Neocorynurella, a new genus of Augochlorine bees from South America (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

Neocorynurella Engel gen. n., a new sweat bee genus of the tribe Augochlorini (Halictidae), is described and figured from high altitudes in Colombia and Venezuela. The genus is distinguished from other augochlorine genera by the following combination of characters: galeal comb absent, epistomal sulcus obtuse, mouthparts not narrowed, preoccipital ridge rounded, pronotal dorsal and lateral ridges not carinate, pectinate inner hind tibial spur, strong basitibial plate, truncated marginal cell, and penis valve without a ventral prong. Two species are currently recognized in the group, Neocorynurella seeleyi Engel et Klein sp. n. and N. viridis Engel et Klein sp. n. Modified key couplers are provided for Eickwort's key to the genera of Augochlorini in order to facilitate recognition of the new genus. The position of Neocorynurella in augochlorine phylogeny is briefly discussed.