anthophila) in the Socotra Archipelago reveals 28 species across 16 genera, with nearly two-thirds being endemic. Four new Halictidae species were described, and the identity of two Xylocopa species was clarified. The study also corrected the original spelling of Eucera kirbyi and removed three previously misidentified species from Socotra's bee fauna. Biogeographic analysis traced the origins of these bees, while investigations into host associations with beetle parasites (Meloidae and Ripiphoridae) and cleptoparasitic bees highlighted notable interactions, including the first report of the obligate bee parasitoid Ripiphorus arabiafelix arabiafelix from Socotra Island.

Straka, J., Batelka, J., & Pauly, A. (2017). Bees of the Socotra Archipelago (Hymenoptera: Anthophila), their biogeography and association with parasites. Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae, 57(s1), 183–219. https://doi.org/10.1515/aemnp-2017-0118