Pristiphora astragali Vikberg, 1978

Prous, Marko, Kramp, Katja & Liston 1, Veli VikbergAndrew, 2017, North-Western Palaearctic species of Pristiphora (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae), Journal of Hymenoptera Research 59, pp. 1-190 : 65

Pristiphora astragali Vikberg, 1978 Figs 46, 189

Pristiphora astragali Vikberg, 1978: 133-137. Holotype ♀ (PR.354VV) in MZH, examined. Type locality: Kilpisjärvi, Finland.

Similar species.

Based on the external morphology, the most similar species are P. confusa , P. opaca , P. pusilla , P. sootryeni , P. staudingeri , and P. subopaca , from which it is best distinguished by the structure of the lancet (Figs 189). The lancet has weak setae (weak or well-developed in the others) and on the inner surface of the lancet there are small spiny pectines (or dentes semicirculares) that reach the sclerora (present also in P. sootryeni ). However, differences from P. sootryeni (Fig. 190) are rather small. Morphologically, the subapical tooth of the claws tends be smaller, the apical serrulae of the lancet are shorter, and the number of setae on the lancet is smaller than in P. sootryeni ( Vikberg 2006). Male unknown.

Genetic data.

Based on a COI barcode sequences, specimens of P. astragali are divided between two BIN clusters (BOLD:AAL8292, BOLD:AAL8277), one of which (BOLD:AAL8292) includes also P. sootryeni (Fig. 4). Minimum distance between the two BINs is 2.4%. Based on nuclear data (one specimen and both genes combined), the nearest neighbour is 0.6% different ( P. caraganae ).

Host plants.

Astragalus alpinus L. ( Vikberg 1978, 2006).

Rearing notes.

See Vikberg (1978, 2006).

Distribution and material examined.

West Palaearctic. Specimens studied are from Finland and Sweden.