The bee fauna (Hymenoptera : Apoidea) of Everglades National Park, Floridaand adjacent areas: Distribution, phenology, and biogeography

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.