First Report of a Panurgine Bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Andrenidae) from India

Abstract

An investigation of insect pollinators in the Trans-Himalayan cold desert of Kargil (Ladakh) revealed a new record, Melitturga clavicornis (Latreille, 1806) (Andrenidae: Panurginae), from India, marking the first documented occurrence of a panurgine bee in the country. Before this study, its distribution ranged from Europe to Afghanistan in Asia. We can infer that the species' range has extended into the Indian Himalayas. According to European assessments, this species is listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List. Consequently, it becomes even more vital to protect it and its habitat. Its occurrence in India holds particular significance for conservation efforts. panurgine bee was collected from flowers of buckwheat, alfalfa, apricot, and apple during their flowering seasons from 2020 to 2023. The highest abundance was observed in alfalfa (Medicago falcata L. and Medicago sativa L.) fields. Based on this study, we can also assert that this species is responsible for pollinating all the major crops found in Ladakh. The collection sites are indicated on the QGIS map, and photographs of the specimens are also included.