Astigmapraon Tian et Chen, 2017

Tian, Hong-Wei, Achterberg, Kees & Chen, Xue-Xin, 2017, A new genus of the tribe Praini Mackauer (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) from China, Zootaxa 4362 (1), pp. 131-134 : 132

Astigmapraon Tian et Chen , gen. nov.

Diagnosis. The new genus is closely related to Praon Haliday, 1833 , because of the developed vein 1-SR+M of fore wing, the linear base of the pterostigma, the closed cell of the hind wing and the moderately setose ovipositor sheath. It can be distinguished by the absence of a pterostigma of the fore wing and of a pair of conical apical spines at the ovipositor sheath, combined with a comparatively large first subdiscal cell of the fore wing ( Fig. 1B ). The absence of the conical spines of the ovipositor sheath excludes it as in-group of the genus Praon , the shape of the first subdiscal cell of the fore wing and the long vein 1-R1 of the fore wing are additional indications. The pterostigma is also absent in the Neotropical genus Pseudephedrus Starý, 1972, which differs by having vein r+3-SR+SR1 of the fore wing up to the apical wing margin and basally close to the base of the linear pterostigma and vein m-cu of fore wing is absent.

Type species. Astigmapraon hei Tian et Chen , sp. nov.

Description. Head transverse, with occipital carina complete. Eyes medium-sized. Antenna filiform, female with 18 segments (male with 20 segments). Maxillary and labial palpi 4- and 3-segmented, respectively ( Fig. 1G ). Notauli deep and distinct throughout. Metanotum medially protruding above level of scutellum and with long setae combined with pair of large convex lateral areas. Propodeal areola absent, only with pair of short carina posteriorly, setose except a glabrous posterior triangular area ( Fig. 1D ). Fore wing: without pterostigma, first subdiscal cell large, partly reduced vein 1-SR+M of fore wing, metacarp (vein 1-R1) rather long; r+3-SR+SR1 very long, but not reaching wing apex. Hind wing: with one closed cell ( Fig. 1B ). Metasoma comparatively robust, T1 with some but distinct sculpture ( Fig. 1D ); apex of ovipositor sheath obtuse, with few long setae ( Fig. 1K ).

Biology. Unknown.

Distribution. China (Shaanxi, Sichuan).

Etymology. The genus name is derived from “a” (Greek for “without”), “stigma” (Greek for “spot, mark”) and the generic name Praon because it is similar to this genus but it lacks a pterostigma.

Figures

FIGURE 1. Astigmapraon hei Tian et Chen, sp. nov. A habitus, lateral aspect B fore wing C hind wing D propodeum & T1, dorsal aspect E metasoma, lateral aspect F antenna G head, anterior aspect H head, dorsal aspect I mesosoma, lateral aspect J mesoscutum, dorsalaspect K ovipositor sheath,lateral aspect.Scale line = 0.2 mm.