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Research Article
The genus Epeolus Latreille, 1802 (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in Central Asia
expand article infoYulia V. Astafurova‡, Maxim Yu. Proshchalykin§
‡ Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
§ Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia

Corresponding author: Maxim Yu. Proshchalykin ( proshchalikin@biosoil.ru )

Academic editor: Thorleif Dörfel
© 2023 Yulia V. Astafurova, Maxim Yu. Proshchalykin.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation: Astafurova YuV, Proshchalykin MYu (2023) The genus Epeolus Latreille, 1802 (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in Central Asia. ZooKeys 1181: 241-263. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1181.110416
ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8A612B0B-5952-4F7F-999C-B0B20A52C271
Open Access

Abstract

Available information about bees of the genus Epeolus in Central Asia is summarized. Twenty species are currently known from this area. Two new species are described: E. albus Astafurova & Proshchalykin, sp. nov. and E. pesenkoi Astafurova, sp. nov. Two species are newly recorded from Central Asia: E. asiaticus Astafurova & Proshchalykin, 2022 and E. nudiventris Bischoff, 1930. The hitherto unknown male of E. mikhailovi Astafurova & Proshchalykin, 2021 is described, and lectotypes are designated for E. ruficornis Morawitz, 1875 and E. vinogradovi Popov, 1952.

Key words

Anthophila, Apiformes, cleptoparasites, Palaearctic region, taxonomy

Introduction

Central Asia as understood here covers the territories of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan and has an area of about 4 million square kilometres, roughly half the size of Europe (Fig. 1). It comprises the arid to semi-arid regions of the Turanian Basin at its centre and the mountain ranges of the Tien Shan and Pamir in the east. Climatically and orographically the region is highly diverse, ranging from the lowland deserts of the Caspian Depression to the 7,495 m high Ismoil Somoni Peak in the Pamir. Aside from the Mediterranean Basin, Central Asia is the most important centre of bee diversity in the Palaearctic Region (Michener 1979). However, the bee fauna of Central Asia is underrecorded and, given the enormous size and ecological diversity of the area, the discovery of large numbers of undescribed species, including endemics, is highly likely (Kuhlmann and Proshchalykin 2013; Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2017; Dathe and Proshchalykin 2018; Astafurova et al. 2018; Wood 2023). Popov (1967) recorded about 1,200 bee species in 70 genera from this region and Ascher and Pickering (2023) list 1,360 species for this region, but the true number almost certainly is much higher.

Figure 1. 

Map of Central Asia.

The genus Epeolus Latreille, 1802 includes more 120 species spread across much of the globe; they occur throughout the Holarctic region, from the west coast of the United States and from Japan to Europe and North Africa (Michener 2007). A total of 59 species are known from the Americas (Onuferko 2018, 2019; Onuferko and Sheffield 2022) and about 50 from the Palaearctic region, of which 18 species are found in Europe (Bogusch and Hadrava 2018; Bogusch 2018, 2021; Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2021a, 2021b, 2021c, 2022a, 2022b). Unlike other Epeolini, all Epeolus species are so far known to be cleptoparasites of species of Colletes Latreille, 1802 (Colletidae).

Epeolus transitorius was the first species of the genus described from Central Asia (Eversmann 1852), and eight species have been described since from this area (Astafurova and Proshchalykin – four species; Morawitz – one species; Eversmann – one species; Radoszkowski – one species; Popov – one species), all of them still valid. Sixteen Epeolus species have been recorded from Central Asia so far (Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2021a, 2021c, 2022a, 2022b; Ascher and Pickering 2023). Based on a comprehensive study of specimens in various collections, we list here 20 species of Epeolus (Table 1) and describe as new two species from Central Asia for the first time.

Table 1.
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Records of Central Asian Epeolus species by countries.

Epeolus species Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Kyrgyzstan Turkmenistan Tajikistan
E. albus + + +
E. alpinus +
E. asiaticus + +
E. cruciger + + + +
E. gorodkovi +
E. julliani +
E. kyzylkumicus + + +
E. laticauda + + + +
E. mikhailovi + + +
E. mongolicus +
E. nudiventris + + + + +
E. pesenkoi + + +
E. productulus + +
E. rasnitsyni +
E. ruficornis + + + + +
E. seraxensis + + +
E. tarsalis +
E. transitorius + + +
E. variegatus +
E. vinogradovi +
Total : 15 10 7 7 9

A key to Central Asian Epeolus has not been included in this paper; it is forthcoming in a subsequent publication uniting this and the entire Palaearctic fauna due to their extensive sharing of species and the need for some additional work in these regions.

Materials and methods

The results presented in this paper are based on 354 Epeolus specimens currently housed in the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences (St. Petersburg, Russia, ZISP); Zoological Museum of the Moscow State University (Moscow, Russia, ZMMU); Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (Vladivostok, Russia, FSCV); and Oberösterreichisches Landesmuseum, Biologiezentrum (Linz, Austria, OLBL).

Morphological terminology follows that of Michener (1944, 2007) and Engel (2001). The density of integumental punctures is described using the following formula: puncture diameter (in μm) / ratio of distance between punctures to average puncture diameter, e.g. 15–20 μm / 0.5–1.5.

Abbreviations T and S are used for metasomal tergum and metasomal sternum, respectively.

The species are listed alphabetically. We have used the following abbreviations for collectors: MP – M. Proshchalykin; SB – S. Belokobylskij; VG – V. Gurko; VP – V. Popov; VR – V. Rudolf.

Specimens were studied with an Olympus SZ51 stereomicroscope, and photographs were taken with a combination of stereomicroscope (Olympus SZX10) and digital camera (Olympus OM-D). Final images are stacked composites generated using Helicon Focus v. 7.7.4 Pro. All images were post-processed for contrast and brightness using Adobe Photoshop. New distributional records are noted with an asterisk (*).

Taxonomy

Epeolus Latreille, 1802

Epeolus Latreille, 1802: 427. Type species: Apis variegata Linnaeus, 1758, monobasic.

Trophocleptria Holmberg, 1886: 233, 275. Type species: Trophocleptria variolosa Holmberg, 1886, monobasic.

Epeolus (Diepeolus) Gribodo, 1894: 79. Type species: Epeolus giannellii Gribodo, 1894, monobasic.

Epeolus (Monoepeolus) Gribodo, 1894: 80. Type species: Apis variegata Linnaeus, monobasic.

Pyrrhomelecta Ashmead, 1899: 66. Type species: Epeolus glabratus Cresson, 1878, by original designation.

Argyroselenis Robertson, 1903: 284. Type species: Triepeolus minimus Robertson, 1902, by original designation.

Oxybiastes Mavromoustakis, 1954: 260. Type species: Oxybiastes bischoffi Mavromoustakis, 1954, by original destination.

Epeolus albus Astafurova & Proshchalykin, sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/494212D9-2ECE-454A-BFC7-7F0EBF23C191
Figs 2, 3

Material examined

Holotype : ♂, Uzbekistan: Kashkadarya Region, Yrta-Bulak, Sundukli, 16.V.2015, M. Proshchalykin, M. Mokrousov [ZISP]. Paratypes: 1 ♂, the same label as in the holotype [ZISP]; 1 ♀, Bag-Absal, 50 km N of Buchara, 17.IX.1931, Zhelchovtsev [ZMMU]; Turkmenistan, 1 ♂, Kara-Bogaz, 40 km N of Kyzyl-Arvat, 31.V.1955, Odintzova [ZISP]; 1 ♀, Akhcha-Kuyma, 24.VI.1953, Steinberg [ZISP]; 1 ♀, 12 km SE of Tedzhen, 24.V.1964, A. Ponomareva [ZISP]; Kazakhstan, 2 ♂, Michailowskaja [=Taraz], coll. F. Morawitz [ZISP]; 1 ♂, Shelek, 30 km ENE of Habwüste, 43.41.24N 78.38.50E, 500 m, 2.VIII.2002, M. Kuhlmann [OLBL]; 1 ♀, Djulek, Syr-Darija, 24.VIII.1913, A. Gutbier [ZISP]; 1 ♀, 3 km NEE of Borandysu, 13.VI.2004, V. Kazenas [ZISP].

Diagnosis

Epeolus albus sp. nov. resembles E. vinogradovi Popov, 1952, E. flavociliatus Friese, 1899, E. ruficornis Morawitz, 1875, E. subrufescens Saunders, 1908, and E. warnckei Bogusch, 2018 in sharing the axillae with a pair of long, acute, curved teeth (free portion of axilla), reaching posterior margin of mesoscutellum or longer. Of them, the new species is most similar to E. subrufescens (Northern Africa, Middle East, and Turkey), with which it shares a pair of well-developed posteriorly directed processes (tubercles) between medial depression of the mesoscutellum (Fig. 2H) and has a male pygidial plate that is slightly bilobed apically (Fig. 2F) [vs weak developed mesoscutellar tubercles (Fig. 7D) and male pygidial plate rounded in E. flavociliatus, E. warnckei, and E. ruficornis)], but it can be separated from it by the well-developed pale pubescence of the metasomal terga that covers both the marginal zones (apical impressed area) and visible part of the discs (vs developed only as apical bands in E. subrufescens). In addition, E. albus has the labral teeth positioned more apically, while in E. subrufescens the labral teeth are positioned submedially.

Figure 2. 

Epeolus albus Astafurova & Proshchalykin, sp. nov., male, holotype (A–I), paratype (J) A–C habitus, lateral (A); dorsal (B) and ventral (C) views D head, frontal view E labrum, frontal view F pygidial plate, dorsal view G, H mesoscutellum, dorsolateral (G) and dorsal (H) views I hind basitarsus, lateral view J genitalia, dorsal view. Scale bars: 1.0 mm (A–C); 0.5 mm (D); 0.25 mm (E–J).

In E. vinogradovi axillar teeth are more elongate and strongly curved; the mesoscutellum is with a pair of long, truncate teeth (Fig. 8D).

Description

Male (holotype). Total body length 6.0 mm; forewing length (without tegula) 4.5 mm. Structure and sculpture: head (Fig. 2D) transverse, 1.3 times as wide as long. Labrum (Fig. 2E) 1.7 times as wide as long, rounded basally and laterally, apical margin almost straight without tooth; near apical margin with two poorly-developed teeth; integument shiny, densely punctate (10–15 μm / confluent–1). Flagellomeres about as long as wide. Axillae flat, apically with long tooth, extending over mesoscutellum (Fig. 2H). Mesoscutellum extending over propodeum; medially with pair small posteriorly directed processes (Fig. 2G). Pygidial plate (T7) dull, coarsely and densely punctate, 1.2 times as long as basal width, strongly narrowed toward apex; apical margin slightly bilobed (Fig. 2F). Sculpture of body not or hardly visible under pubescence; vertex, mesoscutum, and mesoscutellum densely punctate, interspaces shiny and smooth (15–25 μm / confluent–1.0); metasomal terga and sterna densely and finely punctate (10–15 μm / confluent–1). Genitalia as in Fig. 2J.

Integument coloration: head mostly black, but mandibles (excluding dark apex), labrum, clypeus on lower half, scape and antennae yellowish. Mesosoma mostly black; pronotal lobe, tegulae, axillar teeth, and legs (with pale spurs) yellowish; wings slightly infuscate, stigma light-brown, veins from yellow to brown. Metasomal terga black with pale and transparent marginal zones. Sterna brownish with yellow marginal zones. Pygidial plate yellow.

Pubescence: body with well-developed, snow-white tomentum of thick, plumose setae covering mostly of integument (Fig. 2A–C). Labrum almost glabrous, with few simple setae. Face and gena with dense tomentum of long, appressed setae obscuring underlying integument; vertex with sparser, short semi-erect setae. Mesosoma with dense, short, semi-erect setae obscured integument but little sparser than on mesoscutellum and axillae. Hind basitarsus bordered by a dense fringe of yellow long setae. Metasomal terga covered by white tomentum both on marginal zones and most of the visible part of discs (a little sparser on discs). S1–S3 with dense, white tomentum, especially on marginal zones of S2 and S3 (apical bands); S4 and S5 with long, golden setae.

Female. Structure, sculpture, and pubescence are similar to those of male (Fig. 3A–C). Antennae short, F1 1.25 times as long as wide; remaining flagellomeres slightly longer than wide. Sterna entirely covered by tomentum. Pseudopygidial area short, linear. Pygidial plate trapezoidal, apically truncate. Processes on sides of S6 normal, with short projections. S5 straight, as seen in lateral view. Integument coloration: reddish pattern of integument more developed than in male. Head mostly black, but mandibles (excluding dark apex), labrum, and clypeus yellowish; antennae reddish. Mesosoma black, except pronotal lobe, tegulae, axilla, mesoscutellum, and legs (with pale spurs) yellow to reddish; wings slightly infuscate, stigma light brown, veins from yellow to brown. Metasomal terga and sterna reddish with yellow marginal zones on S2–S4. Pygidial plate reddish.

Figure 3. 

Epeolus albus Astafurova & Proshchalykin, sp. nov., female, patatype A–C habitus, dorsal (A), ventral (B) and lateral (C) views. Scale bars: 1.0 mm.

Etymology

The specific name “albus” (from Latin, meaning white) is associated with the extremely well-developed white pubescence of the body in the new species.

Distribution

Desert areas in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.

Epeolus alpinus Friese, 1893

Epeolus alpinus Friese, 1893: 34, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Goeschenen, Switzerland).

Epeolus variegatus Thomson, 1872 (nom. praeocc., nec Linnaeus, 1758): 212, ♀ (type locality: unknown).

Epeolus glacialis Alfken, 1913: 36, nomen novum for E. variegatus Thomson, 1872.

Epeolus montanus Bischoff, 1930: 9, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Warnemünde, Germany).

Epeolus pilosus Bischoff, 1930: 9–10, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Rositten [=Rybachij], Kaliningrad Prov., Russia).

Epeolus alpinus Bischoff, 1930 (nom. praeocc., nec Friese, 1893): 9–10, ♀ (type locality: Saas, Switzerland).

Published data

Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2022a: 308 (Kazakhstan).

Material examined

Kazakhstan, 1 ♂, Chagan-Obo, Saur, Semipalatinsk distr., 13.VI.1910, leg. B. Karavayev [ZISP].

Distribution

Kazakhstan; North Africa, Europe, Turkey, Iran, Russia (European part, Urals, Western and Eastern Siberia, Far East), Mongolia.

Epeolus asiaticus Astafurova & Proshchalykin, 2022

Epeolus asiaticus Astafurova & Proshchalykin, 2022a: 309, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Terkhin-Gol, Chulut and Khoit Rivers, Mongolia).

Published data

No records in Central Asia.

Material examined

Kazakhstan, 1 ♀, Semipalatinsk, coll. F. Morawitz (ZISP); 1 ♂, Aralsk, 23.V.1932, leg. Bening [ZISP]; 2 ♂♂, Alma-Ata, Medeo, 17.VII.1981, leg. Kocourek [OLBL]; 1 ♀, near Alma-Ata, 20.VII.1982, leg. Marikovskaya [ZISP]; Kyrgyzstan, 2 ♀♀, 2 ♂♂, Terskey Mts, Chong-Kyzylsu, 20.VII.1953, leg. D. Panfilov [ZMMU]; 1 ♂, Issyk-Kul, Teplokluchenka, 2000–2300 m, 18–20.VI.1995, leg. R. Rausch [OLBL]; 1 ♀, Bayduluu Range, Dolon Pass, 18.VII.1997, leg. Ovtshinnikov [OLBL]; 1 ♀, Alai Mts, Jkizjak, Kok-suu, VII.2000, leg. VG [OLBL]; 2 ♂♂, Firyuza, 7.VII.2001, Kocourek [OLBL].

Distribution

*Kazakhstan, *Kyrgyzstan; Russia (Western and Eastern Siberia), Mongolia.

Epeolus cruciger (Panzer, 1799)

Nomada crucigera Panzer, 1799: 20, ♂ (type locality: Austria).

Epeolus rufipes Thomson, 1870: 91, ♀ (type locality: S Sweden).

Epeolus similis Höppner, 1899: 355–356, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Freisenbüttel, Germany).

Epeolus cruciger var. elegans Müller, 1921: 168, ♀ (type locality: Arnswalde, Germany).

Epeolus cruciger var. rufiventris Müller, 1921: 168, ♀ (type locality: Arnswalde, Germany).

Epeolus marginatus Bischoff, 1930: 11, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Warnemünde, Germany).

Published data

Morawitz 1880: 371 (Kazakhstan, as E. rufipes); Popov 1954: 365 (Kazakhstan); Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2021c: 11 (Kazakhstan); 2022a: 319 (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan).

Material examined

Kazakhstan, 1 ♀, Kyzylorda, Perovsk district, Kara-Uzyan, 15.IV.16, leg. N. Pulikovskaya [ZISP]; 1 ♀, Syr Darja River, Kazalinsk distr., 7.VI.1926, leg. Rukavishnikov [ZISP]; 1 ♂, Altay Mts, 10 km ENE of Nikitinka, Koktau Mts, 7.VIII.1983, leg. SB [ZISP]; 1 ♀, 25 km SSW of Zhansugirov, Aksu River, Zhungarskiy Alatau, 1600 m, 26.VII.1986, leg. Yu. Pesenko [ZISP]; Kyrgyzstan, 1 ♀, Ussyk-Kyl-Tal, Umg. Ortotokoj, 1700 m, 20.VII.1997, leg. V. Dolin [ZISP]; 1 ♀, 3 ♂♂, 30 km ESE of Rybachiy, Issyk-Kul Lake, 15.VII.1979, leg. Yu. Pesenko [ZISP].

Distribution

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan; Europe, Turkey, Syria, Iran, Russia (northeast to Magadan Prov.), Mongolia.

Remarks

In Central Asia Epeolus cruciger is common only in northern Kazakhstan, but in the remaining Central Asian territories this species is rare and occurs mostly in the mountains. Here females have a mostly well-developed red pattern in the integument coloration and yellowish pubescence.

Epeolus gorodkovi Astafurova, 2022

Epeolus gorodkovi Astafurova in Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2022a: 324, ♂, ♀ (type locality: Pamir Mts, Murgab River Valley, Tajikistan).

Published data

Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2022a: 324 (Tajikistan).

Material examined

No additional specimens examined.

Distribution

Tajikistan; Afghanistan.

Epeolus julliani Pérez, 1884

Epeolus julliani Pérez, 1884: 318–322, ♀ (type locality: Marseille, France).

Published data

Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2022b: 195 (Kazakhstan).

Material examined

No additional specimens examined.

Distribution

Kazakhstan; North Africa, Middle East, Europe, Caucasus, Russia (south of European part, southern Urals), Iran.

Epeolus kyzylkumicus Astafurova, 2022

Epeolus kyzylkumicus Astafurova in Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2022b: 197, ♀, ♂ (type locality: 10 km SW of Arnasay, Kyzyl-kum, Uzbekistan).

Published data

Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2022b: 197 (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan).

Material examined

No additional specimens examined.

Distribution

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan.

Epeolus laticauda Bischoff, 1930

Epeolus laticauda Bischoff, 1930: 13, ♂ (type locality: Mondy, Buryatia Republic, Russia).

Published data

Popov 1935: 358; 1949: 695 (Tajikistan); 1967: 85 (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan); Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2021c: 11 (Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan); 2022b: 201 (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan).

Material examined

Tajikistan, 1 ♂, 15 km SW of Shaartuz, 2.VI.1982, leg. SB [ZISP].

Distribution

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan; Russia (Eastern Siberia).

Epeolus mikhailovi Astafurova & Proshchalykin, 2021

Fig. 4

Epeolus mikhailovi Astafurova & Proshchalykin, 2021a: 30, ♀ (type locality: Kyrgyzstan, Toguz-bulak).

Published data

Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2021a: 30; 2021c:11 (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan).

Material examined

Uzbekistan, 1 ♀, Samarkand, coll. F. Morawitz [ZISP]; Tajikistan, 1 ♂, Yagnob, 15.VI.[1870], [E. transitorius det. F. Morawitz] [ZISP]; 1 ♂, Zararavshan valley [Pasrut River, near Anzob], 24.VI.[1870] [E. transitorius det. F. Morawitz] [ZMMU]; 1 ♀, Pamir, Vanch, 30.VIII.1943, leg. Stakelberg [ZISP]; 3 ♀♀, 3 ♂♂, Pamir, Shavoz, Shakhadara River, 2800 m, 9.VII.1960, leg. L. Zimina [ZMMU]; 1 ♀, Khorog, 2600 m, 15.VI.1956, leg. Zhelokhovtsev [ZMMU]; 1 ♂, Pamir, Chil Dara, 12.VI., leg. N. Bogoyavlenskiy [ZISP]; 1 ♂, Pamir, 10 km SE of Ishkashim, 2600 m, 18.VII.1964, leg. Tanasiychuk [ZISP].

Description of hitherto unknown male

Structure, sculpture, coloration and pubescence are similar to those of the female (see Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2021a: 30). Total body length 5.0–8.5 mm. Flagellomeres about as wide as long (Fig. 4B). Pygidial plate (T7) coarsely and densely punctate, 1.0–1.1 times as long as basal width, slightly narrowed toward apex; apical margin straight (Fig. 4C). Head (Fig. 4B) mostly black, but mandible reddish with red-brown apex and F1 reddish apically. Mesosoma mostly black; tegula, tibia, tarsi (and sometimes femora) reddish. Tergal discs black, marginal zones yellowish; pygidial plate black or reddish. Sterna brownish or reddish with yellowish marginal zones. Clypeus, paraocular and supraclypeal areas with dense (obscuring integument) tomentum; genal area with sparser and short setae. Frons with sparse short plumose and long simple setae. Ventral part of mesosoma, pronotum, mesepisternum (at least upper half), and metanotum laterally with whitish tomentum obscuring integument. Mesoscutum with developed tomentum on anterior half and peripherally. Tergal marginal zones (on T1–T4) with uninterrupted bands of tomentum (Fig. 4A); T1 with basal band widely connected with apical band laterally. S2–S3 with white bands of tomentum on marginal zones and S4 and S5 with golden long setae.

Figure 4. 

Epeolus mikhailovi Astafurova & Proshchalykin, 2021, male A metasoma, dorsal view B head, frontal view C pygidial plate. Scale bars: 1.0 mm (A, B); 0.25 mm (C).

Distribution

Mountains of *Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

Epeolus mongolicus Astafurova & Proshchalykin, 2021

Epeolus mongolicus Astafurova & Proshchalykin, 2021b: 19, ♀ (type locality: 40 km SW of Uliastay, Zavkhan, Mongolia).

Published data

Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2022a: 324 (Kyrgyzstan).

Material examined

No additional specimens examined.

Distribution

Kyrgyzstan; Mongolia, Russia (Eastern Siberia).

Epeolus nudiventris Bischoff, 1930

Epeolus nudiventris Bischoff, 1930: 14, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Mondy, Buryatia Republic, Russia).

Published data

No records in Central Asia.

Material examined

Kazakhstan, 2 ♂♂, Kazalinsk, 4.VI.1900, leg. S. Berg [ZMMU]; 1 ♀, Baigakum, Dzhulek, 21.VI.1907, leg. D. Glasunov [ZISP]; 2 ♂♂, Korgaly-Kul, Perovsk distr., 4.VIII.1911, leg. V. Kozhanchikov [ZISP]; 8 ♂♂, Baigakum, Dzhulek, Syr Darja, 14–19.VI.1912, leg. L. Wollmann [ZISP]; 4 ♂♂, Tartugay, 3–15.VI.1929, leg. A. Shestakov [ZISP]; 2 ♂♂, 50 km S of Balkhash, 26–27.VI.1992, leg. J. Halada [OLBL]; 1 ♂, Lepsi, 19–20.VI.1995, leg. J. Halada [OLBL]; 7 ♀♀, 3 ♂♂, Charyn valley, W Chundza, 650 m, 29–31.V.2001, leg. M. Hauser [OLBL]; 1 ♂, Dobyn Quella, saxaul steppe, 650 m, 30.VII.2002, leg. M. Kulhmann [OLBL]; 1 ♂, Charyn River, 12 km W of Chunzha, 11.VI.2004, leg. V. Kazenas [ZISP]; Uzbekistan, 1 ♀, 2 ♂♂, Farab, Buchara, 6.V.1917, leg. L. Wollmann [ZISP]; 1 ♀, Dautkul Lake, 55 km N of Nukus, 26.V.1972, leg. V. Zaytzev [ZISP]; 4 ♂♂, Mirishkor distr., Sundukli desert, 21–22.IX.2017, leg. MP [ZISP/FSCV]; 2 ♂♂, Mubarek, 20–21.IX.2017, leg. MP [ZISP]; 1 ♂, Yozyovon Sands, 17–18.IX.2022, leg. MP [ZISP]; Turkmenistan, 1 ♂, Dort-Kuyu, coll. F. Morawitz [E. ruficornis variet., Morawitz det.] [ZISP]; Kyrgyzstan, 1 ♀, 9 ♂♂, 30 km ESE of Rybachiy, Issyk-Kul Lake, 15.VII.1979, leg. Yu. Pesenko [ZISP]; Tajikistan, 1 ♂, Staraja Pristan, Vakhsh River, 11.IX.1948, leg. VP [ZISP].

Distribution

*Kazakhstan, *Uzbekistan, *Kyrgyzstan, *Turkmenistan, *Tajikistan; Mongolia (Khovd), Russia (Eastern Siberia).

Epeolus pesenkoi Astafurova, sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/ADCC0377-64BC-41FB-AFF9-1A6395E569D2
Figs 5, 6

Material examined

Holotype : ♀, Kazakhstan: 25 km SSW of Dzhansurov [Zhansugirov], Aksu River, Zhungarskiy Alatau, 1600 m, 26.VII.1986, Yu. Pesenko [ZISP]. Paratypes: 16 ♀, 8 ♂, the same label as in the holotype (ZISP).

Additional material

Kyrgyzstan, 2 ♀♀, 3 ♂♂, Kungei-Alatau, 2200 m, 6–10.VII.1999, 8–9.VII. 2001, leg. Z. Klyuchko [ZISP]; 4 ♀♀, 2 ♂♂, E Terskei Mts, Arashan, 2000 m, 24.VIII.1999, leg. S. Zonstein, Makogonova [ZISP]; 2 ♀♀, Issyk-Kul Lake, Teplokljuchenka, 1800 m, VIII.2002, leg. VG [ZISP]; 3 ♀♀, Kirgizskiy Ridge, Malinovka, 1650 m, 10.V.2000, leg. VG [ZISP]; 3 ♀♀, Bayduluu Range, Dolon Pass, 18.VII.1997, leg. Ovtshinnikov [ZISP]; Kasakhstan, 1 ♀, near Alma-Ata, Kasha-Suu, 1650 m, VII.2002, leg. VG [ZISP]; 1 ♀, Talas Mts, 3 km W of Dzhabagly, 5.VIII.2000, leg. Makogonova [ZISP]; 1 ♀, Aksay, 35 km W of Alma-Aty, 16.VII.1981, leg. Kocourek [OLBL]; 1 ♀, 10 km E of Osinovka, 800 m, 19.VII.2002, leg. M. Kuhlmann [OLBL]; 1 ♀, Alma-Ata env., hills, 30.VI.1977, leg. Pulawskij [OLBL]; 1 ♂, Dzhungarskiy Alatau, 10 km NE of Tekeli Kora-Tal, 1000 m, 23.VII.2002, M. Kuhlmann [OLBL]; 1 ♂, near Alma-Ata, 12.VII.1982, leg. Marikovskaya [ZISP]; 1 ♂, Bugaz River, 35 km N of Ashat, 31.V.1972, leg. I. Kerzhner [ZISP]; Uzbekistan, 2 ♂♂, Charki, leg. Glasunov, coll. F. Morawitz [E. transitorius Morawitz det.] [ZISP].

Diagnosis

This species belongs to the E. variegatus species group [E. compar Alfken, 1938, E. eriwanensis Bischoff, 1930, E. intermedius Pérez, 1884, E. turcicus Bogusch, 2018, E. productulus Bischoff, 1930, E. productuloides Bogusch, 2018, and E. variegatus (Linnaeus, 1758)] in sharing the presence of labral tubercles positioned close to the middle of labrum (as opposed to apically or subapically) and the curved (as opposed to straight) S5 of the female. From other species of the group, the new species can be distinguished by the uninterrupted albeit medially narrowed apical bands of the metasomal terga and usually bright yellow tomentum on the body of the female.

Description

Female (holotype). Total body length 7.0 mm; forewing length (without tegula) 5.5 mm. Structure and sculpture: head (Fig. 5C) transverse, 1.3 times as wide as long. Labrum (Fig. 5D) similar to those of E. variegatus; 1.6 times as wide as long, rounded basally and laterally, apical margin curved and with distinct medial tooth between two angulated lobes; submedially with two prominent teeth; integument shiny, coarsely and densely punctate (15–40 μm / confluent–0.5). Clypeus densely and finely punctate (10–15 μm / confluent–0.5). Frons with developed frontal keel. Frons and vertex coarsely and densely punctate, interspaces shiny (20–45 μm / confluent–1.0). F1 and F2 ca 1.3 times as long as wide; remaining flagellomeres ca as long as wide. Mesoscutum and mesoscutellum areolate-punctate (30–45 μm / confluent–1.5). Axilla short and flat, pointed apically, but without distinct tooth. Mesoscutellum with moderate deep longitudinal impression; posterior margin extending over propodeum. Mesepisternum finely areolate-punctate on upper half, lower part coarsely punctate with interspaces ca one puncture diameter. Propodeal triangle shagreened; rest posterior vertical surface of propodeum shiny and smooth. Metasomal terga finely punctate (10–15 μm / 0.5–2), interspaces shiny and smooth. Pseudopygidial area short (Fig. 5F). Pygidial plate trapezoidal, apically truncate. Processes on sides of S6 normal, with short projections. Sterna finely punctate with distinct interspaces (Fig. 5B). S5 curved as seen in lateral view.

Figure 5. 

Epeolus pesenkoi Astafurova, sp. nov., female, holotype A, B, E habitus, dorsal (A), ventral (B) and lateral (E) views C head, frontal view D labrum, frontal view F T5, dorsal view. Scale bars: 1.0 mm (A, B, E); 0.5 mm (C, F); 0.25 mm (D).

Integument coloration: head mostly black, but mandibles (excluding dark apex), labrum, clypeus on lower half, scape and F1 amber (yellow-reddish). Mesosoma mostly black; pronotal lobe, tegulae, axillae, mesoscutellum, and legs (with dark spurs) amber; wings infuscate, stigma, and veins brown. Metasomal terga mostly black, but amber on posterior half of T5; marginal zones apically yellowish and transparent. Pygidial plate amber. Sterna (including marginal zones) amber.

Pubescence: pale tomentum mostly golden-yellow (Fig. 5A, E). Labrum with long simple setae near median teeth. Paraocular and supraclypeal areas with dense tomentum obscuring integument, clypeus with sparse pubescence. Upper half of frons with relatively long erect simple setae mixed with sparse appressed plumose setae. Vertex with sparse short and plumose setae. Gena with thick plumose setae on upper half (almost obscured integument) and with thin setae below. Pronotum dorsally with tomentum obscuring integument. Mesoscutum with paramedian strips of tomentum connected with lateral spots along pronotal lobe, pair small spots of tomentum posterolaterally and narrow strip along posterior margin (Fig. 5A). Mesepisternum with dense tomentum obscuring underlying integument on upper half, otherwise glabrous or with sparse setae. T1 with wide basal band of tomentum interrupted medially and connected with apical band laterally; marginal zones on T1–T4 with uninterrupted bands of tomentum. Setae on tergal discs dark brown; sparser than those comprising apical bands. Pseudopygidial area with silvery pubescence. Sterna with weak pubescence; S2 with simple short setae, S3–S5 with plumose short setae; marginal zones of T3–T4 with white tomentum laterally.

Male. Structure, sculpture, coloration, and pubescence are similar to those of female (Fig. 6A–C). Flagellomeres about as long as wide. Pygidial plate (T7) reddish, shiny, coarsely and densely punctate, 1.1–1.2 times as long as basal width, slightly narrowed toward apex; apical margin curved (Fig. 6E). Clypeus, axillae, and mesoscutellum entirely black. Clypeus with dense tomentum obscuring integument. T1 basal band of tomentum uninterrupted. Marginal zones of S2 and S3 with dense uninterrupted white tomentum bands; S4 and S5 normal, with long, golden setae. Genitalia as in Fig. 6D.

Figure 6. 

Epeolus pesenkoi Astafurova, sp. nov., male, paratype A, B habitus, lateral (A) and dorsal (B) views C head, frontal view D genitalia, dorsal view E pygydial plate. Scale bars: 1.0 mm (A–C); 0.25 mm (D, E).

Variability

Female. Total body length 5.5–7.5 mm. Coloration of clypeus varies from entirely amber to dark brown/black along upper margin. The supraclypeal area is sometimes reddish on lower frontal keel. The metasomal terga are usually black (except amber on posterior half of T5) but may be reddish or brownish laterally along the marginal zones and on the posterior part of T1. The pubescence of the mesoscutum is usually as described in the holotype but sometimes has dense tomentum obscuring much of the anterior part instead of the usual distinct paramedian strips. Two specimens from the type locality have narrowly interrupted apical bands of tomentum. Male. Total body length 5.0–7.0 mm. The labrum varies from black to reddish. The basal band of tomentum on T1 is usually uninterrupted and is often almost merged with the apical band (except a small central area), rarely interrupted medially. Coloration of pale tomentum is usually less bright than in the female, from yellow to whitish.

Etymology

The specific epithet is dedicated to Yuri Andreevich Pesenko (1944–2007), a renowned melittologist and, during his lifetime, one of the leading experts on the systematics of halictid bees.

Distribution

Mountains of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Epeolus productulus Bischoff, 1930

Epeolus productulus Bischoff, 1930: 4, ♂, ♀ (type locality: Sarepta, Volgograd Prov., Russia).

Published data

Schwartz et al. 1999: 486 (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan).

Material examined

Kazakhstan, 3 ♀♀, Ber Tschogur, Mugodjar Mts, 3.VI.1910, coll. L. Wolmann [ZISP]; 1 ♀, Ryn-peski (desert), 12 km S of Urda, 3.VI.2001, leg. J. Miatleuski [OLBL]; Uzbekistan, 5 ♀♀, 1 ♂, Kurgan-Tyube, Fergana, 23.V.1938, leg. VP [ZISP]; 1 ♂, Dzhuma, Fergana, 23.V.1938 [ZISP].

Distribution

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan; Central and South Europe, Turkey, Syria, Ukraine, Russia (south of European part, Orenburg Prov.).

Epeolus rasnitsyni Astafurova & Proshchalykin, 2021

Epeolus rasnitsyni Astafurova & Proshchalykin, 2021c: 11, ♂ (type locality: the mouth of the Shakhdara River, Tajikistan).

Published data

Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2021c: 11 (Tajikistan).

Material examined

No additional specimens examined.

Distribution

Tajikistan (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region).

Epeolus ruficornis Morawitz, 1875

Fig. 7

Epeolus ruficornis Morawitz, 1875: 144, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Ayni, Tajikistan). Lectotype (designated here): ♀, 11.VI.[1870] // Варзаминоръ [Varzaminor (= Ayni), Tajikistan // Epeolus ruficornis Mor. [handwritten by F. Morawitz], [illustrated on Fig. 7], ZMMU, examined.

Published data

Morawitz 1875: 144 (Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan); 1894: 45 (Turkmenistan); Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2021c: 11 (Tajikistan, Turkmenistan).

Material examined

Kazakhstan, 3 ♀♀, 3 ♂♂, Bayrakum near Dzhulek, 10.VI.1907, leg. L. Wolmann [ZISP]; 2 ♀♀, Dzhulek, Syr-Darja, 12.VI.1912, leg. L. Wolmann [ZISP]; 1 ♀, Kharkin, Ural River, 4.VIII.1951, leg. VR [ZISP]; 5 ♂♂, Koksengir, Zhana-Arka, 19.VII.1958, leg. A. Ponomareva, VR [ZISP]; 1 ♀, Kokshetau Mts, 2.VI.1959, leg. V. Tobias [ZISP]; 1 ♂, 50 km SW of Qyzylorda, 26.VI.1980, leg. D. Panfilov [ZMMU]; Kyrgyzstan, 2 ♂♂ (paralectotypes), Zeravhan River valley [near Aykul lake], 5.VIII.[1869], [ZMMU]; Turkmenistan, 1 ♂, Germab, coll. F. Morawitz [ZISP]; 1 ♂, Takhta-Bazar, 30.VI.1930, leg. VP [ZISP]; 6 ♀, 1 ♂, 30 km ESE of Rybachiy, Issyk-Kul Lake, 15.VII.1979, leg. Yu. Pesenko [ZISP]; Uzbekistan, 1 ♂, Khiva, Ravat, 26.V.1927, leg. V. Gussakovskij [ZISP]; 1 ♀, 2 ♂♂, Bukhara, Bag-Absal, 19.VII.1930, leg. V. Gussakovskij [ZISP]; 2 ♀♀, 1 ♂, Bag-Absal, 50 km N of Buchara, 17.IX.1931, leg. Zhelhovtzev [ZMMU]; 3 ♂♂, Dzhuma, 20.VIII.1957, leg. VP [ZISP]; 1 ♀, 10 km SW of Arnasay, Kyzyl-kum desert, 27.VIII.1979, leg. Yu. Pesenko [ZISP]; Tajikistan, 1 ♀, Varsaminor, 1892, leg. Glasunov [ZISP]; 5 ♀♀, 12 ♂♂, Kurgan-Tube, 30.VIII–5.IX.1948, leg. VP [ZISP]; 1 ♂, Staraya Pristan, Vakhsh, 12.IX.1948, leg. VR [ZISP]; 1 ♂, Vakhsh, 4–5.VI.1990, leg. J. Halada [OLBL]; 1 ♀, Khalton pr., Khodzhamulin Mts, 27.VI.2003, leg. Perepechayenko [ZISP].

Remarks

The species is closest to Epeolus warnckei Bogusch, 2018, but differs by having poorly developed labral teeth (Fig. 7C) which are positioned rather subapically (according to description of Bogusch (2018), in E. warnckei the labral teeth are positioned near the apex).

Figure 7. 

Epeolus ruficornis Morawitz, 1875, female, lectotype A habitus, dorsal view and labels B head, frontal view C labrum, frontal view D mesoscutellum, dorsal view. Scale bars: 1.0 mm (A, B); 0.25 mm (C, D).

Distribution

*Kazakhstan, *Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Mongolia (Dornogovi, Khovd, Uvurkhangai), Azerbaijan, China (Xinjiang, Gansu).

Epeolus seraxensis Radoszkowski, 1893

Epeolus transitorius var. seraxensis Radoszkowski, 1893: 54–55, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Serax, Turkmenistan).

Epeolus seraxensis: Bogusch 2021: 59. Upgraded to species rank.

Published data

Bogusch 2021: 59 (Turkmenistan); Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2021c: 11 (Turkmenistan); 2022b: 207 (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan).

Material examined

Kazakhstan, 3 ♀♀, Charyn River, 10 km NW of Chundzha, 22–23.VII.1988, leg. M. Volkovish [ZISP].

Distribution

Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Israel.

Epeolus tarsalis Morawitz, 1873

Epeolus tarsalis Morawitz, 1873: 182–183, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Dagestan, Russia).

Epeolus praeustus Pérez, 1884: 324–326, ♀ (type locality: Pyrenees).

?Epeolus sibiricus Radoszkowski, 1887: 295, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Vladivostok, Russia).

Epeolus rozenburgensis van Lith, 1949: 105–112, ♀ (type locality: the Netherlands).

Epeolus himukanus Hirashima, 1955: 40–41, ♂ (type locality: Kyushu, Japan).

Epeolus tarsalis ssp. tirolensis van Lith, 1956: 99, ♀ (type locality: Tirol, Austria).

Published data

Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2021a: 32; 2021c: 11 (Kazakhstan).

Material examined

No additional specimens examined.

Distribution

Kazakhstan, Europe, Russia (European part, Eastern Siberia, Far East), Mongolia, Korea, Japan.

Epeolus transitorius Eversmann, 1852

Epeolus transitorius Eversmann, 1852: 102, ♀ (type locality: Indersk District, Atyrau Province, Kazakhstan; ZISP).

Published data

Popov 1951: 172 (Tajikistan); Le Divelec 2021: 16 (Kazakhstan); Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2021c: 11; 2022b: 209 (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan). The record of this species by Morawitz (1875: 144, 2 ♂) from Tajikistan belongs to E. michailovi Asatfurova & Proshchalykin, 2021.

Material examined

No additional specimens examined.

Distribution

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan; Greece, Georgia, Ukraine, Russia (southern European part, southern Ural, Western Siberia).

Epeolus variegatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Apis variegata Linnaeus, 1758: 577, ♂ (type locality: Sweden).

Apis notata Christ, 1791: 188–189, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Germany).

Apis pulchella Christ, 1791: 194–195, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Germany).

Apis muscaria Christ, 1791: 195–196, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Germany).

Apis festiva Christ, 1791: 190–191, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Germany).

Epeolus pictus Nylander, 1848: 174–175, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Siberia, Russia).

Epeolus productus Thomson, 1870: 91, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Sweden).

Published data

Popov 1934: 57 (northern Kazakhstan, as E. productus Thomson); Levchenko et al. 2017: 317 (Central Asia). The record from Tajikistan (22.VI – Anzob) (Morawitz 1875: 144) belongs to E. transitorius.

Material examined

Kazakhstan, 1 ♀, Akmola, 6 km NE of Imkty-kol’ Lake, 21.VI.1957, leg. VR [ZISP]; 21 ♀♀, 59 ♂♂, Koksengir, S of Zhana-Arka, 31.VI–16.VIII.1959, leg. VR [ZISP]; 4 ♀♀, 4 ♂♂, Taldy-Manak River, 14.VIII.1959, leg. VR [ZISP]; 5 ♀♀, 3 ♂♂, Basaga-uzek River, 8.VI.1957, leg. VR [ZISP]; 2 ♀♀, 2 ♂♂, Yanvartzevo, 16–25.VI.1950, leg. VR [ZISP]; 5 ♀♀, 1 ♂, Atbasar, 3.IX.1936, leg. P. Rezvoy [ZISP]; 1 ♀, 3 ♂♂, 10 km N of Zharkol Lake, 17.VI.1957, leg. VR [ZISP]; 1 ♀, 1 ♂, Shabdar, 21.VI.1957, leg. VR [ZISP]; 1 ♀, 4 ♂♂, Kokshetau Mts, 12.VII.1958, leg. VR [ZISP]; 1 ♀, Borovoye, Kokchetav, 26.VII.1932, leg. VP [ZISP]; 1 ♀, near Uralsk, 5.VII.1908, leg. D. Borodin, V. Uvarov [ZISP].

Distribution

Kazakhstan, North Africa, Europe, Russia (to Eastern Siberia), Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Iran, Pakistan, Mongolia.

Remarks

In Central Asia Epeolus variegatus is only known from northern Kazakhstan, where it is a common species. Reports of this species from other Central Asian countries are not confirmed by our examined material. In Russia, according to currently available data, the species is distributed east to the province of Irkutsk. A record from Yakutia by Davydova and Pesenko (2002) is a misidentification, which instead corresponds to E. cruciger and E. alpinus.

Epeolus vinogradovi Popov, 1952

Fig. 8

Epeolus vinogradovi Popov, 1952: 108, ♀, ♂ (type locality: Dzhebel, Turkmenistan). Lectotype (designated here): ♀, ст. Джебел, Туркмен. [Dzhebel, Turkmenistan], 12.VI.[1]934, В. Попов [V. Popov leg.] // к. Ф. Моравица // Epeolus vinogradovi sp.n. Holotype! ♀, Popov det. 1935 [illustrated on Fig. 8]; ZISP, examined.

Published data

Popov 1952: 108 (Turkmenistan); Astafurova and Proshchalykin 2021c: 11 (Turkmenistan).

Material examined

Turkmenistan, ♀ (paralectotype), Молла-кара, бл. Джебела, Туркм. [Molla-Kara, Dzhebel, Turkmenistan], 1.VII. [1]934, В. Попов [leg. V. Popov] // Epeolus vinogradovi sp.n. Paratype ♀, Popov det. 1935; 1 ♂ (paralectotype), Mulla Kara // Epeolus spinosus F. Morawitz [by Morawitz] // Epeolus vinogradovi sp.n. ♂, Popov det. 1935; 1 ♂ (paralectotype), Репетек [Repetek], 3.VI.27, Н. Умнов [leg. N. Umnov] // Epeolus vinogradovi sp.n. Paratype ♂, Popov det. 1935; 1 ♂, Uzun-Ada, 23.V.1896, leg. Varentzov; 2 ♂♂, Kara-Bogaz, 40 km N of Kyzyl-Arvat, 3.VII, 18.VI.1953, leg. Kryzhanovskiy; 1 ♀, Repetek, 8–13.VI.1976, leg. V. Kaplin.

Figure 8. 

Epeolus vinogradovi Popov, 1952, female, lectotype A habitus, dorsal view and labels B head, frontal view C labrum, frontal view D mesoscutellum, dorsolateral view. Scale bars: 1.0 mm (A, B); 0.5 mm (D); 0.25 mm (C).

Distribution

Turkmenistan.

Discussion

In total, 20 species are recorded from Central Asia, or, in other words, almost half of the Palaearctic fauna of the genus. For comparison, 18 species are known from Europe, 16 from the Middle East, 12 from North Africa, nine from Mongolia, 12 from Siberia and the Russian Far East, five from Japan, and only four from China.

The core of the Epeolus fauna of Central Asia is formed by seven endemic species (E. albus, E. gorodkovi, E. kyzylkumicus, E. mikhailovi, E. pesenkoi, E. rasnitsyni, and E. vinogradovi) and four species distributed from Central Asia to Mongolia and southern Siberia (E. asiaticus, E. laticauda, E. mongolicus, and E. nudiventris). Of them, Epeolus laticauda is a fairly common species in desert biotopes. Epeolus gorodkovi, E. mikhailovi, and E. rasnitsyni occur mostly in the mountains.

Nine species are more widely distributed. Epeolus julliani, E. productulus, and E. transitorius are widespread in the Palaearctic. Epeolus ruficornis and E. seraxensis are distributed in arid territories of the Central Palaearctic, from the Middle East and Caucasus to Central Asia and Mongolia. Only four species recorded in Central Asia are widespread in the whole Palaearctic region (E. alpinus, E. cruciger, E. tarsalis, and E. variegatus), but in Central Asia they are rare (E. alpinus, E. cruciger, and E. tarsalis) or distributed only in northern part (E. variegatus).

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Maximilian Schwarz (Ansfelden, Austria), Esther Ockermueller (OLBL), and Alexander Antropov (ZMMU) for providing Epeolus specimens and Thomas Wood (Mons, Belgium) for checking the English grammar, as well as to the subject editor (Thorleif Dörfel, Berlin, Germany) and three reviewers (Thomas Onuferko, Ottawa, Canada; Petr Bogusch, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; and Arkadiy Lelej, Vladivostok, Russia) for their valuable comments, which helped to improve the quality of this paper.

Additional information

Conflict of interest

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Ethical statement

No ethical statement was reported.

Funding

This investigation was supported by the Russian Funds for Basic Research (grant number 20-54-44014) and the state research projects 122031100272-3 and 121031000151-3.

Author contributions

All authors have contributed equally.

Author ORCIDs

Yulia V. Astafurova https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0557-7792

Maxim Yu. Proshchalykin https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7870-8226

Data availability

All of the data that support the findings of this study are available in the main text.

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