Detection of (Apicomplexa: Neogregarinorida) in carpenter bees of Argentina.

Historically, the neogregarine was isolated almost exclusively from bumble bees ( spp.) where it disrupts adipose tissue, increasing hosts' mortality rates. Records in solitary bees are scarce worldwide. To check for its presence in carpenter bees (genus ), campaigns were performed in Argentina capturing 154 individuals of five species (, , , , ). The presence of was detected by molecular means in , and in four of the nine provinces screened. The pathogenesis and eventual impact that may cause in individuals or populations of species remain unknown. The presence of in northern Argentina would be contradictory to the hypothesis that its occurrence is the exclusive result of its introduction to South America through invasive, infected exotic bumble bees.