Hidden diversity in European bees: Andrena amieti sp. n., a new Alpine bee species related to Andrena bicolor (Fabricius, 1775) (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Andrenidae)

A new Alpine bee species, Andrena amieti, has been identified within the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch', revealing hidden diversity among European bees. Phylogenetic analysis of genetic and morphological data confirmed its distinct status alongside three other closely related species: A.montana and A.allosa. The study found that A.amieti is bivoltine, with spring and summer generations exhibiting different pollen host preferences—spring being polylectic while the summer generation favors Campanulaceae. Additionally, two divergent mitochondrial lineages coexist in sympatry within this species, suggesting potential cryptic diversity. The research also resurrected A.croatica as a valid species and elevated A.pileata to species rank, proposing that such hidden diversity may be widespread in southern European Andrena (Euandrena). An identification key for central European members of the subgenus Euandrena was provided.

Praz, C., Müller, A., & Genoud, D. (2019). Hidden diversity in European bees: Andrena amieti sp. n., a new Alpine bee species related to Andrena bicolor (Fabricius, 1775) (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Andrenidae). Alpine Entomology, 3, 11–38. https://doi.org/10.3897/alpento.3.29675