Abstract The northeastern region in Brazil comprises a complex of endemic areas mostly known for the species inhabiting the dry Caatinga and wet Atlantic forests. Here, we describe the new bee species Paratetrapedia nordestina sp. nov. (Tapinotaspidini), which occurs in enclaves of semi-deciduous forests in the western limits of Ceará and in eastern Piaui state, in northeastern Brazil. A key to both males and females of the lineata group in Paratetrapedia, including the new species, is provided. We also provide a discussion about its mimetic partner, map of distribution, and main illustrations of the two involved species.

Pela primeira vez é reportado a coleta de óleo por Caenonomada em Plantaginaceae. Fêmeas de Caenonomada unicalcarata foram observadas coletando óleo em flores de Angelonia cornigera, e fêmeas e machos de Caenonomada bruneri e Caenonomada aff. unicalcarata em flores de Angelonia e Monopera (Plantaginaceae). O registro de Caenonomada em Plantaginaceae sugere uma condição mais primitiva para o uso de glândulas tricomáticas de óleo na tribo Tapinotaspidini.

It is reported for the first time oil collecting by bees of the genus Caenonomada on flowers of Plantaginaceae. Females of Caenonomada unicalcarata were observed collecting oil on flowers of Angelonia cornigera, and males and females of Caenonomada bruneri and C. aff. unicalcarata were observed on flowers of Angelonia and Monopera (Plantaginaceae). The record of Caenonomada on Plantaginaceae suggests the use of trichomatic oil glands as a primitive condition in the tribe Tapinotaspidini.