Key to the subfamilies of Vespidae occurring in Goa, India

(modified from Carpenter & Nguyen 2003)

1. Pronotal lobe separated from tegula by a distance several times its length (Fig. 63); clypeus projecting ventrally in a point or rounded (Fig. 65); fore wing not longitudinally folded at rest........................................ Stenogastrinae

- Pronotal lobe separated from tegula by a distance equal to its length or less (Fig. 64); clypeus variable, pointed, truncate or rounded in males of some species (Fig. 66); fore wing longitudinally folded at rest................................. 2 2. Mesoscutum with parategula (Fig. 67); tarsal claws bifid (Fig. 69); solitary or subsocial...................... Eumeninae

- Mesoscutum without parategula (Fig. 68); tarsal claws simple (Fig. 70); eusocial................................... 3

3. Hind wing with jugal lobe (Fig. 71); metacoxa with even dorsal surface; metasoma petiolate to subsessile or funnel shaped in dorsal view (Fig. 73); tergum 1 with gradual declivity (Fig. 75).......................................... Polistinae

- Hind wing without jugal lobe (Fig. 72); metacoxa with carina on dorsal surface; metasoma sessile (Fig. 74); tergum 1 with abrupt declivity (Fig. 76).......................................................................... Vespinae