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Capturing phylogenetic signal from a massive radiation can be daunting. The superfamily Chalcidoidea is an excellent example of a hyperdiverse group that has remained recalcitrant to phylogenetic resolution. Chalcidoidea are mostly parasitoid wasps that until now included 27 families, 87 subfamilies and as many as 500,000 estimated species. We combined 1007 exons obtained with Anchored Hybrid Enrichment with 1048 Ultra-Conserved Elements (UCEs) for 433 taxa including all extant families, over 95% of all subfamilies and 356 genera chosen to represent the vast diversity of the superfamily. Going back and forth between molecular results and our collective morphological and biological knowledge, we detected insidious bias driven by the saturation of nucleotide data and highlighted morphological convergences. Our final results are based on a concatenated analysis of the least saturated exons and UCE data sets (2054 loci, 284,106 sites). Our analyses support a sister relationship with Mymarommatoidea. Seven of the previously recognized families were not monophyletic, so foundations for a new classification are discussed. Biology appears potentially more informative than morphology, as illustrated by the elucidation of a clade of plant gall associates and a clade of taxa with planidial first-instar larvae. The phylogeny suggests a shift from smaller soft-bodied wasps to larger and more heavily sclerotized wasps. Deep divergences in Chalcidoidea coincide with an increase in insect families in the fossil record, and an early shift to phytophagy corresponds with the beginning of the “Angiosperm Terrestrial Revolution”. Our dating analyses suggest a Middle Jurassic origin of 174 Ma (167.3-180.5 Ma) and a crown age of 162.2 Ma (153.9–169.8 Ma) for Chalcidoidea. During the Cretaceous, Chalcidoidea underwent a rapid radiation in southern Gondwana with subsequent dispersals to the Northern Hemisphere. This scenario is discussed with regard to knowledge about host taxa of chalcid wasps, their fossil record, and Earth’s paleogeographic history.

The alien invasive large cabbage white, Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pieridae), although introduced into South Africa more than 27 years ago, has not dramatically expanded its distribution, possibly because it is effectively attacked by two parasitoid wasp species. Even though there is a cohort of parasitoid species associated with P. brassicae in the Northern Hemisphere, these are the only two recorded parasitoids in South Africa. We determine these parasitoid wasps as Cotesia glomerata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Braconidae: Microgastrinae) and Pteromalus puparum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pteromalidae), and provide high resolution images and DNA barcodes to facilitate their recognition. This is the first record of C. glomerata from the Afrotropical region.

Today, integrative taxonomy is often considered the gold standard when it comes to species recognition and delimitation. Using the Tetrix bipunctata complex, we here present a case where even integrative taxonomy may reach its limits. The Tetrix bipunctata complex consists of two morphs, bipunctata and kraussi, which are easily distinguished by a single character, the length of the hind wing. Both morphs are widely distributed in Europe and reported to occur over a large area in sympatry, where they occasionally may live also in syntopy. The pattern has led to disparate classifications, as on the one extreme, the morphs were treated merely as forms or subspecies of a single species, on the other, as separate species. For this paper, we re-visited the morphology by using multivariate ratio analysis (MRA) of 17 distance measurements, checked the distributional data based on verified specimens and examined micro-habitat use. We were able to confirm that hind wing length is, indeed, the only morphological difference between bipunctata and kraussi. We were also able to exclude a mere allometric scaling. The morphs are, furthermore, largely sympatrically distributed, with syntopy occurring regularly. However, a microhabitat niche difference can be observed. Ecological measurements in a shared habitat confirm that kraussi prefers a drier and hotter microhabitat, which possibly also explains the generally lower altitudinal distribution. Based on these results, we can exclude classification as subspecies, but the taxonomic classification as species remains unclear. Even with different approaches to classify the Tetrix bipunctata complex, this case is, therefore, not settled. We recommend continuing to record kraussi and bipunctata separately.

The mason wasp Odynerus spinipes shows an exceptional case of intrasexual cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profile dimorphism. Females of this species display one of two CHC profiles (chemotypes) that differ qualitatively and quantitatively from each other. The ratio of the two chemotypes was previously shown to be close to 1:1 at three sites in Southern Germany, which might not be representative given the Palearctic distribution of the species. To infer the frequency of the two chemotypes across the entire distributional range of the species, we analyzed with GC–MS the CHC profile of 1042 dry-mounted specimens stored in private and museum collections. We complemented our sampling by including 324 samples collected and preserved specifically for studying their CHCs. We were capable of reliably identifying the chemotypes in 91% of dry-mounted samples, some of which collected almost 200 years ago. We found both chemotypes to occur in the Far East, the presumed glacial refuge of the species, and their frequency to differ considerably between sites and geographic regions. The geographic structure in the chemotype frequencies could be the result of differential selection regimes and/or different dispersal routes during the colonization of the Western Palearctic. The presented data pave the route for disentangling these factors by providing information where to geographically sample O. spinipes for population genetic analyses. They also form the much-needed basis for future studies aiming to understand the evolutionary and geographic origin as well as the genetics of the astounding CHC profile dimorphism that O. spinipes females exhibit.

Species are the fundamental units of life and their recognition is essential for science and society. DNA barcoding, the use of a single and often mitochondrial gene, has been increasingly employed as a universal approach for the identification of animal species. However, this approach faces several challenges. Here, we demonstrate with empirical data from a number of metazoan animal lineages that multiple nuclear-encoded markers, so called universal single-copy orthologs (USCOs) performs much better than the single barcode gene to discriminate closely related species. Overcoming the general shortcomings of mitochondrial DNA barcodes, USCOs also accurately assign samples to higher taxonomic levels. These loci thus provide a powerful and unifying framework for species delimitation which considerably improves the DNA-based inference of animal species.

International audience; Upon advances in sequencing techniques, more and more morphologically identical organisms are identified as cryptic species. Often, mutualistic interactions are proposed as drivers of diversification. Species of the neotropical parabiotic ant association between Crematogaster levior and Camponotus femoratus are known for highly diverse cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles, which in insects serve as desiccation barrier but also as communication cues. In the present study, we investigated the association of the ants' CHC profiles with genotypes and morphological traits, and discovered cryptic species pairs in both genera. To assess putative niche differentiation between the cryptic species, we conducted an environmental association study that included various climate variables, canopy cover, and mutualistic plant species. Although mostly sympatric, the two Camponotus species seem to prefer different climate niches. However in the two Crematogaster species, we could not detect any differences in niche preference. The strong differentiation in the CHC profiles may thus suggest a possible role during speciation itself either by inducing assortative mating or by reinforcing sexual selection after the speciation event. We did not detect any further niche differences in the environmental parameters tested. Thus, it remains open how the cryptic species avoid competitive exclusion, with scope for further investigations.

Vrestovia fidenas (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is a pupal parasitoid of Drosophila spp. native to Europe and could be useful for the biological control of the invasive spotted-wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae). We assessed life-table parameters (fecundity and longevity of adults, and weight and developmental time of offspring) of V. fidenas on two hosts: D. suzukii and the common native vinegar fly, Drosophila subobscura Collin (Diptera: Drosophilidae). Drosophila suzukii was determined to be a suitable host for V. fidenas and a better host than D. subobscura, i.e., V. fidenas produced more offspring and developed more rapidly on D. suzukii than on D. subobscura. The results indicate that V. fidenas should be further assessed for the biological control of D. suzukii. In addition, morphological analysis demonstrated that a second species of the genus Vrestovia, V. brevior, is also present in Europe. We present an identification key to the most common pteromalid pupal parasitoids of Drosophila, including both species of Vrestovia.

The genus Lasallegrion gen. n. is described, and three species, Lasallegrion koebelei (Crawford 1912), comb. n., Lasallegrion virescens (Strand 1911), comb. n., and Lasallegrion washingtoni (Girault 1915), comb. n., are redescribed and transferred to it. Podagrion holbeini Girault 1923, syn. n., and Podagrion metatarsum Girault 1929, syn. n., are synonymised here with Lasallegrion koebelei. Further, 14 species from Australia and New Caledonia are confirmed as belonging to Podagrion Spinola, 1811. The classic morphological approaches are combined with multivariate ratio analysis and molecular and additional morphological methods for (re-)descriptions. A comprehensive set of morphometric data, COI barcode sequences, a fully sequenced transcriptome and detailed µCT data are provided. An updated key to the Australasian genera of Podagrionini and to the Lasallegrion species is given. Additionally, we present some discussion on the collisions of the concepts of modern taxonomy, and the restrictions caused by poorly conditioned old type material.

High biodiversity is known to increase many ecosystem functions, but studies investigating biodiversity effects have more rarely looked at multi‐trophic interactions. We studied a tri‐trophic system composed of Centaurea jacea (brown knapweed), its flower head‐infesting tephritid fruit flies and their hymenopteran parasitoids, in a grassland biodiversity experiment. We aimed to disentangle the importance of direct effects of plant diversity (through changes in apparency and resource availability) from indirect effects (mediated by host plant quality and performance). To do this, we compared insect communities in C. jacea transplants, whose growth was influenced by the surrounding plant communities (and where direct and indirect effects can occur), with potted C. jacea plants, which do not compete with the surrounding plant community (and where only direct effects are possible). Tephritid infestation rate and insect load, mainly of the dominant species Chaetorellia jaceae, decreased with increasing plant species and functional group richness. These effects were not seen in the potted plants and are therefore likely to be mediated by changes in host plant performance and quality. Parasitism rates, mainly of the abundant chalcid wasps Eurytoma compressa and Pteromalus albipennis, increased with plant species or functional group richness in both transplants and potted plants, suggesting that direct effects of plant diversity are most important. The differential effects in transplants and potted plants emphasize the importance of plant‐mediated direct and indirect effects for trophic interactions at the community level. The findings also show how plant–plant interactions critically affect results obtained using transplants. More generally, our results indicate that plant biodiversity affects the abundance of higher trophic levels through a variety of different mechanisms.

For the restoration of biodiversity in agricultural grasslands, it is essential to understand how management acts as an ecological filter on the resident species. Mowing constitutes such a filter: only species that possess functional traits enabling them to withstand its consequences can persist in the community. We investigated how the timing of mowing modulates this filtering effect for insects. We predicted that two traits drive species responses. Species with larval development within the meadow vegetation will suffer more from mowing than species whose larvae develop in or on the ground, or outside the meadows, while species with a later phenology should benefit from later mowing. We conducted a five-year experiment, replicated at 12 sites across the Swiss lowlands, applying three different mowing regimes to low-intensity hay meadows: (1) first cut of the year not earlier than 15 June (control regime); (2) the first cut delayed until 15 July; and (3) leaving an uncut grass refuge on 10-20% of the meadow area (after earliest first cut on 15 June). Before the first cut in years 4 or 5, we sampled larvae of Lepidoptera and sawflies, and adults of moths, parasitoid wasps, wild bees, hoverflies, ground beetles, and rove beetles. Overall, before the first cut of the year, abundances of species with vegetation-dwelling larvae were higher in meadows with delayed mowing or an uncut grass refuge, with some taxon-specific variation. In contrast, species whose larval development is independent of the meadow vegetation showed no differences in abundance between mowing regimes. Species richness did not differ among regimes. For species with vegetation-dwelling larvae, a fourth-corner analysis showed an association between early phenology and the control regime. No associations were found for the other functional groups. Our results show that slight modifications of mowing regimes, easily implementable in agri-environmental policy schemes, can boost invertebrate abundance, potentially benefitting insectivorous vertebrates. published

Delvare, Gérard, Heimpel Hannes Baur, George E., Chadee, Dave D., Martinez, Raymond, Knutie, Sarah A. (2017): Description of Brachymeria philornisae sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), a parasitoid of the bird parasite Philornis trinitensis (Diptera: Muscidae) in Tobago, with a review of the sibling species. Zootaxa 4242 (1), DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4242.1.2

Key to Brachymeria spp. of the subrugosa complex based on females 1 Basal fold of fore wing densely setose with over 20 setae, sometimes partly arranged in several rows (Figs 9 F, 10D).......2 1' Basal fold of fore wing less densely setose with at most 15 setae arranged in one row................................3 2(1) Upper edge of antennal scrobes not quite reaching lower margin of median ocellus (Fig. 9 A). Basal fold of fore wing with about 30 setae partly arranged in several rows (Fig. 9 F). Ocellar ocular distance hardly shorter than lateral ocellus diameter (Fig. 9 A)........................................................................... B. subconica Bouček 2' Upper edge of antennal scrobes reaching median ocellus. Basal fold of fore wing with about 20 setae arranged in one row (Fig. 10 D). Ocellar ocular distance much shorter than lateral ocellus diameter.................. Brachymeria sp. [= ' Brassolis '] 3(1') Adtorular carina vestigial, i.e. thin, incomplete, hardly raised and hence visible in some angles only (Fig. 6 C). Clypeus dorsally with 7−9 large piliferous punctures, mostly arranged in one row, apart from the smaller ones below. Gena, lower face and supracoxal stripe of metepimeron densely setose (Fig. 6 A, B, H). Clava subovoid and bearing a large area of micropilosity (Fig. 6 F, G). Basal fold of fore wing with 10−15 setae (median 13). Mandible almost entirely black (Fig. 6 B). Mesotibia with incomplete black ring (Fig. 6 K). Upper half of epicnemium black (Fig. 6 I)................ B. philornisae Delvare sp. nov. 3' Adtorular carina more distinctly expanded and visible (Fig. 6 B). Clypeus with different ornamentation—either the large points are irregularly distributed (Fig. 8 C) or less numerous (Fig. 7 B). Gena, lower face (Fig. 7 A, B) and supracoxal stripe of metepimeron moderately setose (Fig. 7 D). Clava tapering and with small area of micropilosity (Fig. 7 C). Basal fold of fore wing sometimes with less than 10 setae. Mandible, except teeth, largely brown in apical half (Fig. 7 B). Mesotibia with complete black ring. Upper half of epicnemium sometimes orange (Fig. 7 F)..........................................4 4(3') Adtorular carinae thin, visible as irregular rugae (Fig. 8 C). Antennal scrobes virtually as high as eye (0.97×), hence upper edge of scrobes about at level of upper ocular line (Fig. 8 A). Clypeus with irregularly distributed points (Fig. 8 C). Upper half of epicnemium black................................................................... B. subrugosa Blanchard 4' Adtorular carinae thick, appearing as a swelling (Fig. 7 B). Antennal scrobes 0.88−0.91× as high as eye, hence upper edge of scrobes slightly but distinctly below upper ocular line. Clypeus with 3 large points on either side in a dorsal row (Fig. 7 B). Upper half of epicnemium orange (Fig. 7 F)........................................ B. costalimai Delvare nom. nov.

Key to Brachymeria spp. of the subrugosa complex based on females 1 Basal fold of fore wing densely setose with over 20 setae, sometimes partly arranged in several rows (Figs 9 F, 10D).......2 1' Basal fold of fore wing less densely setose with at most 15 setae arranged in one row................................3 2(1) Upper edge of antennal scrobes not quite reaching lower margin of median ocellus (Fig. 9 A). Basal fold of fore wing with about 30 setae partly arranged in several rows (Fig. 9 F). Ocellar ocular distance hardly shorter than lateral ocellus diameter (Fig. 9 A)........................................................................... B. subconica Bouček 2' Upper edge of antennal scrobes reaching median ocellus. Basal fold of fore wing with about 20 setae arranged in one row (Fig. 10 D). Ocellar ocular distance much shorter than lateral ocellus diameter.................. Brachymeria sp. [= ' Brassolis '] 3(1') Adtorular carina vestigial, i.e. thin, incomplete, hardly raised and hence visible in some angles only (Fig. 6 C). Clypeus dorsally with 7���9 large piliferous punctures, mostly arranged in one row, apart from the smaller ones below. Gena, lower face and supracoxal stripe of metepimeron densely setose (Fig. 6 A, B, H). Clava subovoid and bearing a large area of micropilosity (Fig. 6 F, G). Basal fold of fore wing with 10���15 setae (median 13). Mandible almost entirely black (Fig. 6 B). Mesotibia with incomplete black ring (Fig. 6 K). Upper half of epicnemium black (Fig. 6 I)................ B. philornisae Delvare sp. nov. 3' Adtorular carina more distinctly expanded and visible (Fig. 6 B). Clypeus with different ornamentation���either the large points are irregularly distributed (Fig. 8 C) or less numerous (Fig. 7 B). Gena, lower face (Fig. 7 A, B) and supracoxal stripe of metepimeron moderately setose (Fig. 7 D). Clava tapering and with small area of micropilosity (Fig. 7 C). Basal fold of fore wing sometimes with less than 10 setae. Mandible, except teeth, largely brown in apical half (Fig. 7 B). Mesotibia with complete black ring. Upper half of epicnemium sometimes orange (Fig. 7 F)..........................................4 4(3') Adtorular carinae thin, visible as irregular rugae (Fig. 8 C). Antennal scrobes virtually as high as eye (0.97��), hence upper edge of scrobes about at level of upper ocular line (Fig. 8 A). Clypeus with irregularly distributed points (Fig. 8 C). Upper half of epicnemium black................................................................... B. subrugosa Blanchard 4' Adtorular carinae thick, appearing as a swelling (Fig. 7 B). Antennal scrobes 0.88���0.91�� as high as eye, hence upper edge of scrobes slightly but distinctly below upper ocular line. Clypeus with 3 large points on either side in a dorsal row (Fig. 7 B). Upper half of epicnemium orange (Fig. 7 F)........................................ B. costalimai Delvare nom. nov., Published as part of Delvare, G��rard, Heimpel Hannes Baur, George E., Chadee, Dave D., Martinez, Raymond & Knutie, Sarah A., 2017, Description of Brachymeria philornisae sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), a parasitoid of the bird parasite Philornis trinitensis (Diptera: Muscidae) in Tobago, with a review of the sibling species in Zootaxa 4242 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4242.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/375990

Brachymeria philornisae Delvare sp. nov. (Figs 5 A ���J, 6A ���G) http://zoobank.org:act:3DEB7DE7-6885-4A14-87CC-64CFD9700EF0 Type material. Holotype ♀. TOBAGO: Western Tobago, Store Bay, Milford Road, Bon Accord, 9 m, N 11��09'18.6", W 060��50'17.9", 02.vi.2012, ex Philornis trinitensis pupa within Mimus gilvus nest, Sarah A. Knutie leg [TRMO #2] [molecular code GDEL 0366] (in USNM). Paratypes. Same sampling information (9 ♀) respectively with ref. TRMO #1 (in CIRAD), TRMO #3 [molecular code GDEL0367] (in CIRAD), TRMO #4 [molecular code GDEL0368] (in Cirad), TRMO #5 and TRMO #10 [specimen dissected] (in CIRAD), TRMO #6 and TRMO #7 (in BMNH), TRMO #8 and TRMO #9 (in MNM). TOBAGO: Western Tobago, Tropical Paradise Hotel, Arnos Vale Road, Plymouth, 1 m, N 11��13'09.2", W 060��46'29.4", 26.vi.2012, ex Philornis trinitensis pupa within Mimus gilvus nest, Sarah A. Knutie leg (2 ♀) [TRMO T25 #1 and #2] (in MNM). TOBAGO: Western Tobago, Tobago Plantations, Unnamed Road, Lowlands, 4 m, N 11��08'59.6", W 060��46'58.3", 20.vi.2012, ex Philornis trinitensis pupa within Mimus gilvus nest, Sarah A. Knutie leg (2 ♀) [TRMO T32 #1 and #2] (in MNM). TOBAGO: Western Tobago, William Mackenzie Park, Claude Noel Highway, Signal Hill, 36 m, N 11��08'59.6", W 060��46'58.3", 30.vi.2012, ex Philornis trinitensis pupa within Tiaris bicolor nest, Sarah A. Knutie leg (1 ♂) [BFGR BF 39 #1] (in MNM). Etymology. The name philornisae refers to the generic name of the known host, Philornis. Female holotype. Length 6.72 mm. Body black, including most of outer surface of mandibles (Fig. 6 B), radicula, scape, pedicel, all coxae, pro- and mesofemur on basal two thirds of dorsal surface and four fifths of ventral surface, a small spot at mid length of protibia, incomplete broad ring (broken on ventral side) on mesotibia (Fig. 6 K), outer and inner sides of metafemur except for an apical pale spot, relatively broad ring at mid length of metatibia, broadening ventrally (Figs 5 F, 6K). Tegula and rest of legs pale yellow but claws and arolia dark brown. Flagellum also dark brown but last segment of clava yellowish. Palpi, maxillae and labium brownish-testaceous. Humeral plate and base of submarginal vein of fore and hind wing testaceous, becoming dark brown for rest of venation. Head somewhat narrower (0.92��) than mesosoma, 2.21�� as wide as long and 1.25�� as wide as high. Left mandible with 2 teeth, the right with 3 teeth; teeth sharp, lower one the largest, median one not much shorter than the upper; surface of mandibles strongly depressed near base, mesal surface punctured, rugulose and densely setose. Labrum semi elliptic, faintly alutaceous, with marginal fringe and a few hairs centrally. Clypeus subtriangular, receding on a narrow ventral stripe, its upper margin below lower ocular line, smooth except for piliferous punctures���7 large punctures mostly in a dorsal row and 4 smaller punctures ventrally (Fig. 6 B, C). Lower face except between subtorular swellings and gena densely setose, punctulate-rugulose, the setae thin, about as long as the shorter distance between antennal scrobes and clypeus (Fig. 6 A, B). Subtorular swellings converging to each other and tapering ventrally (Fig. 6 B). Adtorular ridge vestigial and incomplete, visible only in certain light (Fig. 6 C). Oral fossa 2.38�� length of malar space. Malar grove present but narrow, underlined below lower edge of eye by an adjacent swelling, continuing as postorbital carina and hence delimiting a long and deep postorbital grove which is ventrally crenulate-punctulate and with 1���4 imbricate rows of setae oriented downwards (Fig. 6 A). Carina bordering gena concave in lateral view, leaving the postgena partly visible (Fig. 6 A). Eyes large, separated by 0.89�� their own height, completely bare. Interantennal projection compressed and with 21 setae. Antennal scrobes large, 1.27�� as high as broad, and reaching lower margin of median ocellus. Adscrobal stripe and frontovertex punctured, the former with 3 rows of setae directed downwards. Preorbital carinae merging near twothirds of antennal scrobes height, blunt along eyes, continuing on vertex where sharper and together forming an inverted U-like ornamentation (Fig. 5 A). Ocelli large, about same size, the median ocellus separated from lateral ocellus by about own diameter. Setae on either side of median ocellus directed upwards. Lateral ocellus with small fovea along outer side. Median ocellus diameter 2.6�� OOL. Occiput strongly sloping, setae adpressed and directed outwards. Temples not progressively merging to occiput but forming a right angle with it (Fig. 5 A). Genal carina continuing upwards behind eyes. Antenna. Scape 5.2�� as long as wide, its apex reaching vertex, broadest on inner than outer side near apex. Pedicel relatively short, one-third longer than wide, with evident dorsobasal constriction (Fig. 6 E). Anellus discoid. Flagellum with numerous MPS and adpressed setae and sparse suberect short setae. Funicular segments progressively shortened with F1 1.18�� as long as broad, F2 subquadrate and F7 strongly transverse (Fig. 6 D). Clava subovoid, the terminal segment unsclerotized (as in all Brachymeria) and bearing a large area of micropilosity (Fig. 6 F, 6G). Mesosoma relatively stout, 1.25�� as long as wide, 1.08�� as broad as head. Pro- and mesonotum with subcircular piliferous punctures, bearing fine and adpressed setae which are about twice as long as diameter of punctures (Fig. 5 B). Interspaces distinctly coriaceous (Fig. 5 C). Pronotal carina over two-thirds of width of pronotum, progressively fading mesally. Crenulate admarginal stripe visible along hind margin. Lateral panel with transverse groove at mid height and ventral fovea; surface of panel otherwise very faintly reticulate (Fig. 5 D). Mesonotum with dorsal outline evenly and distinctly convex (Fig. 5 D). Interspaces on median lobe of mesoscutum about as long as half diameter of punctures. Notauli appearing as rows of larger punctures (Fig. 5 B). Lateral lobes sparsely and superficially punctured, especially towards notauli. Mesoscutellum about as long as broad (0.98��) with moderately convex longitudinal dorsal outline, the punctures denser towards apex. Frenal carina expanded but with apical edge virtually straight mesally. Mesoscutellum punctured above lateral arm of frenal carina (Fig. 5 D). Reflexed frenal area very finely reticulate on anterior surface of lateral arm, then crenulate posteriorly (Fig. 5 D). Postscutellum with median areola and oblique smooth stripes laterally (Fig. 5 E). Propodeum sloping at an angle of about 70�� with main axis of mesosoma; median areola relatively broad, other areolae polygonal, with sublateral setose surface at mid length between spiracle and petiolar foramen (Fig. 5 E). Adscrobal area of mesepisternum with one row of large punctures dorsally; femoral depression and mesepimeron smooth except for a large subalar pit and the groove formed by the transepimeral sulcus (Fig. 5 D). Metepimeron regularly punctured over dorsal three-quarters, with large anteroventral areola and densely setose supracoxal stripe (Fig. 5 D). Hind leg. Metacoxa 1.7�� as long as broad, with short and fine adpressed setation on ventral side, without ventral tooth or tubercle. Metafemur broad, 1.64�� as long as wide, with basal inner boss, the basal tooth on ventral margin shorter than the following teeth; disc of femur alutaceous in addition to piliferous punctures (Fig. 5 F). Metatibia distinctly emarginate on apical truncation, which forms a short spine ventrally (Fig. 5 F). Hind tarsus not thickened, falcate setae of pretarsus thick and strongly curved (Fig. 5 H). Wings. Fore wing 2.86�� as long as broad, marginal vein 0.43�� as long as costal cell and 2.9�� as long as postmarginal vein. Cubital fold and basal cell bare, basal fold with 15 setae arranged in one row. Hind wing 3.4�� as long as broad; tip of venation reaching 0.56�� of length of wing. Metasoma. Metasoma 2.29�� as long as broad, GT1 0.3�� as long as gaster, completely smooth dorsally, with straight hind margin (Fig. 5 I). Margins of GT2 and GT3 distinctly concave, that of GT4 hardly so; GT5 and GT6 straight on hind margin (Fig. 5 I). GT2���GT4 bearing several imbricate rows of silvery setae that are progressively thicker and longer from base to apex of gaster; GT5 with whole surface setose (Fig. 5 I). Syntergum somewhat elongate, more than twice as long as basal width, densely punctured laterally, bearing fine, black setae (Fig. 5 J). Ovipositor sheaths slightly surpassing apex of gaster. Tip of hypopygium at about two-thirds of gastral length, hypopygium somewhat emarginate mesally (Fig. 5 J). Variation and comments (Table 3, Fig. 7 G). Most of observed variation involves the size of the paratypes TRMO T25 #1 and #2, which are distinctly smaller. This smaller size affects the dimensions of their different parts, but apparently in the same proportions, as the calculated ratios are within the range of variation of the other specimens (Table 4). The small size partly affects the number of setae on the basal fold. Some paratypes exhibit a visible unpunctured median stripe on the center of mesoscutellum. The dissection of paratype TRMO #10 showed that the metepisternum (= ventral shelf of metapleuron) is entirely black except for a brownish ridge of the petiolar foramen. Male. The two males reared are about the same size as the two females TRMO T25. The only informative character of this sex, the special setation on the ventral side of the flagellum, was not visible because of their fairly poor condition. Diagnosis. Mandibles almost entirely black (Fig. 6 B). Mesotibia with incomplete black ring (Fig. 6 K). Gena, lower face and supracoxal stripe of micropilosity on metepimeron densely setose (Fig. 6 A, B, C, H). Head about as broad as mesosoma. Eyes separated by 0.77���0.84�� their own height. Clypeus with 7���9 large piliferous punctures dorsally and 4 or 5 smaller ones below (Fig. 6 B, C). Adtorular carina thin and incomplete, i.e. not reaching inner margin of eye (Fig. 6 B, C). Antennal scrobes reaching base of median ocellus, smaller than eye height (0.85��� 0.91��), hence their upper edge somewhat below upper ocular line. Ocellar ocular distance much shorter than median ocellus diameter (Fig. 5 A). Clava subovoid and with a large area of micropilosity (Fig. 6 F, G). Mesosoma 1.25���1.31�� as long as broad. Edge of frenal carina straight mesally. Basal fold of fore wing with 10���15 setae arranged in one row (median 13). Metasoma 2.2���2.4�� as long as wide (Fig. 5 I). Hypopygium somewhat emarginate mesally (Fig. 5 J). Recognition. B. philornisae is readily separated from B. subconica by the antennal scrobes reaching the lower edge of the median ocellus, the much shorter ocellar ocular distance, stouter mesosoma, less densely setose basal fold, and relatively longer gaster. The last two states also distinguish it from Brachymeria 'Brassolis'. It is separated from B. subrugosa and B. costalimai by the denser setation on its gena, lower face and supracoxal stripe of the metepimeron, the ornamentation of the clypeus, the thin and vestigial adscrobal carina, and incomplete black ring on the mesotibia. It is also distinguished from the former species by the antennal scrobes being shorter than eye height. It differs from B. costalimai by the reduced orange parts on the ventral side of the mesosoma, especially the upper half of epicnemium. The ratios from the LDA extractor (Tab. 4) are also useful. The ratios of head breath: head height and head breath: frontovertex breath readily separate it from B. subrugosa while the ratio metasoma length: mesosoma length in combination with head breath: head height distinguish it from B. costalimai (Tab. 4 and Fig. 4). Distribution. Tobago. Hosts. Seven T. bicolor nests and twelve M. gilvus nests collected contained P. trinitensis parasites (Knutie et al. in press). One out of seven (14%) T. bicolor nests and four out of twelve (33%) M. gilvus nests had B. philornisae emerging from P. trinitensis pupae., Published as part of Delvare, G��rard, Heimpel Hannes Baur, George E., Chadee, Dave D., Martinez, Raymond & Knutie, Sarah A., 2017, Description of Brachymeria philornisae sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), a parasitoid of the bird parasite Philornis trinitensis (Diptera: Muscidae) in Tobago, with a review of the sibling species in Zootaxa 4242 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4242.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/375990

Brachymeria subrugosa Blanchard, 1942 (Fig. 8 A ���E) Brachymeria subrugosa Blanchard, 1942: 116 ���117. Original description ♀. ARGENTINA: Charata. Brachymeria subrugosa; De Santis 1967: 209 [host Pectinophora gossypiella and Patelloa (Tachinidae)]; De Santis 1979: 63 [host Eucelatoriopsis sp. (Tachinidae)]; Aquino et al. 2015: 297 [lectotype designation]. Material examined. PARAGUAY. Colonel Delgado, ex Alabama argillacea [Lepidoptera: Noctuidae] on Gossypium hirsutum, 30.v.1985, adult emergence 06.vii.1985, Michel B. leg. (1 ♀) [Ref. Cirad 5246] (in CIRAD). Diagnosis. Mandibles brown subapically (Fig. 8 B). Epicnemium and prepectus black, only ventral prepectus on sides of medioventral projection dark brownish. Black ring on mesofemur complete. Head about as broad as mesosoma. Gena, lower face and supracoxal stripe of metepimeron moderately setose (Fig. 8 A, B). Clypeus with irregularly distributed points (Fig. 8 B). Adtorular carinae thin, appearing as irregular rugae (Fig. 8 A, B). Antennal scrobes reaching lower margin of median ocellus, virtually as high as eye (0.97��) their upper edge at level with upper ocular line (Fig. 8 A). Eyes separated by 0.9�� their own height (Fig. 8 A). Ocellar ocular distance much shorter than median ocellus diameter (as in Fig. 5 A). Clava tapering with small area of micropilosity (Fig. 8 E). Mesosoma 1.35���1.4�� as long as broad. Basal fold of fore wing with 12 or 13 setae. Metasoma 2.01���2.26�� as long as broad. Apex of hypopygium emarginate mesally (as in Fig. 5 J). Recognition. This species is easily separated from B. subconica and Brachymeria 'Brassolis' by the smaller number of setae on the basal fold. It is distinguished from B. philornisae and B. costalimai by the antennal scrobes being virtually as high as the eye such that the upper edge is about level with the upper ocular line. The ratios provided by the LDA extractor are also useful (Tab. 4 and Fig. 4). The ratios of head breath: frontovertex breath and mesoscutellum breath: median ocellus diameter readily separate it from B. subrugosa while the ratios of metasoma length: mesosoma length and head breath: eye height distinguish it from most specimens of B. costalimai. Hosts. The type series and the female examined were both from Alabama argillacea (H��bner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The tachinid hosts quoted by De Santis (1967, 1979) must be checked because of the past confusion concerning the identity of the species. This species was erroneously quoted as B. subconica by Silvie et al. (2014) and at least some of the hosts cited by the authors are probably erroneous because the species was mixed with B. costalimai as noted above. Distribution. Argentina and Paraguay., Published as part of Delvare, G��rard, Heimpel Hannes Baur, George E., Chadee, Dave D., Martinez, Raymond & Knutie, Sarah A., 2017, Description of Brachymeria philornisae sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), a parasitoid of the bird parasite Philornis trinitensis (Diptera: Muscidae) in Tobago, with a review of the sibling species in Zootaxa 4242 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4242.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/375990, {"references":["Blanchard, E. E. (1942) Parasitos de Alabama argillacea Hbn. en la Republica Argentina. Anales de la Sociedad Cientifica Argentina, 134, 94 - 128.","De Santis, L. (1967) Catalogo de los Himenopteros Argentinos de la Serie Parasitica, incluyendo Bethyloidea. Comision de Investigacion Cientificas, La Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires, 337 pp.","De Santis, L. (1979) Catalogo de los himenopteros calcidoideos de America al sur de los Estados Unidos. Comision de Investigaciones Cientificas Provincia de Buenos Aires, Publicacion Especial, 488 pp.","Aquino, D. A., Tavares, M. T., Balducci, E., Baca, V. & Quinteros de, S. Q. (2015) The microlepidopterous natural enemy Brachymeria subrugosa Blanchard, 1942 (Hymenoptera, Chalcididae): identity, hosts and geographic distribution. Zootaxa, 4013 (2), 293 - 300.","Silvie, P. J., Delvare, G., Aberlenc H. - P., Prudent, P., Santana, H. J., Gomez, V. A., Cardozo, R. & Michel, B. (2014) Diversite des Arthropodes rencontres en culture cotonniere au Paraguay. 2. Insectes predateurs, parasitoides et hyperparasitoides. Entomologie Faunistique - Faunistic Entomology, 67, 179 - 191."]}

Brachymeria subconica Bouček, 1992 (Fig. 9 A ���G) Pseudochalcis conica Ashmead, 1904: 407. Original description ♀. BRAZIL: Santarem. Brachymeria (Pseudobrachymeria) conica (Ashmead); Burks, 1960: 270 ���271 [redescription]. Brachymeria subconica Bouček, 1992: 92 [replacement name for B. conica (Ashmead, 1904) nec B. conica (Fabricius, 1798)]; Aquino et al., 2015: 298���299. Material examined. Type material. Holotype ♀ (USNM type #8061, examined). Other material. VENEZUELA. Aragua, Chroni, La Sabaneta, 120 m, ex pupae of Carmenta sp. [Lepidoptera: Sesiidae] on Theobroma cacao, 10.i.1999, Garcia J. -L. & Montilla R. leg. (2 ♀) (in CIRAD). Diagnosis. Mandibles brown subapically (Fig. 9 B). Prepectus and upper half of epicnemium, black. Black ring on mesotibia complete. Head 1.07�� as broad as mesosoma. Gena, lower face and supracoxal stripe of metepimeron moderately setose (Fig. 8 B). Clypeus with 4 large punctures on either side mostly arranged in one dorsal row (Fig. 8 C). Adtorular carinae and subtorular swellings well visible but incomplete (Fig. 8 C). Antennal scrobes not reaching lower margin of median ocellus (Fig. 8 A). Lateral ocellus bordered with large fovea on outer side (Fig. 8 A). Ocellar ocular distance nearly as great as median ocellus diameter (Fig. 8 A). Clava tapering with small area of micropilosity. Mesosoma more slender than in alternate species, 1.45���1.55�� as long as broad. Edge of frenal carina distinctly emarginate mesally (Fig. 8 D). Basal fold of fore wing with 28���34 setae arranged in several rows at base (Fig. 8 E, F). Metasoma 2.09���2.16�� as long as broad. Apex of hypopygium hardly emarginate mesally (Fig. 8 G). Recognition. This species is easily recognizable through a number of characters. Aquino et al. (2015) noted the upper edge of the antennal scrobes not reaching the base of the median ocellus and the hardly emarginate hypopygium. One can also add the less transverse head, figured in the quantitative analysis as the ratio head breath: head height. Also, the ocellar-ocular distance is hardly less than the diameter of the median ocellus versus much more reduced in the rest of the species (Tab. 4 and Fig. 4). The dense setation of the basal fold is shared with Brachymeria 'Brassolis'. Host. The series examined was most probably reared from Carmenta theobromae (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) because this species was quoted as a pest of cocoa in Venezuela by Franklin et al. (2009). The parasitoid record was quoted by Garcia & Montilla (2010). Distribution. Brazil and Venezuela., Published as part of Delvare, G��rard, Heimpel Hannes Baur, George E., Chadee, Dave D., Martinez, Raymond & Knutie, Sarah A., 2017, Description of Brachymeria philornisae sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), a parasitoid of the bird parasite Philornis trinitensis (Diptera: Muscidae) in Tobago, with a review of the sibling species in Zootaxa 4242 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4242.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/375990, {"references":["Ashmead, W. H. (1904) Classification of the chalcid flies of the superfamily Chalcidoidea, with descriptions of new species in the Carnegie Museum, collected in South America by Herbert H. Smith. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum, 1 (4), i - xi, 225 - 551, 39 pls.","Burks, B. D. (1960) A revision of the genus Brachymeria Westwood in America north of Mexico (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae). Transactions of the American Entomological Society, 86 (3), 225 - 273.","Aquino, D. A., Tavares, M. T., Balducci, E., Baca, V. & Quinteros de, S. Q. (2015) The microlepidopterous natural enemy Brachymeria subrugosa Blanchard, 1942 (Hymenoptera, Chalcididae): identity, hosts and geographic distribution. Zootaxa, 4013 (2), 293 - 300.","Franklin, M., Sanchez, P., Herrera, B., Liendo-Barandiaran, C., Munoz, W. & Hernandez, J. V. (2009) Pupal development, longevity and behavior of Carmenta theobromae (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), Florida Entomologist, 92 (2), 355 - 361. https: // doi. org / 10.1653 / 024.092.0222","Garcia, J. L. & Montilla, R. (2010) Hymenopteros parasitoides de insectos asociados a las plantaciones de cacao, en la region costera del estado Aragua, Venezuela. Agronomia Tropical, Maracay, 60, 91 - 97."]}

Brachymeria costalimai Delvare nom. nov. (Fig. 7 A ���G) http://zoobank.org:act:6E182B92-CC63-4E74-BF5C-8 D17859 CD858 Trigonura annulipes Costa Lima, 1919: 57 ���58. Original description ♀. BRAZIL: Maranh��o. Preoccupied by B. annulipes (Walker, 1834). Brachymeria annulipes; Bouček, 1992: 88; Aquino et al., 2015: 294, 297 [lectotype designation]. Brachymeria subconica Bouček: Delvare, 1993: 351, 353, 361[misidentification]. Brachymeria subrugosa Blanchard: Aquino et al., 2015: 294 ���299 [misidentification]. Material examined. COLOMBIA. Santander, San Alberto, Indupalma plantation, ex Peleopoda arcanella [Lepidoptera: Peleopodidae] on Elaeis guineensis, 13.iii.1986, Genty P. leg. (7 ♀ 7 ♂) [Ref. Cirad 8087] (in CIRAD); same sampling information but without Cirad ref. (3 ♀ 1 ♂) (in CIRAD); same locality, associate plant and collector, ex Stenoma cecropia [Lepidoptera: Elachistidae Stenomatinae], 23.v.1989 [Ref. Cirad 9583] (in CIRAD); same locality, associate plant and collector, ex Anteotricha sp. [Elachistidae: Stenomatinae], 31.iii.1986 (2 ♂) (in CIRAD); same locality and associated plant, ex Casinaria sp. [Hymenopera: Ichneumonidae], 08.ii.1977, Desmier de Ch��non R. leg. (1 ♀) (in CIRAD); same locality, on Solanum torvum, 03.x.1984, Genty P. (1 ♀) (in CIRAD); same locality, on Urena sinuata, 23.vii.1987, Delvare G. leg. (1 ♀) (in CIRAD). ECUADOR. Pichilingue (3 ♀) [1 ♀ with identification label ' Pseudobrachymeria conica Ashm. ' in Steffan's handwriting]. PERU. Palmawasi, ex Peleopoda arcanella on Elaeis guineensis, 03.ix.1995, Chigne A. leg (4 ♀ 2 ♂) (Ref. Cirad 14536 and 14537) (in CIRAD). Diagnosis. Mandibles largely brown in apical half (Fig. 7 B). At least upper half of epicnemium, and most often also medioventral projection of prepectus, orange (Fig. 7 E, F). Metepisternum from entirely black to broadly orange (Fig. 7 G). Black ring on mesotibia complete. Head about as broad as mesosoma. Gena, lower face and supracoxal stripe of metepimeron moderately setose (Fig. 7 A, 7B). Clypeus with 3 large points on either side in a dorsal row (Fig. 7 B). Adtorular carinae well expanded, appearing as a swelling (Fig. 7 B). Antennal scrobes shorter than eye height (0.85���0.91��), their upper edge reaching lower margin of median ocellus but somewhat below upper ocular line. Ocellar ocular distance much shorter than median ocellus diameter (as in Fig. 5 A). Clava tapering with small area of micropilosity (Fig. 7 C). Mesosoma 1.25���1.4�� as long as broad. Basal fold of fore wing with 7���13 setae (median 9). Metasoma 1.9���2.3�� as long as broad. Apex of hypopygium emarginate mesally (as in Fig. 5 J). Recognition. This species is easily separated from B. subconica and Brachymeria 'Brassolis' by the smaller number of setae on the basal fold. It is distinguished from B. subrugosa by its shorter antennal scrobes and lighter epicnemium, the upper half of which is orange. It differs from B. philornisae by its moderately dense setation on the gena, lower face and supracoxal stripe of metepimeron, by the different ornamentation of the clypeus, and by the habitus of the adtorular carina. The ratios from the LDA extractor (Tab. 4) are also useful. The ratios of head breath: frontovertex breath and scutellum breath: median ocellus diameter readily separate it from B. subrugosa and B. philornisae (Fig. 4). Hosts. The type series of T. annulipes was originally reared from Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders (Gelechiidae) on cotton. From the material examined, the species mostly develops upon small Lepidoptera belonging to the families Elachistidae, Peleopodidae or Yponomeutidae, but may also be hyperparasitoid of Ichneumonidae hence the hosts quoted by Delvare (1993) for B. subconica actually refer to B. costalimai. In addition, most of the hosts quoted by Aquino et al (2015: 297���298) for B. subrugosa probably also refer to B. costalimai, especially those belonging to Tortricidae and the above families. Distribution. It is certainly wide and includes at least Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. According to Aquino et al (2015) [under B. subrugosa] the distribution also includes the United States (Texas), Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica and Venezuela. Comments. A new name is proposed for the original species name of Costa Lima because it is preoccupied by B. annulipes (Walker, 1834), synonymised with B. annulata (Fabricius) by Bouček & Delvare (1992)., Published as part of Delvare, G��rard, Heimpel Hannes Baur, George E., Chadee, Dave D., Martinez, Raymond & Knutie, Sarah A., 2017, Description of Brachymeria philornisae sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), a parasitoid of the bird parasite Philornis trinitensis (Diptera: Muscidae) in Tobago, with a review of the sibling species in Zootaxa 4242 (1), DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4242.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/375990, {"references":["Costa Lima da, A. M. (1919) Contribucao as conhecimento dos microhymenopteros parasitos de lagarta rosea de Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) no Brasil. Archivos da Escuela Superior de Agricultura e Medicina Feterinaria, Nictheroy, Rio de Janeiro, New Series, 3 (1 - 2), 57 - 63.","Aquino, D. A., Tavares, M. T., Balducci, E., Baca, V. & Quinteros de, S. Q. (2015) The microlepidopterous natural enemy Brachymeria subrugosa Blanchard, 1942 (Hymenoptera, Chalcididae): identity, hosts and geographic distribution. Zootaxa, 4013 (2), 293 - 300.","Delvare, G. (1993) Les Chalcididae (Hymenoptera) d'importance economique dans les palmeraies d'Amerique tropicale. Bulletin de la Societe entomologique de France, 97 (4), 349 - 372.","Boucek, Z. & Delvare, G. (1992) The identities of species described or classified under Chalcis by J. C. Fabricius. Memoirs of the American Entomological Institute, 53, 11 - 48."]}

Previous identifications in North America ofTrichomalus perfectus(Walker, 1835) andMesopolobus morys(Walker, 1848) (Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae), the principal chalcid parasitoids of the cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictusMarsham, 1802) in Europe, are shown to be misidentifications ofTrichomalus lucidus(Walker, 1835) andMesopolobus(Xenocrepis)moryoidessp. nov., respectively.Necremnus duplicatusGahan, 1941 (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae) is synonymized formally underNecremnus tidius(Walker, 1839)syn. nov., confirming a previous, tentative synonymy. Both sexes ofN. tidius,M. moryoides, andT. lucidusare illustrated and compared with those of similar species using macrophotography and scanning electron microphotography. Hypotheses are offered to explain why the principal chalcid parasitoids of the cabbage seedpod weevil differ between North America and Europe and how the three treated species came to be in North America.

Nebria (Patrobonebria) himalayica BATES , 1889 = N. macrocephala BREIT, 1914, nec MOTSCHULSKY, 1844 Type material examined. N. himalayica: Lectotype male, Goorais Valley, May 1887, J. H. Leech [printed label] // himalayica Bates [handwritten label] // Ex Musaeo H. W. Bates 1892 [printed label] // Museum Paris, ex. Coll. R. Oberthur [printed label] // Lectotype [red printed label] (MNHP) N. macrocephala: Syntypes 2 males, 1 female, Type [printed red label] // Po-o, SW Thibet [printed] // Nebria macrocephala n. sp. Breit [handwritten] // ex Orig. Sammlung J. Breit Wien [printed] (NMB). N. macrocephala pallidipes: Holotype male, Type [printed red label] // Po-o, SW Thibet [printed] // Nebria macrocephala n. sp. Breit [handwritten] // ex Orig. Sammlung J. Breit Wien [printed] // pallidipes Breit a. macrocephala Brt. [handwritten] (NMB)., Published as part of Charles Huber & Hannes Baur, 2016, Nebria (Patrobonebria) incognita n. sp. and Nebria (P.) hiekeiana n. sp., two new species from the Western Himalaya, with remarks on Nebria (P.) desgodinsi (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Nebriinae), pp. 203-214 in Entomologische Bl��tter und Coleoptera 112 (1) on page 213, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.247616

Subgenus Patrobonebria BÄNNINGER , 1923 Type species: Nebria desgodinsi OBERTHÜR, 1883

We demonstrate by multivariate ratio analysis (MRA) the validity of two female colour morphs as separate species in what was previously regarded as a single species, Trigonoderus cyanescens (Forster, 1841) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). As a result, T. pedicellaris Thomson, 1878 stat.r., is resurrected from synonymy under T. cyanescens and T. filatus binubilatus Erdős, 1960 syn.n. is synonymized with T. cyanescens. More than 20 characters were measured as part of two MRA dataset analyses. The first analysis excluded all measurements related to the gaster, whereas the second included gaster length, gaster breadth and seventh gaster tergite breadth. The first analysis revealed that the best separating morphometric ratios for the two species are head breadth:metatibia length and OOL:parastigma length, whereas the second analysis revealed OOL:gaster length as the second best separating ratio. The measurement error of all characters was below the admissible level of 30%. Gaster length proved to be a good character for separating the two groups, showed the lowest measurement error, and its percentage coefficient of variation was not greater than for other characters. This indicates that gaster length should not be discarded out-of-hand as a morphometric character in Pteromalidae. The variables that gave the best separating ratios included different body parts; therefore we suggest that the body of a specimen should be taken as a whole for use in MRA analyses, where each distance measurement can interact freely with any other. A key, figures and re-descriptions of T. cyanescens and T. pedicellaris are provided.

Windthrows in spruce forests provide a prime substrate for the population build-up of bark beetles. Until now, no information has been available on the population development of associated parasitoids. The development of bark beetle and parasitoid populations was monitored on cleared and uncleared windthrow areas for 4 years, corresponding to the second to fifth growing seasons after the storm. The population level of both groups quickly increased synchronously from the second to the third season, and gradually declined thereafter until the fifth growing season. The parasitoids showed no time lag. At the species level, the same pattern was found for the pest Ips typographus (L.) and its specific parasitoid Dinotiscus eupterus (Walk.). During the 4 years under study, a succession of different bark beetle and parasitoid species was found. Bark beetles and parasitoids were more abundant on uncleared windthrow areas than on cleared areas, whereas predatory beetles generally preferred the adjacent forest. Once the deteriorated phloem quality precludes further bark beetle development, no more bark beetle-relevant parasitoids are produced in windthrows.

Molecular species delimitation has the potential to speed up both discovery and description rates for new species. However, several studies have shown a limited performance of the standard DNA barcoding approach which relies on a single mitochondrial gene, cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI). Besides incomplete lineage sorting or a low substitution rate, distortion of mitochondrial inheritance patterns by bacterial endosymbionts could explain the failure of barcoding. Numerous reviews have discussed this phenomenon, but only few empirical examples exist. In the present study, we examine the effect of Wolbachia bacteria on barcoding in the parasitoid wasp genus Diplazon. Although integrative taxonomy recognizes 16 species, COI only recovers up to ten. Adding multivariate morphometrics, genotyping a fast-evolving nuclear gene (ITS2) and screening the Diplazon species for Wolbachia, we show that the failure of DNA barcoding coincides with the presence of the endosymbiont. Two species even share identical COI haplotypes and Wolbachia strains, even though ITS2 suggests that they are not closely related. This is one of very few examples of mitochondrial DNA introgression between well-established insect species, facilitated by Wolbachia. We review similar reports, provide a list of criteria to identify endosymbiont-mediated introgression, and discuss the prevalence and impact of this phenomenon on insect systematics and evolution.

Multiple sources of data in combination are essential for species delimitation and classification of difficult taxonomic groups. Here we investigate a cicada taxon with unusual cryptic diversity and we attempt to resolve seemingly contradictory data sets. Cicada songs act as species-specific premating barriers and have been used extensively to reveal hidden taxonomic diversity in morphologically similar species. The Palaearctic Cicadetta montana species complex is an excellent example where distinct song patterns have disclosed multiple recently described species. Indeed, two taxa turned out to be especially diverse in that they form a “complex within the complex”: the Cicadetta cerdaniensis song group (four species studied previously) and Cicadetta brevipennis (examined in details here). Based on acoustic, morphological, molecular, ecological and spatial data sampled throughout their broad European distribution, we find that Cicadetta brevipennis s. l. comprises five lineages. The most distinct lineage is identified as Cicadetta petryi Schumacher, 1924, which we re-assign to the species level. Cicadetta brevipennis litoralis Puissant & Hertach ssp. n. and Cicadetta brevipennis hippolaidica Hertach ssp. n. are new to science. The latter hybridizes with Cicadetta brevipennis brevipennis Fieber, 1876 at a zone inferred from intermediate song patterns. The fifth lineage requires additional investigation. The C. cerdaniensis and the C. brevipennis song groups exhibit characteristic, clearly distinct basic song patterns that act as reproductive barriers. However, they remain completely intermixed in the Bayesian and maximum likelihood COI and COII mitochondrial DNA phylogenies. The closest relative of each of the four cerdaniensis group species is a brevipennis group taxon. In our favoured scenario the phylogenetic pairs originated in common Pleistocene glacial refuges where the taxa speciated and experienced sporadic inter-group hybridization leading to extensive introgression and mitochondrial capture.

Sexual dimorphisms in shell-bearing snails expressed by characteristic traits of their respective shells would offer the possibility for a lot of studies about gender distribution in populations, species, etc. In this study, the seven main shell characters of the snail Cochlostoma septemspirale were measured in both sexes: (1) height and (2) width of the shell, (3) height and (4) width of the aperture, (5) width of the last whorl, (6) rib density on the last whorl, and (7) intensity of the reddish or brown pigments forming three bands over the shell. The variation of size and shape was explored with statistical methods adapted to principal components analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). In particular, we applied some multivariate morphometric tools for the analysis of ratios that have been developed only recently, that is, the PCA ratio spectrum, allometry ratio spectrum, and LDA ratio extractor. The overall separation of the two sexes was tested with LDA cross validation.The results show that there is a sexual dimorphism in the size and shape of shells. Females are more slender than males and are characterised by larger size, a slightly reduced aperture height but larger shell height and whorl width. Therefore they have a considerable larger shell volume (about one fifth) in the part above the aperture. Furthermore, the last whorl of females is slightly less strongly pigmented and mean rib density slightly higher. All characters overlap quite considerably between sexes. However, by using cross validation based on the 5 continuous shell characters more than 90% of the shells can be correctly assigned to each sex.

Cleptoparasitic wasps and bees smuggle their eggs into the nest of a host organism. Here the larvae of the cleptoparasite feed upon the food provision intended for the offspring of the host. As cleptoparasitism incurs a loss of fitness for the host organism (offspring of the host fail to develop), hosts of cleptoparasites are expected to exploit cues that alert them to potential cleptoparasite infestation. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) could serve as such cues, as insects inevitably leave traces of them behind when entering a nest. By mimicking the host's CHC profile, cleptoparasites can conceal their presence and evade detection by their host. Previous studies have provided evidence of cleptoparasites mimicking their host's CHC profile. However, the impact of this strategy on the evolution of the host's CHC profile has remained unexplored. Here, we present results from our investigation of a host–cleptoparasite system consisting of a single mason wasp species that serves syntopically as the host to three cuckoo wasp species. We found that the spiny mason wasp ( Odynerus spinipes ) is able to express two substantially different CHC profiles, each of which is seemingly mimicked by a cleptoparasitic cuckoo wasp (i.e. Chrysis mediata and Pseudospinolia neglecta ). The CHC profile of the third cuckoo wasp ( Chrysis viridula ), a species not expected to benefit from mimicking its host's CHC profile because of its particular oviposition strategy, differs from the two CHC profiles of its host. Our results corroborate the idea that the similarity of the CHC profiles between cleptoparasitic cuckoo wasps and their hosts are the result of chemical mimicry. They further suggest that cleptoparasites may represent a hitherto unappreciated force that drives the evolution of their hosts' CHCs.

The analysis of ratios of body measurements is deeply ingrained in the taxonomic literature. Whether for plants or animals, certain ratios are commonly indicated in identification keys, diagnoses, and descriptions. They often provide the only means for separation of cryptic species that mostly lack distinguishing qualitative characters. Additionally, they provide an obvious way to study differences in body proportions, as ratios reflect geometric shape differences. However, when it comes to multivariate analysis of body measurements, for instance, with linear discriminant analysis (LDA) or principal component analysis (PCA), interpretation using body ratios is difficult. Both techniques are commonly applied for separating similar taxa or for exploring the structure of variation, respectively, and require standardized raw or log-transformed variables as input. Here, we develop statistical procedures for the analysis of body ratios in a consistent multivariate statistical framework. In particular, we present algorithms adapted to LDA and PCA that allow the interpretation of numerical results in terms of body proportions. We first introduce a method called the “LDA ratio extractor,” which reveals the best ratios for separation of two or more groups with the help of discriminant analysis. We also provide measures for deciding how much of the total differences between individuals or groups of individuals is due to size and how much is due to shape. The second method, a graphical tool called the “PCA ratio spectrum,” aims at the interpretation of principal components in terms of body ratios. Based on a similar idea, the “allometry ratio spectrum” is developed which can be used for studying the allometric behavior of ratios. Because size can be defined in different ways, we discuss several concepts of size. Central to this discussion is Jolicoeur's multivariate generalization of the allometry equation, a concept that was derived only with a heuristic argument. Here we present a statistical derivation of the allometric size vector using the method of least squares. The application of the above methods is extensively demonstrated using published data sets from parasitic wasps and rock crabs.

Six species of Trichomalus Thomson were reared as parasitoids of Ceutorhynchinae hosts in Europe during surveys in 2000–2004. Trichomalus rusticus (Walker) is treated as a valid species, resurrected from synonymy under T. lucidus (Walker), and T. lyttus (Walker) is transferred from synonymy under T. lucidus and newly placed in synonymy with T. rusticus. Illustrated keys to females and males are given to differentiate the six species (T. bracteatus (Walker), T. campestris (Walker), T. gynetelus (Walker), T. lucidus, T. perfectus (Walker), and T. rusticus) except for males of T. bracteatus and T. gynetelus. A lectotype female is designated for T. rusticus. Trichomalus campestris is newly recorded as a parasitoid of Ceutorhynchus cardariae Korotyaev. Implications of the host-parasitoid associations recovered by the surveys are discussed relative to introduction of species to North America for classical biological control.

The present paper provides taxonomic notes on four taxa of the genus Miramella Dovnar-Zapolskij, 1933. Two species, M. irena (Fruhstorfer) and M. carinthiaca (Obenberger), which have often been confused are keyed out and illustrated. A neotype is designated for M. carinthiaca to provide a firm basis for the application of this name. We also show that this name has wrongly been attributed to Puschnig, 1910 (instead of Obenberger, 1926) by all subsequent authors. The currently accepted interpretation of the two taxa furthermore requires the designation of a lectotype for Pezotettix alpinus collinus Brunner von Wattenwyl in Kunstler, 1864, which is thus fixed as a junior synonym of M. alpina (Kollar, 1833). Finally, the type species of the subgenus Kisella Harz, 1973 of Miramella, M. carinthiaca (Obenberger) [= Podisma alpina carinthiaca Obenberger, 1926], had been misidentified by Harz. We therefore validly fix the taxonomic taxon involved in the misidentification, M. irena (Fruhstorfer) [= Podisma alpina irena Fruhstorfer, 1921], as the type species of Kisella.

In this paper we examine the taxonomy of E. vittiventris (Ectobiinae) and its distribution and phenology in Switzerland. An illustrated key and a diagnosis are provided to separate the adults from synanthropic cockroachesand from some native Ectobius spp. Descriptive notes are included for nymphs and oothecae. We furthermore discuss the taxonomic status of the species and provide information on the type locality and type series, and the same is given for its junior synonyms. In Switzerland E. vittiventris is found on both sides of the Alps. In the northern part it is mainly confined to urban areas of the central plateau. On the southern slopes of the Alps it occurs in the cantons Ticino, Valais and Grisons. Our data indicate a rather recent introduction and colonization of urban areas in northern Switzerland, where the species has been recorded mostly after 1985. The altitudinal distribution generally ranges from 260 to about 700 m, with very few records up to 1400 m in the south. Adults are encountered from May to December, with a peak frequency in August. The presence of very small nymphs in summer and of larger nymphs in winter suggests a two-year life-cycle. E. vittiventris is frequently encountered inside houses, but apparently it cannot survive under such conditions. A special treatment or control is thus unnecessary. Finally, E. vittiventris is recorded for the first time from Germany (Baden-Wurttemberg).

Twelve taxa described by Fruhstorfer are revised, belonging to Blattodea: Blattellidae (1), Ensifera: Phaneropteridae (1), Tettigoniidae (4) and Caelifera: Acrididae (6). Name-bearing types are deposited in the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich (7), the Zoologische Staatssammlung, Munich (1) and the Natural History Museums of Berlin (1) and Geneva (4). Syntype series of two taxa are missing. In seven cases lectotypes are here designated. Four new synonymies are established: Tettigoniidae: Ephippiger ephippiger eustratius Fruhstorfer, 1921 = E. diurnus Dufour, 1841; Ephippiger vicheti Harz, 1966 = E. persicarius Fruhstorfer, 1921 stat. rev.; Thamnotrizon chabrieri malachiticus Fruhstorfer, 1921 = Eupholidoptera chabrieri (Charpentier, 1825). Acrididae: Stenobothrus lineatus fervidior Fruhstorfer, 1921 = Stenobothrus lineatus (Panzer, 1796). The paper provides detailed information on name-bearing types, type localities and the current status of each taxon.

The status of Barbitistes serricauda (Fabricius, 1794) (Ensifera: Phanero- pteridae) - a re-assessment. - In this paper, we examine the taxonomic and nominal status of a widespread species of European bush-cricket, Barbitistes serricauda (Fabricius, 1794) (Ensifera: Phaneropteridae). The name B. serricauda has almost exclusively been applied to a species occur- ring mainly north of the Alps from Spain through Central Europe to the Black Sea. A re-examination of two syntypes of B. serricauda has now re- vealed that they represent a different species occurring on the south side of the Alps in France, Italy and Switzerland, currently treated as B. obtusus Targioni-Tozzetti, 1881. Therefore, the species from the south side of the Alps should be called B. serricauda (instead of B. obtusus), while a new name would have to be found for the species from the north side of the Alps (hitherto B. serricauda). Considering the long established and well-defined use of B. serricauda and B. obtusus, this scenario would inevitably result in severe confusion and nomenclatural instability. Hence, a formal request will be submitted in December 2004 to the International Commission on Zoo- logical Nomenclature to preserve the accustomed use of these names. Meanwhile, we suggest maintaining the prevailing usage in both cases. We furthermore discuss the status of Barbitistes obtusus alpinus Fruhstorfer, 1920, for which an invalid neotype was designated in a recent publication.

The three species of chameleons inhabiting the primary forest on the western slope of Mount Kupe, Cameroon, Chamaeleo montium, Chamaeleo pfefferi, and Chamaeleo quadricornis, are compared with respect to elevational distribution, diet, and body size. Chameleo montium is restricted to lower elevations and markedly separated in elevational distribution from its congeners, which are exclusively found in the submontane forest. The three species prey almost entirely on arthropods, mostly coleopterans, heteropterans, hymenopterans, dipterans, and spiders; niche breadth values that incorpate prey availability are high and suggest opportunistic feeding. Niche overlaps are high with respect to prey type, but the smallest species, C. pfefferi, differs significantly from its congeners in terms of prey volume. Body size difference is largest between the two syntopic species, C. pfefferi and C. quadricornis, and identically low to the allotopic C. montium. The results on dietary segregation and morphological similarity are in accordance with competition limiting elevational distributions of the chameleons on Mount Kupe.

In this paper, we describe and illustrate a new species of parasitoid wasp as Brachymeria philornisae Delvare, sp. nov. The new species was reared from Philornis trinitensis Dodge & Aitken (Diptera: Muscidae) puparia that were found in the nests of the bird species Mimus gilvus (Vieillot) (Mimidae) and Tiaris bicolor (L.) (Thraupidae) in Tobago. The new species is of particular interest as it may be considered a potential biological control agent in locations where Philornis species are invasive, such as the Galapagos Islands. Closely related Brachymeria species had taxonomically ambiguous relationship in the past and are compared and reviewed. The species have been classified in the subgenus Pseudobrachymeria, but are here treated within the newly defined subconica species-group of Brachymeria as part of a sibling species complex designated as the subrugosa complex. Species assigned to the subconica species-group are listed and five, one unnamed, are assigned to the subrugosa complex and their females keyed. Species are separated by qualitative characters and morphometry using distance measurements. Trigonura annulipes Costa Lima is renamed as Brachymeria costalimai Delvare nom. nov. because of secondary homonymy.