Phylogeny and classification of the orchid bee genus Euglossa Latreille (Hymenoptera: Apidae) based on morphology

Orchid bees (tribe Euglossini) are conspicuous members of the corbiculate bees owing to their metallic coloration, long labiomaxillary complex, and the fragrance-collecting behavior of the males, more prominently (but not restricted) from orchid flowers (hence the name of the group). They are the only corbiculate tribe that is exclusively Neotropical and without eusocial members. Of the five genera in the tribe, Euglossa Latreille is the most diverse with around 120 species. Taxonomic work on this genus has been linked historically to the noteworthy secondary sexual characters of the males, which combined with the other notable external features, served as a basis for the subgeneric classification commonly employed. The six subgenera Dasystilbe Dressler, Euglossa sensu stricto, Euglossella Moure, Glossura Cockerell, Glossurella Dressler and Glossuropoda Moure, although functional for the most part, showed some intergradations (especially the last three). A general paucity in the use of male genitalic morphology has also been characteristic for the lineage. A total of 41 Euglossa species representing the taxonomic diversity within the genus (all subgenera and species groups) plus five taxa as outgroups, and 79 characters (several male genitalic features) are included in a comprehensive cladistic treatment. The resulting 64 shortest trees combined in a strict consensus tree recover as natural groups only three of the six subgenera as presently used. A revised subgeneric classification is proposed based on the phylogenetic hypothesis obtained. Recent molecular phylogenetic work largely agrees with the results here presented.