| Abstract: | Parasitism of Andrena (Suandrena) savignyi Spinola (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) by Stylops Kirby (Strepsiptera: Stylopidae) has been recorded only once, and from an individual collected in Egypt almost a century ago, with the parasite described as Stylops
savignyi Hofeneder. The recent rediscovery of this Stylops from an individual of Andrena
savignyi permits a reinterpretation of the species and its affinities among other Stylops. The bee was collected at flowers of Zilla
spinosa (Turra) Prantl. (Brassicaceae) in Amariah, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Based on DNA barcode sequences from material sampled across Africa, Asia, and Europe, it is apparent that Stylops
savignyi is conspecific with Stylops
nassonowi Pierce, and we accordingly synonymize this name (syn. n.), with the latter representing the senior and valid name for the species. A differential diagnosis is provided for Stylops
nassonowi and the morphology of the female is described, as well as the first instars. |
