Jb. Pascarella et al., The bee fauna (Hymenoptera : Apoidea) of Everglades National Park, Floridaand adjacent areas: Distribution, phenology, and biogeography, J KAN ENT S, 72(1), 1999, pp. 32-45
We conducted an intensive survey of the ber fauna of Everglades National Pa
rk (ENP). Florida. We identified bees (Apoidea) from our field collections
(1995-1997) and reviewed published records and collections in regional muse
ums. Sixty-six species of bees occurred in ENP. Thirty-eight additional spe
cies were recorded from outside of ENP in Dade and Monroe Counties (total o
f 101 sp.). The most diverse site in ENP was the Long Pine Key region. Peak
diversity was observed from March-April. The numbers of species per family
in ENP were: Megachilidae (30), Apidae (17), Halictidae (13), and Colletid
ae (6). The most diverse genus was Megachile (Megachilidae). with 17 sp. in
ENP. Three endemic, two introduced and twelve parasite species occurred in
ENP. The most diverse parasitic group was Coelioxys (Megachilidae),with 7
sp. present in ENP. The bee fauna is distinct from adjacent tropical areas
of the Bahamas, Cuba, and the Yucatan, sharing only a few species with them
. Most species in ENP and the region are Nearctic. Compared to northern Flo
rida, the fauna lacks numerous genera and species in the Andrenidae and Api
dae. Local and regional differences in ber species composition may reflect
lack of suitable ground nesting habitat in ENP.