New distribution records of two Lithurgus bee species (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) from Jammu & Kashmir, India

Authors

  • P.M. Osman Javid Insect Systematics Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir 185234, India.
  • Sajad H. Parey Insect Systematics Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir 185234, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10516.18.9.29776-29780

Keywords:

Habitat, morphology, new records, pollination, sampling Himalaya, solitary bees, systematics, taxonomy, wild bees

Abstract

The present study provides new distributional record of Lithurgus bees of the family Megachilidae. Lithurgus albofacialis (Gupta) and Lithurgus atratus (Smith) are new records for Jammu & Kashmir region. Detailed notes on diagnostic features, material examined, and precise locality data are provided. These findings extend the known geographical range of both species in the region and contribute to the understanding of Megachilidae diversity in India. The study underscores the importance of continued faunal surveys for documenting the bee fauna of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.

References

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Published

26-09-2026

Issue

Section

Short Communications