Microctonus brevipetiolatus Pucci, 2013

Pucci, Thomas M., 2013, Contributions to the classification of North American Microctonus (Braconidae, Euphorinae), Zootaxa 3725 (1), pp. 1-150 : 13-14

M. brevipetiolatus (Thomson) new combination

Figures 4 ; 22–26

Perilitus brevipetiolatus Thomson, 1892, p 1744 .

Microctonus vittatae Muesebeck, 1936, p 19 .

Microctonus zimmermanni Loan & Wylie, 1984, p 240 . n. syn.

Perilitus brevipetiolatus Haeselbarth, 2008, p 1050 .

Distribution: Holarctic.

Specimens examined: Four hundred and fifty-six from 74 collection events; questionable female identifications: three from two collection events.

Flight period: Approximately 98% from May through August.

Remarks: The type material of M. zimmermanni fall well into the range of the North American material of M. brevipetiolatus for all distinguishing characters mentioned by Wylie & Loan (1984). The M. zimmermanni series averages slightly larger and is usually lighter than M. brevipetiolatus . The present author has not examined any of the European material.

Haeselbarth (2008) recognized two biotypes: the European, bisexual brevipetiolatus and the parthenogenetic vittatae which occurs in Europe and North America. However, Wylie & Loan (1984) and Smith (1952) reported the existence, albeit very rare, of males in North America and Loan (1967b) reported males emerging at a ratio of 1:16. Haeselbarth (2008) noted the morphological characters separating them are slight and variable so that many specimens do not fit well into either group. Indeed, they occur sympatrically and attack the same hosts.

Figures

FIGURE 4. Petiole with arrow pointing to lateral carina in front of the spiracle.

FIGURE 22. M. brevipetiolatus, lateral view.

FIGURE 23. M. brevipetiolatus, anterior view of head.

FIGURE 24. M. brevipetiolatus, petiole and propodeum.

FIGURE 25. M. brevipetiolatus, mesonotum.

FIGURE 26. Distribution of M. brevipetiolatus.