An illustrated checklist of the bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) of Toco region, northeastern Trinidad

This study surveyed bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) in the Toco region of northeastern
Trinidad. Yellow, blue, red, and white pan traps, a Malaise trap, aspirators, and various sweep
netting excursions were used to survey the area. Twelve locations were sampled around the
region over the span of 10 active collection days (27.V.2023-4.VI.2023, and 9.VI.2023-
10.VI.2023). A total of 148 specimens representing 22 different species were collected.
Individuals were classified into one of the three families Apidae, Halictidae, or Megachilidae.
Identification of all species to genus, subgenus or species were confirmed at Texas A&M
University using standard taxonomic references. Three photos of each species were taken
(lateral, dorsal, and frontal) using focus-stacking software to provide a visual guide to the bee
fauna in the area. When species were collected while foraging on a plant, the host plant
was identified. It was observed that most of the host plants had white flowers. It was also
observed that hypermetamorphic triungulin coleopterans infested several brood cells
of Epicharis bees, and further research of these parasites could be a promising future research
topic for this region.