Subgenus Heteroperdita My primary taxonomic work in Perdita involves the subgenus Heteroperdita. Heteroperdita contains 22 species of minute, colorful bees that are all specialized on the pollen of the plant genus Tiquilia (Boraginaceae). In the revision (published in the journal Zootaxa), nine new species are described, one new synonym is proposed, and all 22 species are described and figured. Other Perdita projects In addition to my work on Heteroperdita, I have revised the minor subgenera Allomacrotera, Procockerellia, and Xeromacrotera. I have a number of other projects that unfortunately were left unfinished when I defended and it's unlikely I will ever pick them back up again. But feel free to contact me if you have questions about Perdita and I will do my best to help. |
Perdita Taxonomy
The bee genus Perdita (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) is the largest bee genus in North America, with over 630 described species, over 100 additional subspecies, and numerous undescribed species. Most of the taxonomic work on this genus was done by P.H. Timberlake from 1928–1980, and little taxonomic work has been done since. |