Colletes bytinskii Noskiewicz 1955

Colletes bytinskii Noskiewicz, 1955 (Figs 3A–B, 4A–B, 5A–B) Colletes bytinskii Noskiewicz, 1955: 81–87, ♂ Holotype (type locality: Israel, Bat Jam (as Bal-Jam)) (SMNH), not examined. This rarely collected and little-known bee belongs to the species-rich C. squamosus group, which is widespread in desert areas of Asia and Africa. Material examined (9 specimens). MALI: 1♀, 1♂, 25 km E Hombori [W01.33 N15.16], 18.viii.1991, leg. W.J. Pulawski (CASC); 2♀, 2♂, 30 km NE Hombori [W01.33 N15.22], 18.viii.1991, leg. M. Schwarz (1♀, 1♂ PCMS, 1♀, 1♂ RCMK); NIGER: 2♀, 20 km S Tahoua [E05.20 N14.45], 13.viii.1987, leg. A. Pauly, on Sterculiaceae (1♀ A. Pauly / RBINS, 1♀ RCMK); 1♀, Tsernaoua [E05.20 N13.53], 13.viii.1987, leg. A. Pauly, on Sesamum (A. Pauly / RBINS). General distribution. The species is only known from Israel, Mali and Niger (Fig. 7). Floral hosts. Sterculiaceae gen. sp., Sesamum sp. (Pedaliaceae). Seasonal activity. August.