ISCHNOMELISSA, A NEW GENUS OF AUGOCHLORINE BEES (HALICTIDAE) FROM COLOMBIA

A new augochlorine bee genus, Ischnomelissa gen. n., is described and figured. The genus is based on a new species from the mountains of Col ombia, Ischnomelissa zonata. Ischnomelissa superficially resembles spe cies of Caenaugochlora (Ctenaugochlora), but differs in having a round ed preoccipital ridge, an acute marginal cell apex, an elongated propo deum, and a single gonostylus (not divided into ventral and dor sal go nostylar processes). Color variation within I. zonata and the position of the group in augochlorine phylogeny is briefly discussed. Modified couplets are provided for Eickwort's 1969 key to genera and subgenera in order to correctly identify, the genus.