A new cluster-brood building species of Plebeia (Hymenoptera, Apidae) from eastern Brazil

摘要

A new species of Plebeia. the second largest genus of stingless bees in the Neotropical region, is described front eastern Brazil. Plebeia grapiuna sp. nov.. known only front the lowland forests of southern Bahia. is most similar to P. lucii Moore, a species recently described front Minas Gerais. The lack of yellow marks and the smoother integument of the frons and mesoseutum in R grapiuna sp. nov. distinguish them. Main features of the nesting habits of the new Species are described and illustrated.