Presence of exotic species of the wild bee genus Hylaeus (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) in the Canary Islands revealed by molecular and citizen science

Abstract

In this study, we update the knowledge about wild bees of the genus Hylaeus in the Canary Islands and discuss the possible effect on the phenology of exotic species on the endemic ones. Our records come both from entomological samplings and citizen science through photos registered in social networks. An additional molecular approach was performed to confirm correct identification and analyze their geographic origin. Two new exotic species, Hylaeus (Paraprosopis) pictipes Nylander, 1852 in Tenerife and Hylaeus (Spatulariella) punctatus (Brullé, 1832) in Tenerife and Gran Canaria have been detected. In addition, we provide new records of Hylaeus (Spatulariella) sulphuripes (Gribodo, 1894) in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. All three species show a flight season extending from late spring to early winter. Most observations were made in anthropized areas, visiting both native and exotic plants. Exotic species were localized on the larger islands of the archipelago where maritime traffic is higher, being the most likely route of entry. Molecular data suggest two independent arrivals of H. pictipes to Tenerife from the Iberian Peninsula, while H. puntactus would have arrived from central Europe. There is little overlap with the phenology and habitat of the endemic species, so there does not seem to be a potentially significant negative effect on them.

Keywords:

• Exotic bee
• DNA barcode
• Canary Islands
• citizen science
• Hylaeus

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all the social media users who provided photos and information regarding H. sulphuripes in Gran Canaria and H. pictipes in Tenerife. We are much indebted to Francisco La Roche and an anonymous reviewer for their valuable comments that greatly improved the manuscript, Daniel Suárez and Irene Santos for the specimen collected for DNA identification of H. punctatus, and Ana Asensio for the molecular work. P. De la Rúa is supported by Project 19908/GERM/2015 of Regional Excellence (Fundación Seneca).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.