taxonID	type	description	language	source
03933237FFC8981B039EFD065273FAC6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. The male of this species possesses a tridentate mandible, lacks a fourth mandibular tooth that projects posteriorly over the clypeus, has the posterior margin of head behind eyes elongate, has large conical mesosternal processes, has only a single spur on the mid-tibia, has the paramere of the genitalia squat (e. g., Fig. 1), and has the cuspis curled, but not lobed, apically.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC8981B039EFD065273FAC6.taxon	description	Female. Unknown, but possibly will be mistaken as a species of Sphaeropthalma near Sphaeropthalma blakeii and S. papaga Schuster based on male morphology and similarities in ITS 1 and ITS 2 sequences.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC8981B039EFD065273FAC6.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co., Algodones Dunes: Cahuilla Ranger Sta. 10 km WSW Glamis, 1 male, 22. Sep – 15. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC8981B039EFD065273FAC6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern Arizona and southern California. Presumably this species is found throughout the Sonoran Desert into Mexico.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC8981B039EFD065273FAC6.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This genus contains five described species and one undescribed species that with be treated elsewhere. Females are unknown for this genus. This species is rarely collected on the dunes, or anywhere else in its range, but is wide-ranging and not limited to the Algodones Sand Dunes.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC8981A039EFA7254A3FF7A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. The male of this species can be recognized by the unique quadridentate mandibles. The mandibles have three apical teeth, plus a fourth tooth that projects posteriorly over the clypeus. Also, the males have the posterior margin of head behind eyes elongate, have large conical mesosternal processes, has a single spur on the mid-tibia, has genitalia with a squat paramere, and has the cuspis curled apically (Fig. 1).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC8981A039EFA7254A3FF7A.taxon	description	Female. Unknown, but possibly will be mistaken as a species of Sphaeropthalma near Sphaeropthalma blakeii as discussed above for A. dorophora.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC8981A039EFA7254A3FF7A.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes, Niland-Glamis Rd., 7.4 km NW Glamis, 1 male, 3 – 30. May. 2008, S. Heydon and K. Lorenzen (UCDC). Glamis, 7 mi. E, 5 males, 11 – 12. Apr. 1973, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC8981A039EFA7254A3FF7A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Nevada and southern Utah south into California, Arizona, and Zacatecas, Mexico.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC8981A039EFA7254A3FF7A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is rarely collected on the dunes, or anywhere else in its range, but is wide ranging and not limited to the Algodones Sand Dunes.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC99816039EF8B855D5FE31.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. The male of this species possesses the following combination of characters: the setae of the dorsum are yellow to orange, the eyes and ocelli are large with the diameter of ocellus being longer than distance between lateral and anteromedian ocelli, the axillae are truncate posterolaterally, the wings are fuscous, white setae are present on T 2 but are restricted to the apical fringe, S 2 lacks a median pit filled with setae, and an apical fringe of setae are present on the pygidium. Diagnosis of female. The female of this species possesses the following combination of characters: the eyes are enlarged, the dorsum of the head, mesosoma and T 2 are clothed with yellow to orange setae while the setae of T 3 – 6 are black, and the dorsum of the mesosoma is longer than broad.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC99816039EF8B855D5FE31.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes, Coachella Canal Rd., 6.4 km NW Hwy 78, 14.4 km NW Glamis, 1 female, 3 – 30. May. 2008, S. Heydon and K. Lorenzen (UCDC), 1 male, 22. Sep – 25. Nov. 2008, T. Zavortink and R. Kimsey (UCDC).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC99816039EF8B855D5FE31.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Sonoran and Mojave deserts in Arizona, California, and Nevada.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC99816039EF8B855D5FE31.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is closely related to D. nocturna, and like that species is active both diurnally and nocturnally. It is possible that D. nocturna and D. arenivaga are conspecific. The range of D. arenivaga surrounds that of D. nocturna and these two species only differ in coloration and the mesosomal shape of the females, but this is highly variable in other species (i. e., no other characters can be found, either between the females or the males, including genitalia). Further evidence, such as molecular data, is needed to support this conclusion. This species is not limited to the Algodones Sand Dunes.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC5980D039EF8C45220FEEE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. The male of this species (Fig. 48) possesses the following combination of characters: the eyes and ocelli are not greatly enlarged, the axillae are dentate posterolaterally, there is an orange or white apical fringe of setae present on T 2, S 2 lacks a median pit filled with setae, the pygidium is glabrous or shagreened and lacks striations and an apical fringe of setae present on the pygidium. Diagnosis of female. The female of this species (Fig. 47) possesses the following combination of characters: the scutellar scale is absent, T 2 – 3 are clothed with orange or white setae, and T 4 – 6 are clothed with black setae.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC5980D039EF8C45220FEEE.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes, Coachella Canal Rd., 6.4 km NW Hwy 78, 14.4 km NW Glamis, 1 female, 24 – 28. Mar. 2008, Bohart Museum Survey Team. Glamis, 2 females, 26. May. 1977, E. L. Klee (EMUS, KAWC); Glamis, 2 km NW, 2 males, 27. Aug. 1992, L. S. and R. B. Kimsey (UCDC); Glamis, 2.2 mi SE, 2 females, 25 – 26. Sep. 1993, R. R. Snelling (LACM). – Sphaeropthalma triangularis, female: 85. head, anterior view; 86. lateral view; and 87. dorsal view of mesosoma, anterior left. Odontophotopsis villosa, female: 88. dorsal view of mesosoma, anterior top; 89. head, anterior view; and 90. lateral view. Odontophotopsis unknown female: 91. lateral view; and 92. dorsal view of mesosoma, anterior top. Sphaeropthalma militaris, male, 93. head, dorsal view. Sphaeropthalma triangularis, male, 94. head, dorsal view. Odontophotopsis inconspicua, male, 95. hind femur, lateral view. Sphaeropthalma triangularis, male, 96. hind femur, lateral view. Sphaeropthalma triangularis, female: 97. mesosoma, dorsal view; 98. metasoma, dorsal view; and 99. head, dorsal view.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC5980D039EF8C45220FEEE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California and southwestern Arizona.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFC5980D039EF8C45220FEEE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Although most specimens of D. atricauda have orange dorsal setae (Fig. 48), individuals from the Algodones Sand Dunes have white dorsal vestiture (Manley and Williams, 2005). Unfortunately a typical male from the Algodones Sand Dunes was not available to be photographed. Aside from color variation, specimens from the Algodones dunes are morphologically identical to those from other sites after disregarding color variation. This species is not limited to the Algodones Sand Dunes. The male of this species was only recently associated with the female (Manley, 2003). Manley (2003) determined that the typical, yellow-colored males of D. atricauda would key out to D. myrice Mickel using Mickel’s (1936) key and provided multiple characters to separate the two species. The white-colored specimens found on the Algodones Sand Dunes, however, key out to D. candida Mickel, now recognized as the male of D. thetis (Blake) (Pilgrim et al., 2008). The white-colored male specimens of D. atricauda can be separated from D. thetis males by pygidial sculpturing. Dasymutilla atricauda has a pygidum that is smooth and glabrous, while D. thetis has separated longitudinal striae on the pygidium.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDE980C039EFBF654E7FF7A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. The male of this species (Fig. 50) possesses black integument and the setae of the dorsum concolorous yellow to red, the posterior margin of head is extended medially, the anterior margin of pronotum is emarginate medially, and S 2 has an oval pit filled with setae. Diagnosis of female. The female of this species (Fig. 49) possesses red integument and white setae throughout, the antennal scrobes are carinate, and a scutellar scale is present.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDE980C039EFBF654E7FF7A.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes, Niland-Glamis Rd., 7.4 km NW, 1 male, 3 – 30. May. 2008, S. Heydon and K. Lorenzen (UCDC). Glamis, 7.3 mi W, 1 female, 29 – 30. May. 1988, C. L. Bellamy (UCDC).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDE980C039EFBF654E7FF7A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Widespread throughout the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, from California to Texas south to Nayarit, Mexico.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDE980C039EFBF654E7FF7A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The male of D. gloriosa is very similar morphologically to D. imperialis, only differing in coloration and size (see Figs. 50, 51). It is likely that D. imperialis is conspecific with D. gloriosa, but we hesitate to synonymize these species because of the larger size of D. imperialis and the propensity for endemism on the Algodones Sand Dunes. Examination of males from other sites during this study shows variation in the presence of an apical fringe on the pygidium of D. gloriosa males. This will affect the ability to key this species using Mickel’s keys (1928, 1936). All characters discussed in the diagnosis should be examined when identifying the male of this species. The holotypes of Mutilla gloriosa and Mutilla tecta have not been examined, but this species is well established in previous literature by Mickel (1928).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDF980C039EFEFE5756FB16.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species (Fig. 51) has the following combination of characters: the integument and the setae are entirely black, the anterior margin of the pronotum is emarginate and glabrous medially, and S 2 has an oval pit filled with setae positioned just posterior to the center of the sternite. The genitalia were illustrated by Manley and Pitts (2004).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDF980C039EFEFE5756FB16.taxon	description	Female. Unknown.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDF980C039EFEFE5756FB16.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co., Algodones Dunes, Niland-Glamis Road, 7.4 km NW Glamis, 1 male, 22. Sep – 15. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC); Glamis Dunes, Gecko Campground, SW Glamis, 4 males, 28. Sep. 1987, T. Griswold (EMUS).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDF980C039EFEFE5756FB16.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Algodones Sand Dunes.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDF980C039EFEFE5756FB16.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Only seven specimens have been recorded previously: the female is unknown. We reexamined four of them and also found a new specimen. The female is unknown, and possibly has never been collected. This species seems to be endemic to the Algodones Sand Dunes. This species may be synonymous with D. gloriosa, and can only be separated from D. gloriosa by setal coloration and slightly larger size. Because of their large size and the potential for endemism, we hesitate to synonymize D. imperialis with D. gloriosa without further evidence. Molecular data would be helpful for clarify this difficulty, but we were unable to extract viable DNA from the newest specimen possibly due to the length of time it was left in the trap. Manley and Pitts (2004) described this species as lacking an apical fringe of setae on the pygidium. However, examination of the paratypes, however, shows variation in the presence or absence of this fringe, as in D. gloriosa.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDF980F039EFAC25215FF5D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. The male of this species (Fig. 53) possesses the following combination of characters: the setae of the head and the mesosoma are black, the setae of T 2 – 6 and S 2 – 6 are reddish medially, the posterior margin of the head is rounded, the anterior margin of the pronotum is rounded, S 2 has an ovate median pit that is filled with setae, and the pygidium has an apical fringe of setae. Diagnosis of female. The female of this species (Fig. 42) possesses the following combination of characters: the setae of the head and the mesosoma are black while the setae of T 2 – 6 and S 2 – 6 are red medially, the antennal scrobe is carinate, the gena is coarsely punctate with a strong genal carina, and the femur is rounded apically.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDF980F039EFAC25215FF5D.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Niland-Glamis Rd., 7.4 km N Hwy 78, 1 female, 24 – 28. Mar. 2008, Bohart Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Glamis, 2 mi NW, 2 males, 27. Oct. 2003, S. E. Haskens (CISC).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDF980F039EFAC25215FF5D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Mojave and Sonoran Deserts in Arizona, California, Nevada, and the Mexican states of Baja California Norte and Sonora and east into the Madrean Archipelago of New Mexico.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDF980F039EFAC25215FF5D.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Only the female has been collected on the Algodones Dunes. Because of variation in setal coloration within other Dasymutilla species, it is possible that males of D. magnifica found on the dunes may have atypical setal coloration. There is only a minor possibility, though, given the fact that a typically colored female has been collected on the dunes. A typically colored male from off of the dunes is pictured in Fig. 53. This species is widespread and not endemic to the Algodones Sand Dunes.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDC980F039EFE9554B9F83D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. The male of this species (Fig. 55) possesses the following combination of characters: the setae of the dorsum are bright white, the eyes and ocelli are large with the diameter of ocellus being longer than distance between lateral and anteromedian ocelli, the axillae are truncate posterolaterally, the wings are subhyaline, white setae are present on T 2 but are restricted to the apical fringe, S 2 lacks a median pit filled with setae, and an apical fringe of setae is present on the pygidium. Diagnosis of female. The female of this species (Fig. 54) possesses the following combination of characters: the eyes are enlarged, the dorsum of the head, mesosoma and T 2 are clothed with white setae while the setae of T 3 – 6 are black, and the dorsum of the mesosoma is as broad as it is long.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDC980F039EFE9554B9F83D.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Sand Dunes: Cahuilla Ranger Station, 10 km WSW Glamis, 1 male, 11 – 15. Sep. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC), 5 males, 22. Sep. – 25. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC), 2 males, 20. Sep. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Coachella Canal Rd., 11.3 km NW Hwy 78, 18.1 km NW Glamis: 1 female and 3 males, 30. May. – 3. June. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); 1 female, 1 male, 28. April. – 2. May. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Coachella Canal Rd., 6.4 km NW Hwy 78, 14.4 km NW Glamis: 1 female, 24 – 28. March. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); 7 males, 22. Sep. – 25. Nov. 2008, T. Zavortink and R. Kimsey (UCDC); 1 male, 22. Sep. – 25. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC); Gecko Rd., 2.1 km S Cahuilla Ranger Station, 2 males, 8 – 10. July. 2008, T. Zavortink (UCDC); Gecko Rd., 3.2 km S Cahuilla Ranger Station, 3 males, 7. June. 2008, R. Kimsey and T. Zavortink (UCDC); Roadrunner Campground, 10.7 km SW Glamis, 7 females and 2 males, 31. May. – 1. June. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Wash Rd, 4.1 km SE Hwy 78, wash SE railroad post 165, 1 male, 22. Sep. – 25. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC); Wash Road, 10.4 km SE Glamis, 1 female and 3 males, 8. July. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Glamis Dunes, 4 males, 16 July 1977, R. Dull (LACM); Glamis, 1 mi. N, 1 female, 28. Apr. 1972, 1 female, 30. Mar. 1977, J. Doyen and D. Veirs (KAWC); Glamis, 2.2 mi SE, 1 female 6 males, 25 – 26. Sep. 1993, R. R. Snelling (LACM); Glamis, 3 mi. N, 4 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (KAWC); Glamis, 5 mi SW, 1 female, 5 males, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams (EMUS); Glamis, 5.6 rd mi NW, 270 ’, 1 male, 13 Sept 1986, J. P. and K. E. Donahue (LACM); Glamis, 7.5 km N, 1 male, 11 – 15. Sep. 2008, L. Kimsey, R. Kimsey, and T. Zavortink (UCDC); Glamis, 8 km S, 4 males, 11 – 15. Sep. 2008, L. Kimsey, R. Kimsey, and T. Zavortink (UCDC).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDC980F039EFE9554B9F83D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Western Sonoran Desert in southern California.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDC980F039EFE9554B9F83D.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is active both during daylight hours and at night, and is endemic to the Algodones Sand Dunes and can also be found in Palo Verde, CA, which is just south of Blythe. Dasymutilla arenivaga is morphologically similar to D. nocturna, differing only in coloration of dorsal setae in both sexes, shape of mesosoma in females, and color of wings in males. This is suggestive and these two species may be synonymized in the future. Dasymutilla arenivaga lives throughout southern California and western Arizona, surrounding the limited range of D. nocturna.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDD980E039EFF2D5325FA6E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species possesses the following combination of characters: the mandible is excised ventrally forming an angulate tooth, the mandible does not taper towards the apex, but instead is slightly dilated, the mesosternum only has one pair of large distinct spines that have a posterior face that is longitudinally sulcate and have an apex that is bifid, the metasternum is bidentate, and the pygidium is granulate and is not defined laterally by carinae. The genitalia of this species are similar to that of O. aufidia (Fig. 9).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDD980E039EFF2D5325FA6E.taxon	description	Female: Unknown.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDD980E039EFF2D5325FA6E.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes, Niland-Glamis Rd., 7.4 km NW Glamis, 6 males, 3 – 30. May. 2008, S. Heydon and K. Lorenzen (UCDC).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDD980E039EFF2D5325FA6E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California and southwestern Arizona.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDD980E039EFF2D5325FA6E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is rare on the dunes, and is not endemic to the Algodones Sand Dunes. Schuster (1958) placed this species as a subspecies of O. adonis (Fox). C. E. Mickel later determined that it was not a subspecies of O. adonis (Krombein et al., 1979). The types of both species have been compared and we agree with Mickel. The true identity of O. grata in Schuster (1958) has been a mystery; it appears in the key multiple times and obviously represents multiple species based on the characters used in the key. One of Schuster’s (1958) “ O. grata ’ s ” is a synonym of O. acmaea. The following information was used to make this deduction. The University of Minnesota possesses 14 specimens from Tucson, Arizona. Two of these specimens bear Schuster’s hand-written labels “ bifida ”, while one of them bears a white label “ Group parva, keys to O. grata ” written by Schuster. These specimens are actually O. acmaea. Furthermore, O. acmaea keys out to Schuster’s (1958) O. grata on page 55. The genuine O. grata Melander keys out to Schuster’s O. grata referred to on pages 53, 57 and 58. Odontophotopsis acmaea and O. grata truly represent different species and this was another lapse on the part of Schuster. Odontophotopsis acmaea is a member of the O. parva speciesgroup along with O. arcuata, O. aufidia, and O. parva, while O. grata Melander is closely related to Sphaeropthalma difficilis (Baker) based on similarities in morphology. The generic delimitations of Sphaeropthalma to take into account the true O. grata will be dealt with in a subsequent publication.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDD9809039EF9EE5585FE84.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species has a head that is rounded posteriorly, deeply excised mandibles that are not dilated apically (Fig. 41), a tubercle situated posteromedially on the clypeus, a pair of denticulate mesosternal processes, and a shiny glabrous pygidium. The genitalia are illustrated in Fig. 7.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDD9809039EF9EE5585FE84.taxon	description	Female. Unknown.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDD9809039EF9EE5585FE84.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co., Algodones Dunes: Gecko Rd. 3.2 km S. Cahuilla Ranger Sta., 1 male, 7. Jun. 2008, R. Kimsey and T. Zavortink (UCDC); Wash Rd., 0.7 km W, Rail Road Post 168, 9 males, 18 – 22. Sep. 2008, R. Kimsey and T. Zavortink (UCDC); Glamis, 3 mi. NW, 2 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDD9809039EF9EE5585FE84.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California and southwestern Arizona.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDD9809039EF9EE5585FE84.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species can be easily confused with O. melicausa, but they differ in the shape of the mandible. The mandibles of O. ambigua are not dilated beyond the ventral excision as in O. melicausa. This species is rare, and is not endemic to the Algodones Sand Dunes.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDA9808039EFEB3573BFBDA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species possesses the following combination of characters: the mandible is arcuately excised ventrally throughout its length (Fig. 42), the mesosternum has a pair of distinct spines followed by several sets of denticles, the metasternum is bidentate, and the pygidium is defined laterally by carinae and is granulate. The genitalia are illustrated in Fig. 8. Diagnosis of female. The female of this species has the ventral margin of the mandible lacking a basal tooth or distinct angulation, flagellomere 1 being only slightly longer than flagellomere 2, the mesosoma being hexagonal in dorsal view, the first segment of the metasoma being sessile with the second, the second metasomal segment being of normal length, ~ 1 X as long as anterior width or just slightly greater, the pygidium being longitudinally striate, and by the dense appressed setae present on the dorsum that obscure the integumental sculpture and are distinctly plumose at the base of the setal shaft becoming simple apically.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDA9808039EFEB3573BFBDA.taxon	description	Description of female: Coloration and Setal Pattern. Body brown to stramineous (Figs. 56 – 58). Mandible apices black. Flagellum light yellow. Head, dorsum of mesosoma, pleurae, and T 2 with dense decumbent white plumose setae obscuring sculpture. Plumose condition of setae stronger at base, becoming brachyplumose towards tip. Dorsum also with erect white brachyplumose setae. T 1 covered with both decumbent white plumose setae and erect white brachyplumose setae. T 2 – 5 and S 2 – 5 with dense fringes of white plumose setae. Legs with white brachyplumose setae. Head. Head rounded posteriorly (Fig. 56), not as wide as mesosoma, moderately punctate, without distinct dorsal and vertical areas in lateral view. Eye ovate (Fig. 57), distance from posterior mandibular articulation ~ 2.5 – 3 X visible length of pedicel. Clypeus protruding anteriorly, posteromedially produced into low triangular tubercle. Genal region below eyes parallel in lateral view. Antennal scrobe without dorsal carina. Antennal tubercle carinate and shagreened, appearing lamellate. Flagellomere I ~ 1.2 X length of pedicel. Flagellomeres II – III ~ 1.0 – 1.2 X length of pedicel. Mandible bidentate apically, but internal tooth weak (not illustrated in Fig. 31 due to illustration angle). Dorsal mandibular carina without tooth-like projection at anterior termination of carina (Fig. 31). Ventral mandibular margin without basal tooth, although mandible widens significantly at basal fifth (Fig. 31). Genal carina absent. Mesosoma. Mesosoma hexagonal in outline, as wide as long (Fig. 58). Mesosoma densely confluently punctate on dorsum. Propleuron anteriorly, mesopleuron medially running vertically, and lateral margin of propodeum with extreme ventral region punctate. Humeral angle dentate. Scutellar scale absent. Propodeum with distinct dorsal and lateral faces; glabrous laterally. Metasoma. Segment 1 distinctly sessile with segment 2. Tergite 1 with small dense punctures. Tergite 2 with dense moderate punctures that are obscured by setae. Tergite 2 with felt line, 0.25 X length of tergite. Fringes of T 3 – 5 dense, projecting over and obscuring following tergite. Tergite 3 – T 5 shagreened. Tergite 6 with distinct pygidial area defined laterally by carinae that become stronger posteriorly (Fig. 59); surface longitudinally striate; posterior margin rounded. Sternite 2 with slight anteromedian tumid region. Sternite 2 – S 5 with punctation similar to tergites. Length. ~ 4 – 7 mm.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDA9808039EFEB3573BFBDA.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Cahuilla Ranger Sta. 10 km WSW Glamis, 2 males, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC), 12 males, 22. Sep – 15. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC); Roadrunner Campgrd., 10.7 km SW Glamis, 10 males, 31. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Gecko Rd. 3.2 km S Cahuilla Ranger Sta., 1 male, 7. Jun. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Cahuilla Ranger Sta. 9.8 km WSW Glamis, 3 males, 20. Sep. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Wash Rd. 16.5 km SE Glamis, 1 male, 1 – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC). Glamis: 5 males, 20. Nov. 1967, 1 female, 2. Apr. 1971, A. J. Gilbert (CDFA); 29 females, 26. May. 1971, M. S. Wasbauer and M. E. Irwin (CDFA); 2 females, 29. May. 1971, M. S. Wasbauer; 10 females, 29. May. 1971, 82 females, 1 male, 24. Apr. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA); 2 females, A. Hardy and M. Irwin (LACM); Glamis, 3 mi. N, 2 females, 2 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA), 1 female, 7 – 12. Apr. 1973, M. S. and J. S. Wasbauer (CDFA), 13 males, 10. Sep. 1974, M. S. Wasbauer and R. McMaster (CDFA); Glamis, 2 mi. W, 1 female, 22. May. 1975, D. G. Manley (DGMC); Glamis, 3 mi. NW, 2 females, 16. Oct. 1972, 2 females, 54 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA); Glamis, 5 mi SW, 30 males, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams (EMUS); Glamis, 5 mi. SSE, 32 ° 55 ’ 55 ” N, 115 ° 0 ’ 31 ” W, 2 females, 10. Apr. 1979 (CDFA); Glamis, 7 mi. SE, 32 ° 55 ’ 20 ” N, 114 ° 59 ’ 14 ” W, 1 female, 19 – 24. Mar. 1979, 6 females, 25. Mar. 1979 – 8. Apr. 1979; 3 females, 9 – 24. Apr. 1979 (CDFA); Glamis, 8 mi. W, 4 males, 21. Jun. 2004, K. A. Williams (KAWC); Holtville, 12.4 mi. ESE, 32 ° 44 ’ 34 ” N, 115 ° 11 ’ 53 ” W, 1 female, 13. Apr. 1979 (CDFA); Ogiby, 3.5 mi. W, 32 ° 48 ’ 48 ” N, 114 ° 53 ’ 51 ”, 3 females, 12. Apr. 1979 (CDFA); Seeley, 6 mi. W, 1 female, 24. Apr. 1972, E. L. Paddock (CDFA). DNA voucher specimen data. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: 5 mi SW Glamis, 1 male, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams, JP 272; 1 female, 25. Aug. 2005, K. A. Williams, KW 16 (EMUS).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDA9808039EFEB3573BFBDA.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDA9808039EFEB3573BFBDA.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is limited to the Algodones Sand Dunes and surrounding areas, and is particularly abundant on these dunes. The sexes of the species were associated using molecular data. The intersexual distance of this species is low, 0 % for ITS 1 and 0.5 % for ITS 2 (Table 1). Mickel and Clausen (1983) did not place this species into a species-group. This species should be considered a member of the O. parva species-group and is closely related to O. parva Schuster based on morphology.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDB9808039EFB1E5297F831.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species possesses the following combination of characters: the mandible is excised ventrally forming an angle and tapering towards the apex (Fig. 43), the mesosternum only has one pair of distinct spines that are prominent, subconical, acute at apex, and separated by a wide U-shaped sinus, the metasternum is bidentate, and the pygidium is granulate, but is not defined laterally by carinae. The genitalia are illustrated in Fig. 9.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDB9808039EFB1E5297F831.taxon	description	Female. Unknown.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDB9808039EFB1E5297F831.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co., Glamis, 7 mi. E, 1 male, 11. Apr. 1973, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDB9808039EFB1E5297F831.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California northward into the Californian Central Valley.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFDB9808039EFB1E5297F831.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is abundant in the Central Valley of California, but is rare in the Coachella Valley and on the Algodones Sand Dunes. The female of this species will likely be confused with the female of O. arcuata. Mickel and Clausen (1983) suggest that this species is closely related to O. alemon, a member of the O. parva species-group. We concur and place this species in the O. parva species-group.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD8980B039EFF5B5268FB2C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species is recognized by having the mandible tridentate with a large basal tooth on the ventral margin (Mickel and Clausen, 1981: Fig. 17) and by the pygidium being defined laterally by carinae and having distinctly granulate sculpturing. Also, this species has a mesosternal process that is bifid apically (Fig. 106 and Mickel and Clausen, 1981: Fig. 25). The genitalia are illustrated by Mickel and Clausen (1981) in their Fig. 4.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD8980B039EFF5B5268FB2C.taxon	description	Female. Unknown.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD8980B039EFF5B5268FB2C.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co., Algodones Dunes, Niland-Glamis Rd., 7.4 km NW Hwy 78: 1 male, 24 – 28. Mar. 2008, Bohart Museum Survey Team (UCDC), 1 male, 1 – 2. Jul. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD8980B039EFF5B5268FB2C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Sonoran and Mojave Deserts.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD8980B039EFF5B5268FB2C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is rare so far on the dunes, but can be found in larger numbers elsewhere, such as in Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center near Palm Desert, California. Mickel and Clausen (1983) discussed that this species could be confused with O. acmaea, a member of the O. parva species-group, due to the similarities in the shape of the mesosternal processes. These two species, however, can be separated based on mandibular morphology. Odontophotopsis bellona is the only species known, so far, that has a large ventral tooth with a large ventral excision coupled with a granulate pygidium. All other species (O. parva and O. venusta species-groups) that have the pygidium sculptured only have weakly excised mandibles with weak ventral teeth. Mickel and Clausen (1983) did not place this species in a species-group, but it could be insinuated that this species was closely related to O. acmaea and belongs in the O. parva species-group due to the comparison their discussion. This is not the case. Although we refrain from placing this species in a species-group here, it is believed that this species is closely allied with species in the O. melicausa and O. serca species-groups rather than the O. parva species-group.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD8980B039EFB2B5465F806.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species is recognized by having a tridentate mandible with an extremely large dorsal tooth that is separated from the lower portion of the mandibular apex by a deep, wide sinus, which makes the mandibular apices appear biramose (Fig. 29), and by the clypeus, which has a horseshoe-shaped tubercle posteromedially that overhangs the clypeus as a slight hood-like or nasutiform process. Also, this species has a single mesosternal process on each side of the midline, and its cuspis is approximately half the free length of the paramere. The genitalia are illustrated in Fig. 10.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD8980B039EFB2B5465F806.taxon	description	Female. Unknown.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD8980B039EFB2B5465F806.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co., Algodones Dunes: Glamis, 2 mi. NE, on Ted Kipf Road, 301 ’, 33 ° 00.969 ’ N 115 ° 06.033 ’ W, 2 males, 29 – 30. Jul. 2007, K. A. Williams and J. S. Wilson (EMUS); Wash Rd., 7 km SE Hwy. 78, 1 male, 9 – 10. Jun. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD8980B039EFB2B5465F806.taxon	distribution	Distribution. California and southwestern Arizona northward into southern Nevada.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD8980B039EFB2B5465F806.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is rare, but not endemic to the Algodones Sand Dunes. A more thorough discussion of this species can be found in Pitts (2007).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD9980A039EFF5B573CFB2C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species has a head that is rounded posteriorly, has deeply excised mandibles that are slightly dilated apically (e. g., Fig. 46), has a transverse clypeus that is slightly depressed below mandibular margins, but lacks a tubercle situated posteromedially on the clypeus, has a pair of denticulate mesosternal processes, and has a shiny glabrous pygidium. Typically the second segment of the metasoma is darkened at least around the felt lines, and the apical plumose fringes are densely plumose. The genitalia are illustrated in Fig. 11.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD9980A039EFF5B573CFB2C.taxon	description	Female. Unknown.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD9980A039EFF5B573CFB2C.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Wash Rd.: 6.6 km SE Hwy. 78, 5 males, 7 – 10. Jun. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); 4.1 km SE Hwy. 78, 4 males, 18 – 22. Sep. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); 7 km SE Hwy. 78, 3 males, 9 – 10. Jun. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); 0.7 km W Wash Road at railroad post 168, 10.4 km SE Hwy 78, 3 males, 18 – 22. Sep. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Glamis, 7.5 km N, 21 males, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Glamis, 8 km S, 1 male, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); S. Ruthven, 1 male, 30. Apr. 2001, D. C. Hawks, and D. Yanega (UCRC). Glamis, 3 mi. NW, 11 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA). DNA voucher specimen data. Arizona, Yuma Co., Yuma City, 1 male, 21. Jun. 2006, K. A. Williams and W. Ericson, JP 468 (EMUS).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD9980A039EFF5B573CFB2C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southwestern USA.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD9980A039EFF5B573CFB2C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. On the Algodones Sand Dunes, the darkened condition of the integument around the felt lines is reduced compared to specimens in other parts of the range, which have at least T 2, if not the entire metasoma, castaneous. This species is widespread and common in other parts of its range, but is rare on the Algodones Sand Dunes.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD99804039EFB2B522CFF7A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species possesses the following combination of characters: the mandible is slightly excised ventrally forming a slight angulate tooth and the mandible is dilated towards the apex, the mesosternum only has one pair of large distinct spines that are flattened to slightly concave on the posterior side, the metasternum is tridentate, and the pygidium is granulate and is defined laterally by carinae. The genitalia are illustrated in Fig. 12. Diagnosis of female. The female of this species can be recognized by the ventral margin of the mandible being a distinct angulation, flagellomere 1 being much longer than flagellomere 2, the mesosoma being hexagonal in dorsal view, the first segment of the metasoma being sessile with the second, the second metasomal segment being of normal length, ~ 1 X as long as anterior width or just slightly greater, the pygidium being longitudinally striate, and by the presence of dense appressed setae on the dorsum that obscure the integumental sculpture and are distinctly plumose at the base of the setal shaft becoming simple apically.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD99804039EFB2B522CFF7A.taxon	description	Description of female: Coloration and Setal Pattern. Body testaceous to stramineous (Figs. 71 – 73); posterior margin of T 2 and metasomal segments 3 – 6 slightly darker. Mandible apices black. Flagellum and legs stramineous. Plumose setae dense on head, mesosoma, and T 2, concealing sculpture. Plumose condition of setae stronger at base, becoming brachyplumose towards tip. Body with erect white brachyplumose setae, denser on vertical face of propodeum and T 1. T 1 covered with both erect white plumose setae and longer erect white brachyplumose setae. T 2 – 5 and S 2 – S 5 with fringes of white plumose setae. Legs with white brachyplumose setae. Head. Head subquadrate posteriorly, in lateral view dorsally rounded (Fig. 71), not as wide as mesosoma, moderately punctate. Eye slightly ovate, distance from posterior mandibular articulation ~ 2.5 X visible length of pedicel. Head not narrowed beneath eye. Clypeus protruding anteriorly, posteromedially produced into low triangular tubercle. Genal region below eyes parallel in lateral view. Antennal scrobe without dorsal carina. Antennal tubercle carinate along internal margin defining shield-like region. Flagellomere I ~ 2 X length of pedicel. Flagellomeres II – III ~ 1.2 X length of pedicel. Mandible bidentate apically, internal tooth weak (Fig. 32). Dorsal mandibular carina without tooth-like projection at anterior termination of carina (Fig. 32). Ventral mandibular margin with small round to angulate basal tooth; excision as wide as basal width of mandible (Fig. 32). Genal carina absent. Hypostomal bridge produced ventrally into lamella. Mesosoma. Greatest width of mesosoma equal to length (Fig. 73), slightly wider anteriorly than posteriorly, hexagonal in outline. Mesosoma densely confluently punctate on dorsum. Propleuron anteriorly, mesopleuron medially running vertically, and propodeum laterally with extreme ventral region punctate. Humeral angle dentate. Scutellar scale absent. Mesosternum with low transverse tubercle present medially just anterior to mesocoxa. Metasternum tridentate. Propodeum with distinct dorsal and vertical faces; glabrous laterally. Metasoma. Segment 1 sessile with segment 2. T 1 with small sparse punctures. T 2 with dense moderate punctures throughout, but sculpture obscured by setae. T 2 with felt line, 0.25 X length of tergite. T 3 – 5 shagreened, but covered by dense fringes of previous segments. T 6 with distinct pygidial area defined laterally by weak carinae, apical margin produced medially, surface longitudinally striate. Sternite 2 with slight anteromedian tumid region. S 2 – S 5 with punctation similar to tergites. Length. ~ 9 – 13 mm.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD99804039EFB2B522CFF7A.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Cahuilla Ranger Sta. 10 km WSW Glamis, 3 males, 22. Sep – 15. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC); Coachella Canal Rd., 11.3 km NW Hwy. 78, 18.1 km NW Glamis, 5 males, 22. Sep – 15. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC); Wash Rd., 0.7 km W, Rail Road Post 168, 14 males, 18 – 22. Sep. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Niland-Glamis Road, 7.4 km NW Glamis. 2 males, 1 – 2. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Wash Rd., 7 km SE Hwy. 78, 2 males, 9 – 10. Jun. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC). Glamis, 7.5 km N, 1 male, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Glamis, 8 km S, 1 male, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); 1.5 mi. SW Coachella Bridge # 1, 32 ° 50 ’ 3 ” N, 115 ° 7 ’ 11 ” W, 1 female, 1 male, 12. Apr. 1979 (CDFA); 2.5 mi. NE Coachella Bridge # 1, 32 ° 51 ’ 41 ” N, 115 ° 4 ’ 6 ” W, 1 male, 17. Apr. 1979 (CDFA); Glamis, 6 females, 24. Apr. 1972, 2 females, 29. May. 1971, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA); Glamis, 3 mi. NW, 29 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA); Glamis, 5 mi SW, 1 male, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams (EMUS); Glamis, 7 mi. SE, 32 ° 55 ’ 20 ” N 114 ° 59 ’ 14 ” W, 3 females, 19 – 24. Mar. 1979 (CDFA); 1 male, 25. Mar. 1979 – 8. Apr. 1979 (CDFA); Seeley, 6 mi W, 1 female, 24. Apr. 1972, E. L. Paddock (CDFA). Inyo Co., Saline Valley Sand Dunes, 1 female, 21. Apr. 1974, L. Lapre and M. Tells (CDFA). DNA voucher specimen data. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: 5 mi SW Glamis, 1 male, 2. Sep. 2005, K. A. Williams, JP 81 (EMUS).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD99804039EFB2B522CFF7A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California and southwestern Arizona northward into southern Nevada.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD99804039EFB2B522CFF7A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. While no molecular data is available for this sex association, morphological and distributional data were used to associate these sexes. There are similarities in mandibular shape, petiole shape, and overall size. Additionally, Ferguson recognized this association as revealed from material he identified of both males and females of this species from the Nevada Test Site; yet Ferguson never officially published his findings. Lastly, the females of Odontophotopsis venusta (Blake) and O. brunnea Schuster have been associated with molecular data (Pitts, unpub.). These species are closely related to O. inconspicua, with all three belonging to the O. venusta species-group. The females of these three species are similar morphologically. We agree with Ferguson, and think that this is sufficient to consider this a new sex association.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD79804039EFEEB54DAFAAA.taxon	description	(CUIC).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD79804039EFEEB54DAFAAA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species has a head that is quadrate posteriorly, has deeply excised mandibles that are distinctly dilated apically (Fig. 44), lacks a tubercle situated posteromedially on the clypeus, has a pair of denticulate mesosternal processes, and has a shiny glabrous pygidium. The genitalia are illustrated in Fig. 13. Diagnosis of female. The female of this species can be recognized by the ventral margin of the mandible being excised and having a rounded tooth (Fig. 33), flagellomere 1 being longer than flagellomere 2, the lateral margins of the posterior half of the mesosoma being parallel in dorsal view, the first segment of the metasoma being petiolate with the second, the second metasomal segment being of normal length, ~ 1 X as long as anterior width or just slightly greater, the pygidium being strongly striate, and by the dense appressed setae on the dorsum that obscure the integumental sculpture and are distinctly plumose at the base of the setal shaft becoming simple apically.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD79804039EFEEB54DAFAAA.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Niland-Glamis Road, 7.4 km NW Glamis. 3 males, 1 – 2. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Wash Road, 0.7 km W at railroad post 168, 10.4 km SE Hwy 78, 3 males, 18 – 22. Sep. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC). Glamis, 7.5 km N, 1 male, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Glamis, 3 mi. NW, 3 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD79804039EFEEB54DAFAAA.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Central and Western USA in to northern Mexico.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD79804039EFEEB54DAFAAA.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This female was associated with the male in Cache Co., Utah (Pitts et al. 2007). The ITS 1 and ITS 2 sequences from the male and female of this species were identical and are included in Table 1 for completeness. This species ranges throughout the western USA and usually makes up a major portion of any fauna, but is rare on the Algodones Sand Dunes.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD79806039EFA9B55A4FDF9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species has a head that is rounded posteriorly, has deeply excised mandibles that are slightly dilated apically, lacks a tubercle situated posteromedially on the clypeus, and has an elongate clypeus that is level with the mandibular margins, has a pair of denticulate mesosternal processes, and has a shiny glabrous pygidium. The genitalia are illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15. Diagnosis of female. The female of this species can be recognized by the ventral margin of the mandible being excised and having a rounded tooth (Fig. 34), flagellomere 1 being as long as flagellomere 2, the lateral margins of the posterior half of the mesosoma being parallel in dorsal view, the first segment of the metasoma being petiolate with the second, the second metasomal segment being of normal length, ~ 1 X as long as anterior width or just slightly greater, the pygidium being weakly striate to granulate, and by the dense appressed setae present on the dorsum that obscure the integumental sculpture and are distinctly plumose at the base of the setal shaft becoming simple apically.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD79806039EFA9B55A4FDF9.taxon	description	Description of female: Coloration and Setal Pattern. Body reddish brown to brown (Figs. 78 – 81); posterior margin of T 2 and metasomal segments 3 – 6 slightly darker. Mandible apices black. Flagellum and legs stramineous. Dorsum covered with dense depressed plumose setae that conceal sculpture. Plumose condition of setae stronger at base, becoming brachyplumose towards tip. Dense erect white brachyplumose setae present on body, especially on pleurae. T 2 – 5 and S 2 – 5 with dense fringe of white plumose setae. Legs with white brachyplumose setae. Head. Head rounded posteriorly (Fig. 78), not as wide as mesosoma, moderately punctate, in lateral view rounded dorsally. Eye slightly ovate, distance from posterior mandibular articulation ~ 4 X visible length of pedicel. Genal region below eyes parallel in lateral view. Clypeus protruding anteriorly, posteromedially produced into low triangular tubercle. Antennal scrobe without dorsal carina. Antennal tubercle carinate, outlining shield-like region. Flagellomere I ~ 1.0 X length of pedicel. Flagellomeres II – III ~ 1.0 – 1.2 X length of pedicel. Mandible bidentate with weak internal tooth (Fig. 34). Dorsal mandibular carina without tooth-like projection at anterior termination of carina. Ventral mandibular margin with large basal tooth. Genal carina absent. Hypostomal region produced medially into lamella. Mesosoma. Mesosoma hexagonal, as wide as long (Fig. 80). Mesosoma densely confluently punctate on dorsum. Humeral angle dentate. Scutellar scale and transverse sinuate carina absent. Mesosternum with low transverse tubercle present medially just anterior to mesocoxa. Metasternum tridentate. Propodeum with distinct dorsal and vertical faces. Metasoma. Segment 1 distinctly petiolate with segment 2 (Fig. 79). T 1 with small sparse punctures. T 2 with dense moderate punctures throughout. T 2 with felt line, ~ 0.25 X length of tergite. T 2 – 5 and S 2 – 5 with dense fringes. T 3 – 5 shagreened. T 6 with distinct pygidial area (Fig. 81) defined laterally by carinae, surface finely striate longitudinally, striae somewhat beadlike such that surface may appear granulate at certain angles, apical margin produced medially. S 2 with slight anteromedian tumid region. S 2 – 5 with punctation similar to tergites. Neotype data. California, Imperial Co., 3 mi NW Glamis, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD79806039EFA9B55A4FDF9.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Cahuilla Ranger Station. 7 females, 18 males, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC), 33 males, 22. Sep – 15. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC); Coachella Canal Rd., 18.1 km NW Glamis, 14 males, 30. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Roadrunner Campgrd., 10.7 km SW Glamis, 1 male, 31. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Gecko Rd. 3.2 km S Cahuilla Ranger Sta., 2 males, 7. Jun. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Wash Rd., 0.7 km W at railroad post 168, 10.4 km SE Hwy 78, 3 males, 18 – 22. Sep. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Wash Rd., 7 km SE Hwy. 78, 1 male, 9 – 10. Jun. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Wash Rd., 4.1 km SE Hwy. 78, 3 males, 18 – 22. Sep. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Wash Rd., 6.6 km SE Hwy. 78, 4 males, 7 – 10. Jun. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC). Glamis, 7.5 km N, 1 female, 6 males, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Glamis, 8 km S, 4 males, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Glamis: 34 females, 26. May. 1971, M. S. Wasbauer and M. E. Irwin (CDFA); 2 males, 29. May. 1971, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA); 2 females, 24. Apr. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA); 47 females, 22. Apr. 1971, A. Hardy and M. Irwin (LACM); Glamis, 2 mi. N, 2 females, 22. May. 1975, D. G. Manley (DGMC); Glamis, 3 mi. NW Glamis, 3 females, 7 – 12. Apr. 1973, M. S. and J. S. Wasbauer (CDFA), 32 females, 26. May. 1971, M. S. Wasbauer and M. E. Irwin (CDFA), 14 females, 24. Apr. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA), 15 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA), 22 males, 10. Sep. 1974, M. S. Wasbauer and R. McMaster (CDFA), 4 females, 7 – 12. Apr. 1973, M. S. and J. S. Wasbauer (CDFA), 72 females, 9. Apr. 1972, A. Hardy (LACM), 7 females, 24. Mar. 1972, A. Hardy (LACM); Glamis, 5 mi. N, 1 female, 22. May. 1975, D. G. Manley (DGMC); Glamis, 5 mi SW, 2 females, 95 males, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams (EMUS); Glamis, 6 mi. W, 1 female, 5. Aug. 1966, M. S. Wasbauer; Glamis, 5 mi. SSE, 32 ° 55 ’ 55 ” N, 115 ° 0 ’ 31 ” W, 1 female, 10. Apr. 1979 (CDFA); Regina, ~ 20 SE Niland, 5 females, 4. Jul. 1971, A. Hardy (LACM); S. Ruthven, 1 female, 28. Apr. 2001, 1 female, 30. IV. 2001, D. C. Hawks, and D. Yanega (UCRC). DNA voucher specimen data. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: 5 mi SW Glamis, 1 male, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams, JP 273; 1 male, 5. Aug. 2005, K. A. Williams, JP 715, 1 female, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams, KW 17 (EMUS).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD79806039EFA9B55A4FDF9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California and southwestern Arizona.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD79806039EFA9B55A4FDF9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is particularly abundant on the Algodones Sand Dunes. Odontophotopsis obscura was formerly recognized as a subspecies of O. territa (Schuster, 1958). The genetic distances between O. obscura and O. territa are 2.1 % for ITS 1 and 3.8 % for ITS 2. These distances are comparable to interspecific distances found in other mutillid species (Pilgrim and Pitts, 2006; Pitts et al., 2007; Pilgrim et al., 2008; Wilson and Pitts, 2008). The intersexual distance for O. obscura, however, is much less than 1 % for both ITS 1 and ITS 2 (Table 1). Morphologically, O. territa and O. obscura differ in that the cuspis of O. obscura has a more enlarged pit and is shortened in length. Also O. territa has the ocellar area piceous and S 2 with scattered, fine punctures that may be subconfluent at the base, but polished elsewhere, while O. obscura has the ocellar area concolorous with the surrounding area, and S 2 coarsely, rugosely punctured over most of its area. As such, we consider this subspecies as a species here. The holotype of this species has been lost. We designate a neotype to aid future taxonomists with this difficult group of wasps.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD59801039EFD7954BBFAC2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species possesses the following combination of characters: the mandible is excised ventrally forming an angle, but does not taper towards the apex, the mesosternum has only one pair of large distinct spines that have a posterior face that is longitudinally sulcate, the metasternum is bidentate, and the pygidium is granulate and is defined laterally by carinae. The genitalia are illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17. Diagnosis of female. The female of this species can be recognized by the ventral margin of the mandible having a distinct angulation (Fig. 35), flagellomere 1 being only slightly longer than flagellomere 2, the lateral margins of the posterior half of the mesosoma being parallel in dorsal view, the first segment of the metasoma being sessile with the second, the second metasomal segment being of normal length, ~ 1 X as long as anterior width or just slightly greater, the pygidium being longitudinally striate, and by the dense appressed setae present on the dorsum that obscure the integumental sculpture and are distinctly plumose at the base of the setal shaft becoming simple apically.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD59801039EFD7954BBFAC2.taxon	description	Description of female: Coloration and Setal Pattern. Body reddish-brown to brown (Figs. 82 – 84); posterior margin of T 2 and metasomal segments 3 – 6 slightly darker. Mandible apices black. Flagellum and legs stramineous. Setae dense in general, but only slightly concealing sculpture. Head, mesosoma, and T 2 covered with dense depressed plumose setae that are white on head and mesosoma and orangish on T 2. Plumose condition of setae stronger at base, becoming brachyplumose towards tip. Sparse erect white brachyplumose setae present on body, densest on vertical face of propodeum. T 2 – 5 and S 2 – 5 with fringe of white plumose setae. Legs with white brachyplumose setae. Head. Head rounded posteriorly (Fig. 82), not as wide as mesosoma, moderately punctate, in lateral view rounded dorsally. Eye slightly ovate, distance from posterior mandibular articulation ~ 2.5 X visible length of pedicel. Genal region below eyes parallel in lateral view. Clypeus protruding anteriorly, posteromedially produced into low triangular tubercle. Antennal scrobe without dorsal carina. Antennal tubercle carinate outlining shield-like region. Flagellomere I ~ 1.5 X length of pedicel. Flagellomeres II – III ~ 0.75 – 1.2 X length of pedicel. Mandible bidentate with weak internal tooth (Fig. 35). Dorsal mandibular carina without tooth-like projection at anterior termination of carina. Ventral mandibular margin with weak basal angulation. Genal carina absent. Hypostomal region produced medially into lamella. Mesosoma. Mesosoma wider anteriorly than posteriorly, longer than broad (Fig. 84), sides parallel posterior to mesopleural angulation. Mesosoma densely confluently punctate on dorsum. Propleuron anteriorly, mesopleuron medially running vertically, and lateral margin of propodeum with extreme ventral region punctate. Humeral angle dentate. Scutellar scale absent. Mesosternum with low transverse tubercle present medially just anterior to mesocoxa. Metasternum tridentate. Propodeum with distinct dorsal and vertical faces. Metasoma. Segment 1 distinctly sessile with segment 2 (Fig. 83). T 1 with small sparse punctures. T 2 with dense moderate punctures anteriorly, less so posteriorly. T 2 with felt line, ~ 0.25 X length of tergite. T 3 – 5 with dense fringes. T 3 – 5 shagreened. T 6 with distinct pygidial area defined laterally by carinae, surface longitudinally striate, apical margin produced medially. S 2 with slight anteromedian tumid region. S 2 – 5 with punctation similar to tergites. Length. ~ 6 – 9.5 mm.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD59801039EFD7954BBFAC2.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Cahuilla Ranger Station. 2 males, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Algodones Dunes, Niland-Glamis Rd., 7.4 km NW Glamis, 5 males, 3 – 30. May. 2008, S. Heydon and K. Lorenzen (UCDC), 3 males, 1 – 2. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Roadrunner Campgrd., 10.7 km SW Glamis, 4 males, 31. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Wash Rd., 0.7 km W at railroad post 168, 10.4 km SE Hwy 78, 3 males, 18 – 22. Sep. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Wash Rd., 6.6 km SE Hwy. 78, 1 male, 7 – 10. Jun. 2008; Wash Rd., 7 km SE Hwy. 78, 5 males, 9 – 10. Jun. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Wash Rd. 16.5 km SE Glamis, 3 males, 1 – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC). Glamis, 7.5 km N, 1 male, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Glamis, 8 km S, 1 male, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Glamis, 1 female, 26. May. 1971, M. S. Wasbauer and M. E. Irwin (CDFA); 1 female, 24. Apr. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA); Glamis, 3 mi. NW, 6 females, 87 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, 1 male, 16. Oct. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA); Glamis, 3 mi. N, 22 females, 7 – 12. Apr. 1973, M. S. and J. S. Wasbauer (CDFA), 4 males, 10. Sep. 1974, M. S. Wasbauer and R. McMaster (CDFA); Glamis, 8 mi. W, 6 males, 21. Jun. 2004, K. A. Williams (KAWC); Glamis, 10.4 km NW, 1 female, 3 – 30. Mar. 2008, S. Heydon and K. Lorenzen (UCDC). DNA voucher specimen data. Arizona, Pima Co., 1 male, JP 126; La Paz Co., 10 mi. E Blythe, 1 female, 27. May. 2007, Wilson, Williams, and Pitts, JP 807 (EMUS)	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD59801039EFD7954BBFAC2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California and southwestern Arizona.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD59801039EFD7954BBFAC2.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This sex association is based on morphological similarities, abundance, other unpublished sex associations in this species-group and molecular data, which was 0.4 % or less for ITS 1 (Table 1). This species is limited to the Algodones Sand Dunes and surrounding areas, and is particularly abundant on these dunes. The females of this species are sometimes mistaken for O. inconspicua, but they differ in the shape of the mesosoma. The mesosoma of O. inconspicua is as wide as long in dorsal view (Fig. 73), while that of O. parva is distinctly longer than wide (Fig. 84).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD29800039EFA7655BCFCC8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. The male of this species can be recognized by having the marginal cell much shorter than the stigma as measured along the costal vein, and by having two pairs of mesosternal processes forming a square pattern with the anterior pair much more obvious than the posterior pair. Also, the mandibles are deeply emarginate along the ventral margin, but the mandible slightly narrows towards the apex. The genitalia are illustrated in Figs. 18 and 19.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD29800039EFA7655BCFCC8.taxon	description	Female. Unknown, but is likely the unassociated female described below.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD29800039EFA7655BCFCC8.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Cahuilla Ranger Sta., 10 km WSW Glamis, 1 male, 22. Sep – 15. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC); Wash Rd., 6.6 km SE Hwy 78, Glamis, 1 male, 7 – 10. Jul. 2008, R. Kimsey and T. Zavortink (UCDC); Glamis, 8 mi. W, 1 male, 21. Jun. 2004, K. A. Williams (KAWC); S. Ruthven, 4 males, 30. Apr. 2001, D. C. Hawks and D. Yanega (UCRC).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD29800039EFA7655BCFCC8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Sonoran and Mojave deserts.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD29800039EFA7655BCFCC8.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is rare throughout its range and is not endemic to the dunes. The mesosternal processes are weak and sometimes difficult to observe. The holotype from Baja California (Ferguson, 1967) is apparently lost, but a paratype is available at UMSP. We designate this paratype as a neotype to aid future taxonomists with this difficult group of wasps. This is especially important, because Ferguson (1967) believed that the specimens described by Schuster (1958) were abnormal in having small wing cells, similar to S. difficilis. The specimens Ferguson collected and called O. quadrispinosa had similar genitalia to that described by Schuster, but the wing venation slightly differs. In both cases the marginal cell is shorter than the stigma. It is likely that after more specimens are collected, intermediate forms will be found unquestionably showing that these two forms represent the same species with variable, size-dependant, wing venation. Odontophotopsis quadrispinosa is quite similar to S. difficilis and in general can be confused for this species. Odontophotopsis quadrispinosa has two pairs of small tubercles on each side of the mesosternum. The tubercles are roughly four times farther apart than they are long and are situated in a square-shaped pattern. Sphaeropthalma difficilis lacks mesosternal processes. Also, although the genitalia of these two species are quite similar in shape, especially the shape of the cuspis, O. quadrispinosa lacks the slight swelling and downward directed tuft of long setae situated at the apex of the cuspis that S. difficilis possesses. It is likely that these two species, along with Photomorphus californica Schuster, will be found closely related in future molecular analyses given their morphological similarities.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD39800039EFC0852E9F926.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species can be recognized by the lack of a tooth on the ventral margin of the mandible, the tridentate and oblique mandibular apex, and by the clypeus being elongate and projecting over the dorsal margins of the mandibles (Fig. 30). Also, this species lacks mesosternal armature, despite its placement in the genus Odontophotopsis. The genitalia are illustrated in Figs. 20 and 21.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD39800039EFC0852E9F926.taxon	description	Female. Unknown, but will possibly be similar to the females of the O. melicausa species-group based on male morphology.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD39800039EFC0852E9F926.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Cahuilla Ranger Sta. 10 km WSW Glamis, 4 males, 22. Sep – 15. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC); Roadrunner Campgrnd, 10.7 km SW Glamis. 2 males, 31. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC). Glamis, 3 mi. NW, 5 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA); Glamis, 5 mi SW, 1 male, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams (EMUS); Glamis, 2 males, 29. May. 1971, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD39800039EFC0852E9F926.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California and southwestern Arizona northward into southern Nevada.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD39800039EFC0852E9F926.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is not common and is not endemic to the dunes; it was recently moved to Odontophotopsis (Pitts, 2007), and a more thorough discussion can be found in that publication.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD39803039EF91255E8FCBE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. In this species, the clypeus is concave with a tuberculate process at median proximal margin, but the process is narrowly linguiform, is produced downward over clypeus, is prominent and is much longer than wide (Fig. 108). The anterior margin of the clypeus is distinctly emarginated and turned outward, the ocellar area usually is concolorous with the head, but sometimes slightly infuscated, the cuspis is slightly narrowed medially having an apex with stout setae while having thinner setae medially and has an inner margin with circular area of dense short setae. Genitalia are as in Pitts (2007) Figs. 54 – 56.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD39803039EF91255E8FCBE.taxon	description	Female. Unknown.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD39803039EF91255E8FCBE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The Sonoran and Mojave Deserts of Arizona, Nevada, California into northern Mexico.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD39803039EF91255E8FCBE.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. USA, California, Imperial Co., Algodones Sand Dunes, Coachella Canal Rd., 1.6 km N Hwy 78, 11.6 km W Glamis, 1 male 30. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Bard, 1 male, 2. May. 1960, H. H. Blackmore (CDFA), 7. Aug. 1971, Maxwell (CDFA); Calexico, 5 mi E, 1 male, 5 – 6. Jun. 1961, H. F. Howden (CNCI); Winterhaven, 6 males, 9 – 11. Aug. 1961, (CDFA); 1 male, 7. Aug. 1951, Maxwell (EMUS).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD39803039EF91255E8FCBE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Pitts (2007) was unable to locate Schuster’s holotype for this species and designated a neotype. A more thorough discussion of this species can be found in Pitts (2007). Once the female is found, it will likely key out to O. melicausa or O. obscura in the key below, based on the morphology of the closely related O. erebus female. It will likely differ from O. melicausa by lacking transverse sinuate carinae on the dorsum of the mesosoma. It will likely differ from O. obscura by having setae at least on T 2 that differ in color to the remainder of the dorsal setae.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD0983D039EFCBA55BDFDF9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. For this species, the mandible is unique among Odontophotopsis in having the ventral margin almost entire ventrally (i. e., only weakly excised), while the dorsal carina is obsolete on the distal third, and the apex is bidentate. In rare instances, a weak median tooth can be present such that the mandibles are tridentate. Also, the head is rounded posteriorly; the clypeus is slightly concave with a weak tubercle at the median proximal margin; the anterolateral angle of the clypeus is slightly tuberculate; the ocellar area is concolorous with the head; the legs and antennae usually are lighter in color than the body; the mesosternal processes are distinct, but are not high and prominent, being separated by distance equal to diameter of ocellus; S 2 has a conspicuous, strongly elevated, longitudinal carina on median proximal fifth; the pygidium is granulate; the parameres are not angulate medially and are only slightly bent inward two-thirds from the base (Fig. 22); the cuspis is narrowed medially, appearing club-like; and the apex of the cuspis has stout setae, but medially it has thinner setae, and the inner margin has an elongate area of dense short setae. Diagnosis of female. The female of this species can be recognized by the frons in lateral view having distinct dorsal and vertical faces projecting forwards in front of eyes (Figs. 27, 28, 89, 90), the ventral margin of the mandible lacking a distinct angulation (Fig. 36), flagellomere 1 being much longer than flagellomere 2, the mesosoma being hexagonal in dorsal view, the first segment of the metasoma being petiolate with the second, the second metasomal segment being of normal length, ~ 1 X as long as anterior width or just slightly greater, the pygidium being longitudinally striate, and by the dense appressed setae present on the dorsum that obscure the integumental sculpture and are distinctly plumose at the base of the setal shaft becoming simple apically (Figs. 88, 89, 90).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD0983D039EFCBA55BDFDF9.taxon	description	Description of female: Coloration and Setal Pattern. Body reddish brown to brown (Figs. 89, 90); posterior margin of T 2 and metasomal segments 3 – 6 slightly darker. Mandible apices black. Flagellum and legs yellow to dark yellow. Head, mesosoma, and T 2 covered with dense decumbent plumose setae that obscure the sculpture. Plumose condition of setae stronger at base, becoming brachyplumose towards tip. T 1 covered with erect white brachyplumose setae. T 2 – 5 and S 2 – 5 with fringe of dense white plumose setae. Legs with white brachyplumose setae. Head. Head rounded posteriorly (Fig. 89), not as wide as mesosoma, moderately punctate; head swollen dorsal to scrobe such that in lateral view there are distinct frontal and dorsal areas (Figs. 27, 28, 89, 90). Eye distinctly ovate, distance from posterior mandibular articulation ~ 3 X visible length of pedicel. Genal region below eyes parallel in lateral view. Clypeus protruding anteriorly, posteromedially produced into low triangular tubercle. Antennal scrobe with dorsal carina. Antennal tubercle with carinate shield-like region with multiple rugae (Figs. 28, 89). Flagellomere I ~ 1.5 X length of pedicel. Flagellomeres II – III ~ 1.0 – 1.2 X length of pedicel. Mandible bidentate apically (Fig. 36: internal tooth not illustrated due to illustration angle). Ventral mandibular margin with basal slight angulation (Fig. 36). Genal carina absent. Hypostomal bridge lamellate medially. Mesosoma. Mesosoma hexagonal, wider than long (Figs. 27, 88). Mesosoma densely punctate on dorsum. Propleuron anteriorly, mesopleuron medially running vertically, and lateral margin of propodeum with extreme ventral region punctate. Humeral angle dentate. Epaulet prominent. Scutellar scale absent. Mesosternum with low transverse tubercle present medially just anterior to mesocoxa. Metasternum tridentate. Propodeum with distinct dorsal and vertical faces. Metasoma. Segment 1 distinctly petiolate with segment 2 (Figs. 27, 90). T 1 with small sparse punctures. T 2 with dense moderate punctures anteriorly, but sculpture obscured by dense setae. T 2 with felt line, 0.3 X length of tergite. T 3 – 5 shagreened, but completely covered by extremely dense plumose setae. T 6 with distinct pygidial area (Figs. 27, 90), defined laterally by carinae, densely longitudinally striate and produced medially along posterior margin. S 2 with slight anteromedian tumid region. S 2 scabrous. S 2 – 5 with punctation similar to tergites. Length. ~ 8 – 14 mm.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD0983D039EFCBA55BDFDF9.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Cahuilla Ranger Sta., 10 km WSW Glamis, 9 males, 2 females, 22. Sep – 15. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC); Coachella Canal Rd., 18.1 km NW Glamis, 7 males, 7 females 30. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Gecko Rd. 3.2 km S. Cahuilla Ranger Sta., 2 males, 3 females, 7. Jun. 2008, R. Kimsey and T. Zavortink (UCDC); Osborne Overlook, 5.7 km WSW Glamis, 5 females, 24 – 28. Mar. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Roadrunner Campgrd., 10.7 km SW Glamis, 3 males, 31. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Wash Road, 0.7 km W at railroad post 168, 10.4 km SE Hwy 78, 2 males, 18 – 22. Sep. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC). Glamis, ~ 1 mi. NW, 1 female, 18 – 19. Sep. 1993, D. C. Hawks (UCRC); Glamis, 8 km S, 2 males, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Glamis, 2.5 mi. NE Coachella Bridge # 1, 32 ° 51 ’ 41 ” N 115 ° 4 ’ 6 ” W, 4 females, 17. Apr. 1979 (CDFA), 6 females, 26. May. 1971, M. S. Wasbauer and M. E. Irwin (CDFA), 4 females, 29. May. 1971, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA), 1 female, 2. Jun. 1971, A. J. Gilbert (CDFA), 1 female, 8. Apr. 1972, A. J. Gilbert (CDFA), 3 females, 24. Apr. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA), 1 female, 24. Jul. 1995, D. G. Manley (DGMC), 8 females, 22. Apr. 1971, A. Hardy and M. Irwin (LACM), 3 females, 23. Apr. 1970, A. Hardy (LACM); Glamis, 1 mi. W, 1 female, 17. Jun. 1992, D. G. Manley (DGMC), 3 females, 31. Mar. 1972, A. Hardy (LACM), 1.5 mi S Glamis, 4 females, 15. Sep. 1983, R. Snelling (LACM); Glamis, 2 mi. W, 5 females, 22. May. 1975, D. G. Manley (DGMC); Glamis, 2 mi. NW, 1 female, 27. Feb. 1972, A. Hardy (LACM); Glamis, 3 mi. N, 15 females, 24. Apr. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA), 29 females, 21 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA; LACM), 5 females, 16. Oct. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA), 23 females, 2 males, 7 – 12. Apr. 1973, M. S. and J. S. Wasbauer (CDFA), 1 female, 10. Sep. 1983, R. Snelling (LACM), 3 females, 15. Apr. 1972, A. Hardy (LACM), 9 females, 24. Mar. 1972, A. Hardy (LACM), 56 females, 9. Apr. 1972, A. Hardy (LACM), 7 females, 4. Mar. 1972, A. Hardy (LACM); Glamis, 3 mi. NE, 1 female, 15. Apr. 1972 (UCRC); Glamis, 3.5 mi. NW, 4 females, 10. Mar. 1973, F. G. andrews and A. R. Hardy (CDFA); Glamis, 5 mi SW, 9 males, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams (EMUS); Glamis, 3.9 mi. W, 1 female, 2. Apr. 2002, D. Yanega (UCRC), 1 female, 31. Mar. 2003, A. L. Park (UCRC); Glamis, 5 mi. N, 1 female, 4 males, 10. Sep. 1974, MT 6 P – 8 A, M. S. Wasbauer and R. McMaster (CDFA); Glamis, 4 mi. NW, 1 female, 14 – 19. Apr. 1972 (UCRC); Glamis, 7 mi. SE, 32 ° 55 ’ 20 ” N 114 ° 59 ’ 14 ” W, 2 females, 19 – 24. Mar. 1979 (CDFA), 3 females, 3 males, 25. Mar. 1979 – 8. Apr. 1979 (CDFA); Ogilby, 3.5 mi. W, 32 ° 48 ’ 48 ” N, 114 ° 53 ’ 51 ”?, 2 females, 12. Apr. 1979 (CDFA); S. Ruthven, 1 female, 6. Apr. 2000, 1 female, 28. Apr. 2001, 4 females, 1 male, 30. Apr. 2001, 1 male, 24. Apr. 2004, D. C. Hawks and D. Yanega (UCRC); Seeley, 3 females, 16. Mar. 1971, 6 females, 8. Apr. 1971, E. L. Paddock (CDFA). Riverside Co., Blythe, 3 mi. W, 1 female, 27. May. 1971, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA). DNA voucher specimen data. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: 5 mi SW Glamis, 2 males, 5. Aug. 2005, K. A. Williams, JP 85, JP 88; 1 female, 5. Aug. 2005, K. A. Williams, JP 713 (EMUS).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD0983D039EFCBA55BDFDF9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFD0983D039EFCBA55BDFDF9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is limited to the Algodones Sand Dunes and surrounding areas in the western Sonoran Desert, and is particularly abundant on these dunes. The ITS 1 sequences from a male and female of this species were identical, while the ITS 2 sequences were 0.2 % different (Table 1). A more thorough discussion of the male of this species can be found in Pitts (2007). The female of this species is one of the largest nocturnal females found on the dunes and is easily recognized by the shape of the mesosoma and the protruding frons.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEE983C039EFD78576FFD96.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of female. The female of this species can be recognized by the ventral margin of the mandible lacking a distinct angulation, flagellomere 1 being equal to flagellomere 2 in length, the mesosoma being approximately rectangular in dorsal view (Fig. 92), the first segment of the metasoma being petiolate with the second, the second metasomal segment being elongate, ~ 2 X as long as anterior width or just slightly greater, the pygidium being longitudinally striate, and by the dense appressed setae present on the dorsum that obscure the integumental sculpture and are distinctly plumose at the base of the setal shaft becoming simple apically (Figs. 91, 92).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEE983C039EFD78576FFD96.taxon	description	Description of female: Coloration and Setal Pattern. Body testaceous to stramineous (Figs. 91, 92). Legs and flagellum stramineous. Body covered with sparse erect white brachyplumose setae as well as decumbent white setae that are distinctly plumose basally, but simple towards tips. Legs with white brachyplumose setae. Head. Head rounded posteriorly, not as wide as mesosoma, moderately punctate; in lateral view rounded. Genal region below eyes parallel in lateral view. Eye ovate (Fig. 91), distance from posterior mandibular articulation ~ 2.5 X visible length of pedicel. Clypeus protruding anteriorly, posteromedially produced into low triangular tubercle. Antennal scrobe without dorsal carina. Antennal tubercle with shield-like region outlined by carinae. Flagellomere I ~ 0.75 X length of pedicel. Flagellomeres II – III ~ 1.0 – 1.2 X length of pedicel. Flagellomeres II – X produced apically on ventral side; appearing crenulate. Mandible edentate apically. Ventral mandibular margin with basal tooth. Genal carina absent. Hypostomal carina not lamellate medially. Mesosoma. Mesosoma rectangular in dorsal view (Fig. 92), wider anteriorly than posteriorly, longer than broad. Mesosoma densely confluently punctate on dorsum. Propleuron anteriorly, mesopleuron medially running vertically, and lateral margin of propodeum with extreme ventral region punctate. Humeral angle dentate. Epaulet prominent. Scutellar scale absent. Mesosternum with low transverse tubercle present medially just anterior to mesocoxa. Metasternum tridentate. Propodeum with distinct dorsal and lateral faces. Hind spurs with serrations along entire length. Metasoma. Segment 1 distinctly sessile with segment 2. T 1 with small sparse punctures. T 2 elongate, length ~ 2 X anterior width. T 2 with dense moderate punctures throughout. T 2 with felt line, 0.2 X length of tergite. T 3 – 5 shagreened. T 6 with distinct pygidial area defined laterally by weak carinae, apex rounded; surface longitudinally striate, striae bead-like. S 2 with slight anteromedian tumid region. S 2 – 5 with punctation similar to tergites. Length. ~ 2 – 3 mm.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEE983C039EFD78576FFD96.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Glamis, cereal bowl pit trap, 1 female, 29. May. 1971, M. Wasbauer (CDFA); Glamis, 3 mi. NW, 1 female 16. Oct. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEE983C039EFD78576FFD96.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEE983C039EFD78576FFD96.taxon	discussion	Remarks. We were unable to procure fresh specimens of this species to make a sex association. The identity of this female is perplexing. Morphologically, the female is similar to other females of the O. parva species-group, and may be the unknown female of O. aufidia. This female, however, is minuscule in size, being only a forth to a fifth as large as the average males of O. aufidia. Phoretic copulation is unknown in these nocturnal genera; therefore, the sexes of conspecifics are expected to be more similar in size. The only species currently known only from males from the dunes that match these females closely in size are O. quadrispinosa and Sphaeropthalma becki. As this female is morphologically similar to other Odontophotopsis females, the most likely candidate is O. quadrispinosa with which it shares its small size and mandibles with a distinct ventral tooth. Another possibility is that the male of this species remains unknown or is described, but not has been collected on the dunes yet. We do not believe that there is enough evidence to associate the female at this time.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEF983C039EFD1B539EFA69.taxon	description	Mutilla madejskii Dalle Torre, 1897. Cat. Hymen. 8: 56. Male. Mutilla bellerophon Melander (nec Fox), 1903. Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc. 29: 306, 307. Male. New Synonym. Mutilla (Photomorphus?) crepuscula Viereck, 1906. Amer. Ent. Soc., Trans. 32: 188. Male. Holotype data: Kansas, Morton Co., F. H. Snow (SMEC). New Synonym.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEF983C039EFD1B539EFA69.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species is separated from the other nocturnal mutillids on the Algodones Sand Dunes by having crenulate mesosternal processes that are made of five or more scattered asperations, roughly equal in height, that form a longitudinal row on either side of the midline, a clypeus with a well-defined posteromedial tubercle, and a glabrous pygidium. The genitalia are illustrated in Fig. 107.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEF983C039EFD1B539EFA69.taxon	description	Female. Unknown.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEF983C039EFD1B539EFA69.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co., Algodones Dunes, Wash Rd., 0.7 km W, Rail Road Post 168, 1 male, 18 – 22. Sep. 2008, R. Kimsey and T. Zavortink (UCDC).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEF983C039EFD1B539EFA69.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Found throughout the southwestern United States.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEF983C039EFD1B539EFA69.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is not common on the dunes, but is common in other parts of its range. The specimen from the dunes varies in coloration from specimens collected elsewhere. On most specimens the metasoma is black, which is distinctly darker than the mesosoma and head. The specimen from the dune has dark coloration only around the felt lines, while most of the metasoma is stramineous to slightly castaneous.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEF983F039EF9E95710FD96.taxon	description	Mutilla hebes Melander, 1903. Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc. 29: 311 – 312. Male. Holotype data: Arrogo, 10 mi W of La Luz, New Mexico, 23 Aug, at light, Type no. 6996 (NMNH). New Synonym.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEF983F039EF9E95710FD96.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species is separated from the other nocturnal mutillids on the Algodones Sand Dunes by having tuberculate mesosternal processes that are slightly transverse, parallel, sharply declivous, and have a dorsal transverse groove at the apex of the process (Fig. 105). Other distinguishing characteristics include integument that is entirely testaceous, setae that are hyaline, although they are slightly darker on the last two metasomal segments, and mandibles with a slightly dilated apex, a large basal tooth (Fig. 104), and with an apex that is slightly directed ventrally. Also, the clypeus lacks a well-defined posteromedial tubercle, and the pygidium is granulose. The genitalia are illustrated in Fig. 103.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEF983F039EF9E95710FD96.taxon	description	Female. Unknown.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEF983F039EF9E95710FD96.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Bard, 1 male, 29. Jul. 1959, K. Salazar (UCDC); Caliapatria, 1 male, 26. May. 1956, light trap, T. R. Haig (UCDC); Palo Verde, 12 males, 17. Aug. 1946, P. D. Hurd (CISC). Distribution. Sonoran Desert east to the Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEF983F039EF9E95710FD96.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species has not been collected on the dunes so far, but is found near the dunes and also in larger numbers elsewhere in the Sonoran Desert. With further trapping, it will likely be collected on the dunes as well. C. E. Mickel identified the type of Mutilla hebes Melander as P. clandestina in 1928. We agree with his assertion.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEC983F039EFD1B57E1FA0F.taxon	description	Mutilla acontius Fox, 1899. Amer. Ent. Soc., Trans. 25: 266. Male. Holotype data: Las Cruces, New Mexico, type no. 3279 (ANSP). Mutilla Ashmeadii Fox, 1899. Amer. Ent. Soc., Trans. 25: 289. N. name for P. nanus Ashmead.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEC983F039EFD1B57E1FA0F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species can be recognized by its small size, the moderately emarginate mandibles, the small marginal cell that is shorter than the stigma measured along the costal margin, the lack of mesosternal processes, and the lack of plumose setae even along the margins of the metasomal tergites. The genitalia are similar to S. becki (Fig. 2), but have an extremely short cuspis that barely surpasses the penis valve in lateral view.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEC983F039EFD1B57E1FA0F.taxon	description	Female. Unknown.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEC983F039EFD1B57E1FA0F.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co., Algodones Dunes, Cahuilla Ranger Sta., 10 km WSW Glamis, 1 male, 22. Sep – 15. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEC983F039EFD1B57E1FA0F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Widespread throughout the Sonoran Desert and as far east as Las Cruces, New Mexico.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEC983F039EFD1B57E1FA0F.taxon	discussion	Remarks. We have studied the types of Photopsis nanus Ashmead and Mutilla acontius Fox, and we agree with Ferguson’s (1967) synonymies. This species is very small, and, size wise, along with S. becki, is the smallest species on the dunes.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEC9839039EF9CB57D4FD54.taxon	description	Mutilla helicaon Fox, 1899. Amer. Ent. Soc., Trans. 25: 254. Male. Holotype data: Nevada, Type no. 4642 (UMSP). New Synonym. Photopsis lingulatus Viereck, 1903. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil., Proc. 54: 737. Male. Holotype data: La Jolla, San Diego Co., California (UMSP). New Synonym.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEC9839039EF9CB57D4FD54.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species is recognized by the tooth on the ventral margin of the mandible having a weak excision and being slightly angulate (Fig. 102), the apical mandibular teeth being at an oblique angle rather than vertical, the clypeus being carinate at base (Fig. 101), but sometimes delicately so or gibbous, the lack of mesosternal processes or a sternal felt line, and the ventral margin of the paramere having dense setae that are directed inward toward the cuspis on the basal 0.5 X the parameres free length (Fig. 100). Diagnosis of female. The female of this species can be recognized by the following combination characters: the mandible has only a weak angulate basal tooth on the ventral margin (e. g., Fig. 40), the mesosoma and second tergite of the metasoma are covered in brachyplumose orange setae surrounded by white setae along the margins (Figs. 97, 98), the metasoma is petiolate, and the pygidium is granulate.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEC9839039EF9CB57D4FD54.taxon	description	Description of female: Coloration and Setal Pattern. Body integument brownish-ferruginous to almost black. Legs and posterior pleural region darker brown. Posterior portion of head, around eyes, clypeus, and antennal scrobe with white plumose setae. Remainder of dorsum of head with silver brachyplumose setae (Fig. 99), sometimes with some orange brachyplumose setae rather than silver located centrally on vertex. Pronotum anteriorly on declivity, pleurae, and vertical portion of propodeum with dense appressed white plumose setae. Dorsum of mesosoma with both erect and appressed brachyplumose orange setae (Fig. 97). Legs with silver brachyplumose setae. T 1 with dense appressed as well as longer erect white plumose and brachyplumose setae. T 2 – T 5 and S 2 – S 5 with dense plumose apical fringes (Fig. 98). Disks of metasomal tergites with dense orange setae overlapping plumose fringe medially; part of plumose fringe orange. T 2 laterally with only white plumose setae. Sternites with only white brachyplumose setae. Plumose setae with long lateral branches from base to apex. Head. Head rounded posteriorly, not as wide as mesosoma, densely punctate. Punctures obscured by setae. Eye ovate, distance from posterior mandibular articulation ~ 3 X visible length of pedicel. Distance across face in frontal view at genal region slightly wider near eyes than near mandibular base. Clypeus protruding anteriorly, posteromedially produced into distinct triangular tubercle. Antennal scrobe with dorsal carina. Antennal tubercle glabrous. Flagellomere I ~ 1.5 X length of pedicel. Flagellomeres II – III ~ 1.3 – 1.5 X length of pedicel. Mandible bidentate apically. Dorsal mandibular carina without tooth-like projection at anterior termination of carina. Ventral mandibular margin with slight basal angulation; mandible tapers slightly towards apex. Genal carina absent. Hypostomal carina slightly lamellate medially. Mesosoma. Mesosoma widest just posterior to pronotal spiracle, as long as or slightly longer than wide. Mesosoma densely confluently punctate on dorsum. Punctures obscured by setae. Propleuron anteriorly, mesopleuron medially running vertically, and propodeal side, except around propodeal spiracle, punctate. Humeral angle dentate. Epaulet prominent. Scutellar scale absent. Mesosternum with low transverse tubercle present medially just anterior to mesocoxa. Metasternum tridentate; middle tooth elongate. Propodeum with distinct dorsal and vertical faces. Metasoma. Segment 1 distinctly petiolate with segment 2. Punctures obscured by setae. T 1 with moderate punctures. T 2 with dense moderate punctures anteriorly, almost confluent; posteriorly at least 1 puncture width separates punctures. T 2 with felt line, 0.10 X length of tergite. T 3 – 5 shagreened. T 6 with distinct pygidial area defined laterally by weak carinae; surface weakly granulate. S 2 with distinct anteromedian tumid region. S 2 – 5 with punctation similar to tergites. Length. 5 – 11 mm.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEC9839039EF9CB57D4FD54.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co., Algodones Dunes: Cahuilla Ranger Sta., 10 km WSW Glamis, 1 male, 22. Sep – 15. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC); Niland-Glamis Rd., 7.4 km NW Glamis, 8 males, 24 – 28. Mar. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC), 7 males, 3 – 30. May. 2008, S. Heydon and K. Lorenzen (UCDC). DNA voucher specimen data. California, Riverside Co., Corn Springs, 10 mi. S Desert Center, 1 male, 29. May. 2005, KW 07; 1 female, 29. May. 2005, K. A. Williams, KW 01 (EMUS).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEC9839039EF9CB57D4FD54.taxon	distribution	Distribution. From the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas west to the Sonoran Desert of California and north into the Mojave Desert.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEC9839039EF9CB57D4FD54.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Ferguson (1967) first synonymized S. helicaon with Photopsis lingulatus, S. carinata, S. helicaon coahuilae and S. helicaon diegueno. We agree with his synonyms. After careful study of specimens from western Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, and Baja California, no consistent morphological differences could be found, including genitalic morphology. Specimens, however, do range widely in coloration, sculpturing on the scutellum, and clypeal shape, and this species should be investigated molecularly. The holotype of S. arota (female) differs from the female associated with the male S. helicaon from the Algodones Sand Dunes. The holotype has long orange brachyplumose setae on the disks of third to the sixth metasomal tergite in addition to short white plumose setae, whereas the female found on the Algodones Sand Dunes only has short white plumose setae. At this time, we believe this only represents intraspecific variation. Originally, the holotype of Sphaeropthalma (Photopsis) helicaon diegueno was a specimen Schuster had on loan from Cornell University and was labeled “ Porter 20; Cornell U., Lot 709, Sub., Arizona; Specimen B 12 F; Holotype Sphaeropthalma helicaon ssp. diegueno Schu. ” Schuster discovered that this specimen did not fit his description and he selected a new holotype (label data listed above in synonymy section). This specimen also belonged to Cornell University (Ferguson, 1967). We have been unable to locate this specimen and believe it is now lost.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEA9839039EFC8957D1F91D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species has a deeply excised mandible with a tooth forming an oblique angle (Fig. 45), lacks of mesosternal processes, has a marginal cell that is shorter than the stigma, has the first segment of the metasoma petiolate with the second segment, and has the genitalia with a short cylindrical cuspis (Fig. 2). Plumose setae are weakly developed to absent along the margins of the metasomal tergites.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEA9839039EFC8957D1F91D.taxon	description	Female. Unknown.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEA9839039EFC8957D1F91D.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Cahuilla Ranger Station, 1 male, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Niland-Glamis Rd., 7.4 km NW Glamis, 6 males, 3 – 30. May. 2008, S. Heydon and K. Lorenzen (UCDC), 1 male, 1 – 2. Jul. 2008, 23.7 km NW Glamis, 2 males, 1. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Wash Rd., 0.7 km W, Rail Road Post 168, 3 males, 18 – 22. Sep. 2008, R. Kimsey and T. Zavortink (UCDC); Wash Rd., 4.1 km SE, Rail Road Post 165, 1 male, 18 – 22. Sep. 2008, R. Kimsey and T. Zavortink (UCDC); Wash Rd. 6.6 km SE Hwy 78 Glamis, 2 males, 7 – 10. Jun. 2008, R. Kimsey and T. Zavortink (UCDC). Brawley, 2 males, 22. Jun. 2004, K. A. Williams (KAWC); Glamis, 3 mi. NW, 7 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA), 4 males, 10. Sep. 1974, M. S. Wasbauer and R. McMaster (CDFA); Glamis, 7.5 km N, 13 males, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC), 1 male, 22. Sep – 15. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC); Glamis, 8 mi. W, 2 males, 21. Jun. 2004, K. A. Williams (KAWC).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEA9839039EFC8957D1F91D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. California and southwestern Arizona northward into southern Nevada.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEA9839039EFC8957D1F91D.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is not endemic to the Algodones Sand Dunes. Ferguson (1967) gives a complete discussion of this species.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEA983B039EF8D8545FFF7A.taxon	description	Mutilla Gautschii Dalla Torre, 1897. Cat. Hym. 50. N. name erroneously proposed for Photopsis Blakeii Fox, thought to be preoccupied by Cameron, 1894. Mutilla ceyx Fox, 1899. Amer. Ent. Soc., Trans. 25: 262. Male. Lectotype data: Calmili Mines, Apr (ANSP).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEA983B039EF8D8545FFF7A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species is easily recognized by the small denticles on the internal margin of the hind coxa. It is also recognized by the posterior margin of the head being quadrate, by the weakly excised mandible that is dilated apically, by the large stigma that is slightly longer than the marginal cell, by the lack of mesosternal processes, by the quadrate pygidium, and by the lobate and dorsoventrally flattened condition of the cuspis, which has long setae along the internal margin that coalesce apically (Fig. 23). Diagnosis of female. The female of this species has the following combination characters: the dorsum of the body is covered with sparse erect brachyplumose setae, but the integument is not obscured, the ventral margin of the mandible lacks an excision (Fig. 37), the head below eyes is parallel, the head evenly rounded in lateral view, the first metasomal segment is sessile with the second segment and the pygidium is granulate.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEA983B039EF8D8545FFF7A.taxon	description	Description of female: Coloration and Setal Pattern. Body testaceous (Figs. 60 – 63). Flagellum and legs stramineous. Erect sparse brachyplumose setae present throughout, integumental sculpture not obscured. T 1 – 5 with white plumose fringe. Plumose setae present on vertical face of propodeum. Legs with white brachyplumose setae. Head. Head rounded posteriorly (Fig. 60), not as wide as mesosoma, moderately punctate. Eye slightly ovate, distance from posterior mandibular articulation ~ 2.5 X visible length of pedicel. Genal region parallel in frontal view. Clypeus slightly protruding anteriorly, posteromedially produced into low triangular tubercle. Antennal scrobe with dorsal carina. Antennal tubercle glabrous, except with carinate apical margin. Flagellomere I ~ 1.75 X length of pedicel. Flagellomeres II – III ~ 1.0 – 1.2 X length of pedicel. Mandible bidentate apically (Fig. 37). Dorsal mandibular carina without tooth-like projection at anterior termination of carina (Fig. 37). Ventral mandibular margin with slight basal angulation; mandible tapers towards apex (Fig. 37). Genal carina absent. Hypostomal carina slightly lamellate medially. Mesosoma. Mesosoma wider anteriorly than posteriorly (Fig. 62), as long as broad. Mesosoma densely confluently punctate on dorsum. Propleuron anteriorly, mesopleuron medially running vertically, and lateral margin of propodeum with extreme ventral region punctate. Humeral angle dentate. Epaulet prominent. Scutellar scale absent. Mesosternum with low transverse tubercle present medially just anterior to mesocoxa. Metasternum tridentate. Propodeum with distinct dorsal and vertical faces. Metasoma. Segment 1 distinctly petiolate with segment 2 (Fig. 61). T 1 with small sparse punctures. T 2 with dense moderate punctures anteriorly, almost confluent; posteriorly at least 1 puncture width separates punctures. T 2 with felt line, 0.10 X length of tergite. T 3 – 5 shagreened. T 6 with distinct pygidial area defined laterally by weak carinae; surface granulate (Fig. 63), appearing weakly longitudinally striate at certain angles. S 2 with slight anteromedian tumid region. S 2 – 5 with punctation similar to tergites. Length. ~ 8 – 11 mm.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEA983B039EF8D8545FFF7A.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Niland-Glamis Rd., 7.4 km NW Glamis, 1 male, 1 female, 3 – 30. Mar. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC), 4 males, 1 – 2. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Wash Rd., 0.7 km W at railroad post 168, 10.4 km SE Hwy 78, 2 males, 18 – 22. Sep. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Wash Rd. 10.4 km SE Glamis, 1 male, 3 females, 30. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC). Glamis, 16. Sep. 1968, E. A. Kane (CDFA); Glamis, 1.3 rd mi. W, 1 male, 30. Jul. 1996, G. Kung (LACM); Glamis, 3 mi. N, 4 females, 9 males, 7 – 12. Apr. 1973, M. S. and J. S. Wasbauer (CDFA); Glamis, 3 mi. NW, 19 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA); S. Ruthven, 3 females, 1 male, 30. Apr. 2001, D. C. Hawks and D. Yanega (UCRC). Mexico, Baja California, Sur. Rcho. Tablon, 13 km S Guillermo Prieto, 1 male, 16 – 18. Apr. 1983, M. S. Wasbauer and C. Slansky (CDFA). DNA voucher specimen data. California, Riverside Co., Palm Springs, 1 male, JP 80 (EMUS); Imperial Co., Algodones Dunes, 5 mi SW Glamis, 1 female, 24. Apr. 2004, D. Yanega, JP 831 (EMUS).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEA983B039EF8D8545FFF7A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. This species is widespread in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts in Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and Mexico.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFEA983B039EF8D8545FFF7A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Only ITS 1 sequences were obtained from both a male and a female of this species. While the intersexual genetic distance is not exceptionally low, 1.6 %, it is much lower than the interspecific genetic distances for ITS 1 (Tables 1, 4). This species is widespread and not endemic to the Algodones Sand Dunes. The male of this species is easily recognized by the quadrate head, dentate hind coxae and unique shape of the mandible, and can be quite common.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE8983A039EFEFE5397FC15.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species is recognized by the deeply excised mandible with the tooth forming an acute angle, the lack of mesosternal processes, the marginal cell shorter than the stigma, the first segment of the metasoma petiolate with the second segment and densely punctate, the second sternite with an anteromedial tumid region, and the genitalia with a long cylindrical cuspis that is setose ventrally with the apex having longer denser setae and parameres with dense setae located medially, but internally directed, along the internal margin (Fig. 3). Diagnosis of female. The female of this species has the following combination characters: the dorsum of the body is covered with sparse erect brachyplumose setae, but the integument is not obscured, the ventral margin of the mandible has a deep excision subtended by a large rounded tooth (Fig. 38), the head below eyes is parallel (Fig. 64), the head evenly rounded in lateral view (Fig. 64), the first metasomal segment is petiolate with the second segment (Fig. 65) and the pygidium is striate to granulate.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE8983A039EFEFE5397FC15.taxon	description	Description of female: Coloration and Setal Pattern. Body brown to stramineous (Figs. 64 – 66). Legs and flagellum yellow to dark yellow. Short brachyplumose setae throughout. Propodeum with plumose setae on vertical face. Tergite 1 – 5 with sparse fringe of white plumose setae. Legs with white brachyplumose setae. Head. Head rounded posteriorly (Fig. 64), not as wide as mesosoma, moderately punctate. Head evenly rounded in lateral view. Eye ovate, distance from posterior mandibular articulation ~ 4 X visible length of pedicel. Clypeus protruding anteriorly, posteromedially produced into low triangular tubercle. Malar space parallel in frontal view. Antennal scrobe without dorsal carina. Antennal tubercle glabrous, except with carinate apical margin. Flagellomere I ~ 1 X length of pedicel. Flagellomeres II – III ~ 1 X length of pedicel or slightly longer. Flagellomeres II – X produced apically on ventral side; appearing crenulate. Mandible bidentate apically (Fig. 38). Ventral mandibular margin with distinct round basal tooth (Fig. 38). Genal carina absent. Hypostomal carinae lamellate medially. Mesosoma. Mesosoma wider anteriorly than posteriorly, longer than broad (Fig. 66). Mesosoma densely confluently punctate on dorsum. Propleuron anteriorly, mesopleuron medially running vertically, and lateral margin of propodeum with extreme ventral region punctate. Humeral angle dentate. Epaulet not prominent. Three to four transverse carinae present on dorsum of propodeum, appearing denticulate. Distinct scutellar scale absent. Mesosternum with low transverse tubercle present medially just anterior to mesocoxa. Metasternum tridentate. Propodeum with distinct dorsal and vertical faces. Metasoma. Segment 1 indistinctly petiolate to subsessile with segment 2. T 1 with small sparse punctures. T 2 with dense moderate punctures anteriorly. T 2 with felt line, 0.2 X length of tergite. T 3 – 5 shagreened. T 6 with distinct pygidial area weakly defined laterally by carinae; surface longitudinally striate-granulate, convex. S 2 with slight anteromedian tumid region. S 2 – 5 with punctation similar to tergites. Length. ~ 2.5 – 5.5 mm.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE8983A039EFEFE5397FC15.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: S Ruthven, 1 male, 24. Apr. 2003, D. Yanega (KAWC); 7.5 km N Glamis, 1 male, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC). Brawley, 9 males, 22. Jun. 2004, K. A. Williams (KAWC); 1.5 mi. SW Coachella Bridge # 1 32 ° 50 ’ 3 ” N 115 ° 7 ’ 11 ” W, 1 female, 12. Apr. 1979 (CDFA); Glamis, 9 females, 26. May. 1971, 20 females, 29. May. 1971, 2 females, 24. Apr. 1972, pit trap, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA), 1 female, 2. Jun. 1971, A. J. Gilbert (CDFA); Glamis, 3 mi. NM, 4 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, 12 females, 16. Oct. 1972, Dunes at night, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA), 1 male, 11 – 12. Apr. 1973, black light, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA), 13 females, 7 – 12. Apr. 1973, pit trap, M. S. and J. S. Wasbauer (CDFA); Glamis, 5 mi SW, 71 males, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams (EMUS); Glamis, 6 mi. W, 1 male, 19. Sep. 1966, R. A. Flock (CDFA); Glamis, 8 mi. W, 2 males, 21. Jun. 2004, K. A. Williams (KAWC). Nevada, Pershing Co. Woolsey RR station, 2 females, 9. Sep. 1974, blacklight, T. R. Haig (CDFA). Utah, Kane Co., 3 mi. N Kanab, 1 male, 16. Jul. 1975, F. G. andrews and A. R. Hardy (CDFA). DNA voucher specimen data. Arizona, Maricopa Co., Scottsdale, 1 male, JP 146 (EMUS); California, Imperial Co., Algodones Dunes, 5 mi SW Glamis, 1 female, 5. Aug. 2005, K. A. Williams, KW 15 (EMUS).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE8983A039EFEFE5397FC15.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Found throughout most of the southwestern USA.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE8983A039EFEFE5397FC15.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The males of this species are difficult to separate from those of the following species, S. django, sp. nov. It is currently impossible to separate the females of S. difficilis and S. django, sp. nov., based on morphology alone. The intersexual distances of this species are greater than those of the other species we are treating in this paper (Table 1). These distances are much less, however, than the interspecific differences between S. difficilis and the other Sphaeropthalma species (Table 4 and 5). The main reason for higher genetic distances in S. difficilis is the presence of two highly variable insertions that are not present in the other species examined.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE99835039EFBDD5215FCC8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species is recognized by the deeply excised mandible with the tooth forming an acute angle, the lack of mesosternal processes, the marginal cell that is shorter than the stigma, the first segment of the metasoma that is petiolate with the second segment and nitid, and the genitalia that have a long cylindrical cuspis that is setose throughout ventrally (Fig. 4) and parameres with dense setae located basally, but internally directed, along the internal margin (Fig. 4). Diagnosis of female. The female of this species has the following combination characters: the dorsum of the body is covered with sparse erect brachyplumose setae, but the integument is not obscured, the ventral margin of the mandible has a deep excision subtended by a large rounded tooth (Fig. 38), the head below eyes is parallel (Fig. 64), the head is evenly rounded in lateral view (Fig. 64), the first metasomal segment is petiolate with the second segment (Fig. 65) and the pygidium is striate to granulate.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE99835039EFBDD5215FCC8.taxon	description	Description of male. Coloration and setal pattern. Stramineous, legs and antennae paler than body. Sparse brachyplumose hyaline setae present throughout; white plumose setae present on metasomal fringes. Head. Rounded posteriorly. Mandible strongly excised ventrally with subtending tooth (Fig. 46); dorsal carina delicate distally with apex oblique and attenuated. Clypeus tuberculate posteromedially. Front and vertex nitid and weakly punctate, small, sparse, indistinct punctures. Ocelli moderately large; ocellocular distance 1 X lateral ocellus. Flagellomere 1 ~ 0.66 X length of flagellomere 2. Mesosoma. Pronotum coarsely and confluently punctate. Mesonotum nitid with moderate, separate punctures becoming contiguous on anterior third. Scutellum confluently punctate. Propodeum reticulate. Wings with marginal cell on costa 0.6 X length of stigma. Metasoma. First segment petiolate with second; weakly punctate laterally, glabrous medially. T 2 nitid with moderate scattered punctures. S 2 tumid anteromedially. Genitalia with long cylindrical cuspis, sparsely setose throughout ventrally, apex with thickened longer setae that typically are curved at their apices (Fig. 4). Paramere with dense setae located basally, internally directed, along internal margin (Fig. 4). Description of female. See remarks and description of the female of S. difficilis.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE99835039EFBDD5215FCC8.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype data: California, Imperial Co., Glamis, 5. Aug. 2005, K. A. Williams (EMUS). Paratype data: California, Imperial Co., Glamis, 5 mi SW, 115 ° 09 ' W 32 ° 57 ' N, 71 males, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams. Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Roadrunner Campgrnd, 10.7 km SW Glamis, 2 males, 31. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC). Brawley, 2 males, 22. Jun. 2004, K. A. Williams (KAWC); Glamis, 1 male, 20. Nov. 1967, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA); Glamis. 3 mi. NM, 7 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA), 1 male, 10. Sep. 1974, M. S. Wasbauer and R. McMaster (CDFA); Glamis, 6 mi. W, 12.4 mi. ESE Holtville, 32 ° 44 ’ 34 ” N, 115 ° 11 ’ 53 ” W, 1 male, 13. Apr. 1979 (CDFA). DNA voucher specimen data. California, Imperial Co., Algodones Dunes, 5 mi SW Glamis, 2 females, 5. Aug. 2005, K. A. Williams, JP 794; 1 male, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams, JP 274 (EMUS).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE99835039EFBDD5215FCC8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The Algodones Dunes and surrounding area.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE99835039EFBDD5215FCC8.taxon	etymology	Etymology. This species was named in honor of Django Reinhardt. Treat as a noun in apposition.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE99835039EFBDD5215FCC8.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species seems to be limited to the Algodones Sand Dunes and surrounding areas. This species is very similar to S. difficilis (see remarks for S. difficilis), and it may be that there are specimens lurking in collections that are misidentified as S. difficilis. Despite the seeming morphological similarity between S. django and S. difficilis, they are molecularly and morphologically distinct. The ITS 1 genetic distance is 3.3 % (Table 4) and the ITS 2 genetic distance is 7.6 % (Table 5).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE69834039EFC7057E7F980.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. The male of this species is recognized by the shape of the mandible, which is weakly bidentate apically and has a large tooth ventrally, by the lack of mesosternal processes, and by the genitalia, in which the cuspis is as long as the paramere and the apex of the paramere has a long thickened row of setae directed internally (Fig. 24). Diagnosis of female. The female of this species has the following combination characters: the dorsum of the body is covered with sparse erect brachyplumose setae, but the integument is not obscured (Figs. 67 – 70), the ventral margin of the mandible with a deep excision subtended by a large rounded tooth (e. g., Fig. 39), the head below eyes convergent (Fig. 67), the frons is flattened and not evenly rounded to the vertex (Fig. 68), the first metasomal segment is petiolate with the second segment (Fig. 69) and the pygidium is granulate (e. g., Fig. 63).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE69834039EFC7057E7F980.taxon	description	Description of female: Coloration and Setal Pattern. Body brown to stramineous (Figs. 67 – 70). Body with sparse erect white brachyplumose setae. Fringes of T 2 – 5 with sparse plumose setae. Legs with white brachyplumose setae. Head. Head flattened posteriorly in lateral view (Figs. 68), malar space convergent in frontal view (Fig. 67); not as wide as mesosoma, moderately punctate. Eye ovate (Fig. 68), distance from posterior mandibular articulation ~ 4 – 5 X visible length of pedicel. Clypeus protruding anteriorly, posteromedially produced into low triangular tubercle. Antennal scrobe without dorsal carina. Antennal tubercle glabrous (Fig. 67), except with carinate apical margin. Frons not well developed anterior to eye in lateral view. Flagellomere I ~ 1.75 X length of pedicel. Flagellomeres II – III ~ 1.0 – 1.4 X length of pedicel. Flagellomeres II – X produced apically on ventral side; appearing crenulate. Mandible weakly bidentate apically. Ventral mandibular margin with large round basal tooth (e. g., Fig. 39). Genal carina absent, region virtually glabrous. Mesosoma. Mesosoma wider anteriorly than posteriorly (Fig. 70), longer than broad. Mesosoma reticulate on dorsum (Fig. 70), some reticulations with margin appearing tuberculate, punctures becoming larger posteriorly. Propleuron anteriorly, mesopleuron medially running vertically, and lateral margin of propodeum with extreme ventral region punctate. Humeral angle dentate. Epaulet prominent. Scutellar scale absent. Mesosternum with low transverse tubercle present medially just anterior to mesocoxa. Metasternum tridentate. Metasoma. Segment 1 distinctly petiolate with segment 2 (Fig. 69). T 1 with small sparse punctures. T 2 with dense moderate punctures anteriorly, appearing tuberculate. T 2 with felt line, 0.2 X length of tergite. T 2 reticulate anteriorly, posterior margin with interstitial distance 2 – 3 X average puncture width. T 3 – 5 shagreened. T 6 with distinct pygidial area defined laterally by weak carinae; surface weakly longitudinally striate to granulate. S 2 with anteromedian carinate region. S 2 – 5 with punctation similar to tergites. Length. ~ 9 – 11 mm.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE69834039EFC7057E7F980.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Algodones Dunes, Buttercup Campgrd., 3 km SW, 1 – 2. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Cahuilla Ranger Sta., 10 km WSW Glamis, 2 females, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kim sey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC), 7 females, 22. Sep – 15. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC), 6 males, 20. Sep. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Coachella Canal Rd., 18.1 km NW Glamis, 2 males, 30. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC), 1 male, 31. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Gecko Rd. 3.2 km S. Cahuilla Ranger Sta., 3 males, 7. Jun. 2008, R. Kimsey and T. Zavortink (UCDC); Roadrunner Campgrd., 10.7 km SW Glamis, 17 males, 31. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Wash Rd. 16.5 km SE Glamis, 1 male, 1 – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC). Glamis, 1 male, 29. May. 1971, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA); Glamis, 3 mi. NW, 49 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA), 1 male, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (UCDC); Glamis, 5 mi SW, 3 females, 25 males, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams (EMUS); S. Ruthven, 2 males, 30. Apr. 2001, D. C. Hawks and D. Yanega (UCRC). DNA voucher specimen data. California, Imperial Co., Algodones Dunes, 5 mi. SW Glamis, 1 male, 5. Aug. 2005, K. A. Williams, JP 82; 1 female, 5. Aug. 2005, K. A. Williams, KW 06 (EMUS).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE69834039EFC7057E7F980.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE69834039EFC7057E7F980.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is limited to the Algodones Sand Dunes and surrounding areas, and is particularly abundant on these dunes. The intersexual distances for both ITS 1 and ITS 2 are less than 0.5 % (Table 1). The males of this species may be mistaken for O. sonora, but these species differ in the amount of overlap of the clypeus over the mandibles and in the structure of the mandible. The ventral tooth is lacking in O. sonora, but distinct in S. ecarinata. The females of this species will mostly likely be confused with S. militaris females, but can be separated by the shape of the frons in lateral view. This species was placed in the subgenus Physetapsis by Schuster (1958). Pitts et al. (2004) synonymized Physetapsis with Sphaeropthalma and placed all the former members of Physetapsis, including S. ecarinata, in Schuster’s Sphaeropthalma clara species-group. After a closer study of the male genitalia of these species and a comparison of the known females, S. ecarinata clearly belongs in the S. orestes species-group and is closely related to S. militaris and S. isolatrix Schuster (formerly of the subgenus Xenophotopsis Schuster) based on genitalic characters.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE79837039EF9B05227FBDA.taxon	description	Sphaerophthalma (!) luteola Blake, 1886. Amer. Ent. Soc., Trans. 13: 235. Female (ANSP). Sphaeropthalma (Photopsis) imperialiformis Viereck, 1906. Amer. Ent. Soc., Trans. 32: 189. Male. Holotype: Kansas, Morton Co., 3200 ’, Jun. 1902, coll. F. H. Snow (SEMC). Sphaeropthalma (Photopsis) imperialiformis imperialiformis (Viereck) in Schuster, 1958. Ent. Amer. (n. s.) 37: 34. Male.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE79837039EF9B05227FBDA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. The male of S. marpesia can be separated from all other nocturnal species by its lack of mesosternal processes and by its coloration; the integument is black throughout except metasomal segments 3 – 6 are orangish and by the setal coloration of the vertex, pronotum, mesonotum and metasomal segment 2 that varies from silver to orange. The mandible is moderately dilated, distally little or scarcely wider than at tooth, the ventral basal tooth of the mandible is small, and the apex is vertical (see Pitts, 2006: Fig. 6) Also, the head is quadrate posteriorly being long and parallel behind the eyes (see Pitts, 2006: Fig. 2), the clypeus is deeply depressed below the dorsal mandibular margin, the sternal felt line is present, and by characteristic genitalic morphology (see Pitts, 2006: Figs. 14 – 16). Diagnosis of female. The female of this species is easily recognized by its unique color pattern (see Pitts, 2006: Fig. 25). Other useful characters include the petiolate metasomal segment 1, the small ventral angulation located basally on the mandible, the granulate pygidium, and the presence of plumose setae especially on the fringes of the metasomal tergites.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE79837039EF9B05227FBDA.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Mexico, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE79837039EF9B05227FBDA.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined. California: Imperial Co., Bard, 1 male, 28. Apr. 1960, coll. H. H. Blakemore (LACM), 19. Oct. 1961, coll. B. F. Harrison (LACM), 1 male, 23. Oct. 1961, coll. R. Maxwell (LACM), 1 male, 11. May. 1962 (LACM), 1 male, 11. Jul. 1966, coll. Ratcliff (CDFA); Winterhaven: 1 male, 11. May. 1960, coll. H. H. Blakemore (CDFA), 2 males, 7. Jun. 1962 – 14. Jun. 1962, coll. W. Akins (LACM), 1 male, 19. Jun. 1962, coll. W. Akins (CDFA).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE79837039EF9B05227FBDA.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In the males, the wing coloration varies from uniformly deep fuscous to hyaline basally with a strongly fuscous area below stigma and subfuscous distally and the ocellocular distance varies from 1.0 – 1.7 X the posterior ocellar length. Setal coloration of the males varies from the second metasomal tergite (except for basal margin), the vertex, and the pro- and mesonotum with orange setae to the setal coloration being completely silver. Pitts (2006) reviewed this species. While this species has been collected on the Algodones Sand Dunes, the close proximity of collecting sites to the dunes suggests that this species may be found on the dunes as well.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE49836039EFB025525FF7A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. The male of S. megagnathos can be separated easily from all other nocturnal species by mandibular morphology: the mandibles are very broadly dilated, especially ventral portion apically, distally much wider than width at ventral angulation, the ventral basal tooth of the mandible is small, and the apex is vertical (see Pitts, 2006: Fig. 7). Also, the head is long and parallel posteriorly, the clypeus is deeply depressed below the dorsal mandibular margin, the mesosternum lacks tubercles, the wings are yellowish-hyaline, and the sternal felt line is absent. The genitalic morphology also is diagnostic (see Pitts, 2006: Figs 17 – 19). In some specimens the coloration of the integument and setae are bright orange, while in others the setal coloration varies from orange to white and the integument is stramineous to castaneous.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE49836039EFB025525FF7A.taxon	description	Female. Unknown.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE49836039EFB025525FF7A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Arizona, California, and Nevada.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE49836039EFB025525FF7A.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined. USA: California: Imperial Co., Algodones Sand Dunes, 1 mi W Glamis, 1 male, 31. May. 1998, Gates and Clark (UCRC); Glamis, 1 male, 23. Apr. 1970, coll. A. R. Hardy and J. W. Prichard (LACM).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE49836039EFB025525FF7A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is not common on the Algodones Sand Dunes, but is widespread and common in other parts of its range. This species was reviewed by Pitts (2006) and varies in coloration of the integument and setae from having stramineous integument with whitish setae to orangish integument and setae. The specimens collected on the dunes were of the paler form.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE59836039EFEFE579FFCDD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species is recognized by the deeply excised mandible with the tooth forming an acute angle, the lack of mesosternal processes, the marginal cell that is equal to the stigma in length, the first segment of the metasoma that is petiolate with the second segment and densely punctate, the second sternite that lacks an anteromedial tumid region, and the genitalia with a cylindrical cuspis that is densely setose dorsally with the apex having longer sparse setae (Fig. 5).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE59836039EFEFE579FFCDD.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co., 3 mi. NW Glamis, 2 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE59836039EFEFE579FFCDD.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California and Texas north to Utah.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE59836039EFEFE579FFCDD.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is not common on the Algodones Sand Dunes and is also found in Texas. Considering the disjunctive distribution of this species, ultimately it may represent a new species distinct from the species in Texas.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE59831039EFC1552ABF9EA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. The male of this species can be recognized by the deep excision on the ventral margin of the mandible with the mandible being tridentate and vertical apically, by the dense brush of orangish setae projecting forward off of the anterior margin of the clypeus (Fig. 93), by the lack of mesosternal processes, and by the genitalia, which have dorsoventrally flattened paramere that is thickly setose apically and a cylindrical cuspis that is approximately three-fourths the free length of the paramere (Fig. 25). Diagnosis of female. The female of this species has the following combination characters: the dorsum of the body is covered with sparse erect brachyplumose setae, but the integument is not obscured (Figs. 74 – 77), the ventral margin of the mandible has a deep excision subtended by a large rounded tooth (Fig. 39), the head below the eyes is convergent (Fig. 67), the frons is evenly rounded to the vertex in lateral view (Fig. 75), the first metasomal segment is petiolate with the second segment (Fig. 76), and the pygidium is granulate.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE59831039EFC1552ABF9EA.taxon	description	Description of female: Coloration and Setal Pattern. Body stramineous (Figs. 74 – 77). Long dense white brachyplumose setae present throughout; sparse erect plumose setae present on pronotum anteriorly, propodeum and T 1. Metasomal segments 2 – 5 with dense fringes of white plumose setae. Legs with white brachyplumose setae. Head. Head rounded posteriorly (Fig. 74), not as wide as mesosoma, moderately punctate. Eye ovate, distance from posterior mandibular articulation ~ 3 – 4 X visible length of pedicel. Frons evenly rounded to vertex in lateral view (Fig. 75). Malar space in frontal view convergent (Fig. 74). Eyes ~ 0.5 X eye length posterior to edge of frons in lateral view. Head rounded in lateral view. Clypeus protruding anteriorly, posteromedially produced into low triangular tubercle. Antennal scrobe without dorsal carina. Antennal tubercle glabrous, except with carinate apical margin. Flagellomere I ~ 1.5 X length of pedicel. Flagellomeres II – III ~ 1.0 – 1.2 X length of pedicel. Mandible bidentate apically (Fig. 39). Ventral mandibular margin with large basal tooth (Fig. 39). Genal carina absent. Hypostomal carina lamellate medially. Mesosoma. Mesosoma wider anteriorly than posteriorly (Fig. 77), longer than broad. Mesosoma densely confluently punctate on dorsum, becoming reticulate posteriorly. Propleuron anteriorly, mesopleuron medially running vertically, and lateral margin of propodeum with extreme ventral region punctate. Humeral angle dentate. Scutellar scale absent. Mesosternum with low transverse tubercle present medially just anterior to mesocoxa. Metasternum tridentate. Propodeum rounded in lateral view, reticulate. Metasoma. Segment 1 distinctly petiolate with segment 2 (Fig. 76). T 1 with small sparse punctures. T 2 with dense moderate punctures anteriorly. T 2 with felt line, 0.25 X length of tergite. T 3 – 5 shagreened. T 6 with distinct pygidial area defined laterally by weak carinae, surface granulate. S 2 with slight anteromedian carinate region. S 2 – 5 with punctation similar to tergites. Length. ~ 8 – 11.5 mm.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE59831039EFC1552ABF9EA.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Arizona, Yuma Co., Tacna, 7.5 – 8 mi E, Mohawk Sand Dunes, 4 females, 21. Mar – 4. Apr. 1998 (UAIC, EMUS); Tacna, 10 mi E, Mohawk Sand Dunes, 1 female, 20. Mar – 4. Apr. 1998 (UAIC); Tacna, 10 mi E, Mohawk Sand Dunes, 1 female, 21. Mar. 1997, W. B. and B. C. Warner (UAIC). California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Cahuilla Ranger Sta.: 9.8 km WSW Glamis, 3 males, 20. Sep. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); 4.1 km SE Hwy. 78, 3 males, 18 – 22. Sep. 2008, R. B. Kimsey and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); 10 km WSW Glamis, 19 males, 22. Sep – 15. Nov. 2008, E. Dreyfus (UCDC); Coachella Canal Rd., 18.1 km NW Glamis, 14 males, 30. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Osborne Overlook, 5.7 km WSW Glamis, 1 female, 24 – 28. Mar. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Roadrunner Campgrd., 10.7 km SW Glamis, 3 males, 31. May – 3. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Wash Rd., 10.4 km SE Hwy. 78, 1 female, 30. Apr – 3. May. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC). Glamis, 8 km S, 2 males, 11 – 15. Sep. 2007, R. Kimsey, L. Kimsey, and T. J. Zavortink (UCDC); Glamis, 2.5 mi NE Coachella Bridge # 1 Site 24, 32 º 51 ’ 41 ” N, 115 º 4 ’ 6 ” W, 1 female, 17. Apr. 1979 (CDFA); Glamis, 7 males, 26. May. 1971, M. S. Wasbauer and M. E. Irwin (CDFA), 4 females, 29. May. 1971, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA); Glamis, 1.3 rd mi. W, 1 male, 30. Jul. 1996, G. Kung (LACM); Glamis, 3 mi. N, 1 male, 1 female, 7 – 12. Apr. 1973, M. S. and J. S. Wasbauer (CDFA), 6 males, 10. Sep. 1974, M. S. Wasbauer and R. McMaster (CDFA); Glamis, 3 mi. NW, 12 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA); Glamis, 5 mi SW, 2 females, 3 males, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams (EMUS); S. Ruthven, 1 male, 24. Apr. 2004, D. Yanega (UCRC); Seeley, 6 mi. W, 1 female, 24. Apr. 1972, E. L. Paddock (CDFA); 8 mi. W Glamis, 1 male, 21. Jun. 2004, K. A. Williams (KAWC). Riverside Co.: Blythe, 1 female, 2. May. 1967, J. Johnson (CDFA); Rice Valley Dunes, 35 mi. N of Blythe, 1 female, 15. Apr. 2001, D. Yanega (UCRC). Mexico, Sonora, 6 mi. N El Golfo, 1 male, 10. Apr. 1973, M. S. Wasbauer (CDFA). DNA voucher specimen data. California, Imperial Co., Algodones Sand Dunes, 2 males, JP 87, JP 129 (EMUS); 5 mi. SW Glamis, 1 female, 23. Jul. 2005, K. A. Williams, JP 717 (EMUS).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE59831039EFC1552ABF9EA.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern California and western Arizona into Mexico.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE59831039EFC1552ABF9EA.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is not limited to the Algodones Sand Dunes and surrounding areas, but is particularly abundant on these dunes. Only ITS 1 was obtained from both a male and a female of this species. The intersexual distance for ITS 1 is low, 0.6 % (Table 1). The morphology of this female is similar to the female of its close relative S. orestes (Fox) and could be easily confused with S. ecarinata.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE29830039EF96E534DF9CD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. The male of this species is easily recognized by the lobe-like projections on the hind coxae. Other useful characters include the triangular shaped posterior margin of the head (Fig. 94), the weakly excised mandible, the lack of mesosternal processes, and the unique triangulate posterior projection of the apex of the hind tibia (Fig. 96). The genitalia are illustrated in Fig. 26. Diagnosis of female. The female of this species has the following combination characters: the dorsum of the body is covered with sparse erect brachyplumose setae (Figs. 85 – 87), but the integument is not obscured; the ventral margin of the mandible has a slight excision (Fig. 40); the head below eyes is parallel (Fig. 85); the head evenly rounded in lateral view (Fig. 85); the first metasomal segment is sessile with the second segment (Fig. 86); and the pygidium is longitudinally striate.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE29830039EF96E534DF9CD.taxon	description	Description of female: Coloration and Setal Pattern. Body testaceous (Figs. 85 – 87). Legs and flagellum lighter. Sparse white brachyplumose setae throughout. Metasomal segments with sparse to moderate fringe of white plumose setae. Legs with white brachyplumose setae. Head. Head rounded posteriorly (Fig. 85), not as wide as mesosoma, moderately punctate. Eye ovate (Fig. 86), distance from posterior mandibular articulation ~ 2 X visible length of pedicel. Clypeus protruding anteriorly, posteromedially produced into low triangular tubercle. Antennal scrobe with dorsal carina. Antennal tubercle glabrous. Flagellomere I ~ 1.75 X length of pedicel. Flagellomeres II – III ~ 1.2 – 1.4 X length of pedicel. Mandible bidentate apically (Fig. 40). Ventral mandibular margin with slight excision subtended by angulate basal tooth (Fig. 40). Genal carina absent. Mesosoma. Mesosoma slightly wider anteriorly than posteriorly, longer than broad (Fig. 87). Mesosoma densely punctate on dorsum. Propleuron anteriorly, mesopleuron medially running vertically, and lateral margin of propodeum with extreme ventral region punctate. Humeral angle dentate. Scutellar scale absent. Mesosternum with low transverse tubercle present medially just anterior to mesocoxa. Metasternum tridentate. Propodeum with distinct dorsal and vertical faces. Metasoma. Segment 1 distinctly sessile with segment 2 (Fig. 86). T 1 with small sparse punctures. T 2 with dense shallow punctures anteriorly. T 2 with felt line, 0.25 X length of tergite. T 3 – 5 shagreened. T 6 with distinct pygidial area defined by weak carinae; surface strongly densely longitudinally striate; apex rounded. S 2 – 5 with punctation similar to tergites. Length. ~ 11 – 13 mm.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE29830039EF96E534DF9CD.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones dunes, 7 mi. SE Glamis, 32 ° 55 ’ 20 ” N 114 ° 59 ’ 14 ” W, 1 female, 19. Mar. 1979 – 24. Mar. 1979 (CDFA); Algodones Dunes, Coachella Canal Road, 6.4 km NW Hwy 78, 14.4 km NW Glamis, 1 male, 24 – 28. Mar. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC). DNA voucher specimen data. Arizona, Cochise Co.: San Pedro Riparian Natl. Cons. Area, 2 males, JP 108, JP 111 (EMUS); Willcox playa, 1 male, 21. Jun. 2005, Williams, Pilgrim and Pitts, JP 299 (EMUS). Utah, Garfield Co., Alvey Wash, 5 km S Escalante, 2 females, 24 – 25. May. 2002, M. E. Irwin and F. D. Parker, JP 185, JP 343 (EMUS).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE29830039EF96E534DF9CD.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southwestern USA.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE29830039EF96E534DF9CD.taxon	discussion	Remarks. While the genetic distance for ITS 2 is higher for this species than the majority of the other species treated in this paper (Table 1), the intersexual distance for ITS 2 is much less than the interspecific genetic distance (Table 5). This species is widespread and seems to be rare on the Algodones Sand Dunes. This species was placed in its own species-group by Schuster (1958). Sphaeropthalma triangularis, however, belongs in Schuster’s S. rustica species-group based on male morphology and is closely related to S. unicolor and S. angulifera Schuster. They share similarities in mandibular morphology (a weak ventral excision along with an oblique apex), distinct ventral felt lines, and similarities in genitalic morphology.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE39833039EF9055357FA89.taxon	description	Mutilla auraria Blake, 1879. Amer. Ent. Soc., Trans. 7: 248. Female. Holotype data: Nevada, type no. 4573 (ANSP). Mutilla Aspasia Blake, 1879. Amer. Ent. Soc., Trans. 7: 250. Female. Holotype data: Nevada, type no. 4574 (ANSP). Mutilla Phaedra Blake, 1879. Amer. Ent. Soc., Trans. 7: 251. Female. Holotype data: Nevada, type no. 4575 (ANSP). Agama rustica Blake, 1879. Amer. Ent. Soc., Trans. 7: 252. Male. Holotype data: California, type no. 4550 (ANSP). Photopsis nebulosus Blake, 1886. Amer. Ent. Soc., Trans. 13: 275. Male. Holotype data: Nevada, type no. 4549 (ANSP). Sphaerophthalmia (sic.) anthophora Ashmead, 1897. In Davidson, South. Calif. Acad. Sci. Proc. 1: 5. Male Holotype data: California, Los Angeles, type no. 6113; Female Allotype data: California, Los Angeles, type no. 6113 (USNM). Mutilla monochroa Dalle Torre, 1897. Cat. Hymen. 8: 63. New name for M. unicolor Cresson. Dasymutilla sumneriella Cockerell, 1915. Entomologist 48: 259. Female. Holotype data: California, La Jolla, type no. 20409 (USNM)	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE39833039EF9055357FA89.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. The male of this species possesses mandibles that are weakly excised ventrally with an indistinct basal tooth and an apex that is tridentate and oblique, the posterior margin of the head is quadrate, the mesosternum lacks processes, the second metasomal sternite has a distinct felt line, and the pygidium is granulate. The genitalia are similar to S. triangularis (Fig. 26), but the cuspis is only approximately one half the free length of the paramere, rather than almost as long as the paramere. Diagnosis of female. The female of this species has the following combination characters: the dorsum of the head, mesosoma, and T 2 is covered with dense erect red to pale orange brachyplumose setae that obscure the integument; the ventral margin of the mandible has a slight excision; the head below eyes is widens towards the mandibular insertions; the first metasomal segment is sessile with the second segment; and the pygidium is longitudinally striate.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE39833039EF9055357FA89.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co.: Algodones Dunes: Niland-Glamis Road, 7.4 km NW Glamis, 1 male, 1 – 2. Jun. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE39833039EF9055357FA89.taxon	distribution	Distribution. This species is widespread in the Mojave and Western Sonoran Desert and the Central Valley of California. It is also present in the Great Basin Desert, the Colorado Plateau and the Snake River Plain.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE39833039EF9055357FA89.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Ferguson (1967) published the long list of synonymies after study of over 1,000 specimens. At this point, we agree with his assertions. Future morphological and molecular investigations may show otherwise, however, because the specimens found on the Algodones Sand Dunes differ from those found in the Central Valley or areas west of the Southern California Coastal Range. Those individuals on the Algodones Dunes, as well as most of the range of S. unicolor, have the apical margins of the tergites with dense fringes of white plumose setae and the cuspis is approximately half the length of the parameres. Those found in the Central Valley or west of the Southern California Coastal Range have the apical margins of the tergites with dense fringes of orange plumose setae and the cuspis is approximately 3 / 4 the length of the parameres. Normally, these differences would be considered of importance for differentiating species.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE09832039EFA4D5364FEEE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis of male. This species is recognized by the strongly excised mandible, the lack of mesosternal processes, the marginal cell being shorter than the stigma, the first segment of the metasoma sessile with the second segment, and the genitalia with a long thick cylindrical cuspis that tapers apically and has a large basal pit on the internal margin (Fig. 6).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE09832039EFA4D5364FEEE.taxon	description	Female. Unknown, but based on the undescribed female of S. brachyptera, which is closely related to this species based on male morphology and from ITS 1 and ITS 2 sequences, the female will likely have a distinct ventral tooth on the mandible, the integument not obscured by setae, both erect long brachyplumose setae, as well as short, erect, extremely plumose setae, and will have a granulate pygidium that is undefined laterally by carinae.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE09832039EFA4D5364FEEE.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. California, Imperial Co., Algodones Dunes: Niland-Glamis Rd., 7.4 km NW Glamis, 19 males, 3 – 30. Mar. 2008, Museum Survey Team (UCDC); Glamis, 3 mi. NW, 3 males, 15 – 16. Sep. 1972, M. S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy (CDFA).	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE09832039EFA4D5364FEEE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern Nevada southward throughout Arizona and southern California into Baja California, Mexico.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
03933237FFE09832039EFA4D5364FEEE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is widespread and not endemic to the Algodones Sand Dunes. Based on mandibular and genitalic morphology, along with wing venation similarities, this species is closely related to S. brachyptera Schuster, S. noctivaga (Melander), S. sublobata Schuster, and Odontophotopsis piute Mickel.	en	Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A., Boehme, Nicole F. (2009): Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA. Zootaxa 2131: 1-53, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.188392
