For a revision of the subgenera Patellapis (s. str.), P. (Chaetalictus) and P. (Lomatalictus) of the bee genus Patellapis Friese about 3000 specimens of more than 70 species were studied. We found that the original diagnoses of the subgenera based on a relatively small number of specimens and species are insufficient and need to be revised. The existence of intermediate species showing a mixture of characters and the morphological diversity within, as well between, the subgenera Patellapis (s. str.), P. (Chaetalictus) and P. (Lomatalictus) made an unequivocal definition of subgenera problematic. Based on material of various museum collections and our collecting activities in western South Africa the subgeneric limitations of Patellapis (s. str.), P. (Lomatalictus), and P. (Chaetalictus) were redefined. A set of characters and character combinations and a revised key to facilitate identification is presented. The study is a first step towards a better understanding of the subgeneric structure of Patellapis.