New records of bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) from Morocco

Abstract

Morocco is considered to be one of the main diversity hotspots of bees in the Mediterranean basin. However, this fauna remains largely understudied in both urban and natural eco-systems. Bee monitoring primarily conducted during 2023 in an urban area (i.e. Safi) has unveiled three new bee species for Morocco: Lithurgus tibialis, Tetralonia aff. lanzarotensis and Coelioxys ruficauda as well as records of 28 new bee species for the region Marrakech Safi. This work provides descriptions of the spatial distribution, the diagnostic characters, and host plants of these three species. We also take the opportunity to highlight the quality of urban areas as habitats for bees and the importance of implementating bee-friendly management practices to preserve bee species.