Mischocyttarus (Kappa)

Silveira, Orlando Tobias, 2006, Revision of the subgenus Kappa de Saussure of Mischocyttarus de Saussure (Hym.; Vespidae, Polistinae, Mischocyttarini), Zootaxa 1321 (1), pp. 1-108 : 10-18

Key to the species of Kappa (known distribution range is reported for each species)

1 metasomal sternum 1 proximally not flattened, or its lateral limit with tergum just marked by an indistinct linear sulcus...................................................................... 2

­ metasomal sternum 1 distinctly flattened, its lateral limit with tergum almost always marked by a prominent linear shining edge................................................ 4

2(1) anterior margin of proepisternum low, not reflexed; ocelli in a equilateral triangle, POL less than 1.5 diameters; antennal scape elongated, ratio length/width 2.7; length of fore wing 16 mm; ground color brown, antennal flagellum red brown; Venezuela: Merida (male unknown) ............................................... M. laurae sp. n.

­ anterior margin of proepisternum raised and reflexed ........................................... 3

3(2) proepisternum just behind anterior margin raised into an elevated crest; length of metasomal segment 1 greater than height of mesopleuron; pronotal carina very low; length of fore wing 9–11.5 mm; male antenna with apex short, hook­like ( Fig. 13 ); ground color black, with many yellow marks, clypeus sometimes reddish yellow; Mexico to Costa Rica............................................ M. immarginatus Richards.

­ proepisternum without an elevated crest behind anterior margin, metasomal segment 1 extremely short, length shorter than height of mesopleuron (groups of M. socialis and M. adolphi ) ....................................................................................... 12

4(1) sculpture of mesopleuron with fine granular aspect, larger punctures very sparse and inconspicuous; length of fore wing 10 mm; ground color black, with fewer yellow marks, clypeus light red brown; Brazil: MG (male unknown) ..................... ........................................................................................................... M. mirus sp. n.

­ mesopleuron with sculpture more strong and heterogeneous regarding size of puncture................................................................................................................... 5

5(4) anterior aspect of female mandible showing the transition between its (narrow) anterior and (wide) lateral surfaces marked by a distinct prominent border ( Fig. 28 ); hypostomal lamella around mouth parts very wide near articulation of mandible; eye with very conspicuous hairs; clypeus always tinged with orange­yellow (group of M. tolensis ) ............................................................................................. 6

­ female mandible without a distinct anterior prominent border; hypostomal lamella around mouth parts narrow; eye with shorter hairs often inconspicuous .............. 7

6(5) pronotum with humeral angle scarcely projecting, in dorsal view with sides distinctly converging ( Fig. 26 ), width of pronotal carina less than that of mesoscutum; length of metasomal segment 1 about 1.1 times greater than height of mesopleuron ( Fig. 30 ); length of fore wing 9–10.5 mm; male antenna with apical antennomeres not very elongated, distinctly flattened below; Costa Rica and Panama.......................................................................................... M. tolensis Richards.

­ pronotum with humeral angle projecting laterally, in dorsal view with sides less converging ( Fig. 27 ), width of pronotal carina greater than that of mesoscutum; length of metasomal segment 1 greater than 1.2 times height of mesopleuron ( Fig. 31 ); length of fore wing 9.5 mm; Colombia (male unknown). ................................ ........................................................................................... M. magdalenensis sp. n.

7(5) metasomal segment 1 exceedingly long and nearly linear, scarcely wider apically than basally ( Figs. 22, 23 ); metapleuron and propodeum with very large and deep punctures, their diameter almost as wide as secondary spiracular entrance on mesopleuron; pronotum and metapleuron extensively tinged with orange red; male antenna with tyloids of basal flagellomeres reduced (female unknown; group of M. tapuya ) .................................................................................................................... 8

­ metasomal segment 1 wider apically, at least two times more than basally; pattern of sculpture never with punctures as large as above............................................... 9

8(7) large punctures on metapleuron and propodeum with contour distinctly polygonal ( Fig. 25 ); spiracles of metasomal segment 1 very prominent ( Fig. 23 ); length of fore wing 8.5 mm; ground color black, with numerous yellow marks; Brazil: PA. ................................................................................................... M. tapuya (Schulz) .

­ large punctures on metapleuron and propodeum with circular contour ( Fig. 24 ); spiracle of metasomal segment 1 less prominent ( Fig. 22 ); length of fore wing 9.5 mm; ground color black, with numerous yellow marks; Peru: Madre de Dios ....... ............................................................................................................ M. paris sp. n.

9(7) pronotum with humeral extremity not strictly angular, pronotal carina low, curved backwards at sides; inner claw of hind tarsus distinctly acute ( Fig. 14 ); occiput unmargined ( Fig. 12 ); tentorial pit closer to antennal socket than to eye margin; length of fore wing 10–12 mm; insect almost totally black, with a narrow yellow band on metanotum; male antenna with apex hook­like ( Fig. 10 ); Bolivia; Brazil: MT, GO, MG, SP. ............................................................................. M. latior (Fox) .

­ pronotum with humeral extremity angular and variably salient, pronotal carina straight or concave forwards; inner claw of hind tarsus with apex narrowly round or wider, not acute ( Fig. 15 ) ................................................................................. 10

10(9) mesoscutum distinctly (more than 1.1 times) longer than wide; propodeum with median furrow never reaching the anterior margin; metasomal segment 1 rather short, its length approximately equal to height of mesopleuron; ground color black, with numerous yellow marks, always with two stripes on mesoscutum; large wasps ........................................................................................................... 11

­ mesoscutum scarcely longer than wide (sometimes even wider than long), if more elongated then never with yellow stripes, and the median furrow reaches the anterior margin of the propodeum ............................................................................... 12

11(10) clypeus with apex wide and truncate; tentorial pit distinctly closer to antennal socket than to eye margin; pronotum with strongly developed humeral lobes, pronotal carina greatly reflexed at sides; body surface dull; length of fore wing 13–14 mm; male antenna with apex rather elongated ( Fig. 32 ); Brazil: AM, PA ... .............................................................................................. M. zikaninus Richards.

­ clypeus with apex round; tentorial pit as close to antennal socket as to eye margin; pronotal carina very high but not strongly lobed and reflexed at sides; body surface more shining; length of fore wing 13–14 mm; Peru: Loreto; Brazil: AM (male unknown) .................................................................. M. pseudomimeticus (Schulz) .

12(10) mesosoma shortened (Fig. 65); metasomal segment 1 extremely short, its length less than the height of mesopleuron, in lateral view often with a notably convex dorsal profile (Figs. 43–45, 51–52, 58–59, 63–64), sternum flattened but sometimes not conspicuously marked by a lateral shining edge; propodeal median furrow very wide and long, reaching anterior margin of propodeum........................ 13

­ metasomal segment 1 never so short, its length at least equal to height of mesopleuron, with a distinct basal petiole; median furrow rarely approaching the anterior margin of propodeum .............................................................................. 21

13(12) anterior margin of pronotum medially with lamella (anteromedian lamella) narrow and reflexed, region immediately behind not raised into a secondary margin; insects almost totally black, wing apex often whitish; male antenna with apex extremely short, hook­like, antennomere 11 nearly quadrate (Figs. 46–49) (group of M. socialis ) ...................................................................................................... 14

­ anteromedian lamella of pronotum wide but scarcely reflexed, region immediately behind distinctly raised into a secondary margin projecting over the lamella; ground color black or dark brown, face usually spotted of orange­red or yellow; male antenna with apex more slender (Figs. 53–56, 60), apical antennomeres often flattened below (group of M. adolphi ).................................................................. 16

14(13) clypeus with apex truncate ( Fig. 97 ), apical width about half the height of an antennal socket; occipital region (in dorsal view) at sides looking narrowed, occipital margin very prominent there, associated with a spot of transversely directed hairs distinct from those of adjacent areas, and originating at an innermost position relative to mesal margin of the eye; male antennomere 13 extremely short (Figs. 46–47) ................................................................................................................. 15

­ clypeus with apex narrow, round or truncate ( Fig. 98 ), width not larger than 1/3 of the height of an antennal socket; occipital region (in dorsal view) at sides with normal aspect, spot of transverse hairs scarcely differentiated from those of adjacent areas, originating at an outer position, well behind upper lobe of the eye; humeral region of pronotum and the mesoscutum with punctures very dense, interstitial spaces never larger than one puncture diameter; hairs on face and vertex brown; length of fore wing 8.5–11 mm; male antennomere 13 a little more elongated (Figs. 48–49); Brazil: southeastern states; Paraguay; Argentina.............................. ......................................................................................... .. M. socialis (de Saussure)

15(14) humeral region of pronotum and the whole mesoscutum with punctures very dense, interstitial spaces never larger than one diameter; humeral lobes normally not greatly produced; metasomal segment 1 always very wide and convex; hairs on face and vertex very dark brown or black; length of fore wing 10–13 mm; from Mexico to Panama and Colombia................................................ M. deceptus (Fox)

­ humeral region of pronotum and the mesoscutum with punctures sparser, often separated by distances equal to or larger than one diameter; humeral lobes round and frequently greatly produced; metasomal segment 1 sometimes longer and narrower (Fig. 43); hairs on face and vertex normally whitish, with silvery reflections; length of fore wing 9.5–14 mm; Panama; north and central parts of South America ................................................................................................. M. imitator (Ducke) .

16(13) occipital margin evanescent or absent; clypeus with apex round; eye usually with conspicuous hairs; length of fore wing 7–9 mm; ground color black, with numer­ ous yellow marks, face orange or yellow, metanotum almost totally yellow ...... 17

­ occiput with margin distinct; clypeus usually with apex truncate; eyes with very small inconspicuous hairs ..................................................................................... 18

17(16) color mark on face (orange or yellow) extending to frons above level of antennal sockets; gena with a relatively wide yellow band over its full height; male antenna relatively shorter (Fig. 53); Brazil: AM, AP, PA .......................... M. adolphi Zikán

­ color mark on face not extending above level of antennal sockets; gena with a narrower yellow streak that is interrupted ventrally; male antenna longer and spirally rolled (Fig. 54); Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil: AM ........ M. latissimus Richards

18(16) propodeal valve narrow, linear; ground color black, face not marked of orange­red or yellow, otherwise body parts with numerous yellow marks, metasomal segments with yellow bands; length of fore wing 8 mm; Brazil: PA (female unknown) ............................................................................................................ M. fidus sp. n.

­ propodeal valve wider, triangular; face orange­red............................................... 19

19(18) humeral angle strongly projecting, pronotal carina low, slightly concave forwards as seen from above (Fig. 62); propodeal median furrow narrow, with anterior extremity angular, not round; length of fore wing 9 mm; ground color brown or red­brown, with a few yellow marks, notably on pronotal carina and apex of femora; Paraguay.................................................................... M. anthracinus Richards.

­ humeral angle not very salient, pronotal carina high, lamellate, with a straight profile as seen from above (Fig. 50)........................................................................... 20

20(19) propodeal median furrow wide, with anterior end round; length of fore wing 8–10 mm; ground color black, gena with yellow band wide, dorsal mesepisternal spot yellow; Paraguay; Brazil: MT, GO ............................................. M. frontalis (Fox) .

­ propodeal median furrow narrow; ground color black, gena with yellow band narrow, dorsal mesepisternal spot orange brown; eastern Brazil: BA .......................... .................................................................................................... M. santacruzi Raw.

21(12) anteromedian region of pronotum behind lamella not raised as a secondary margin, with at most a low obtuse elevation, corresponding anterior sulcus poorly defined ............................................................................................................................... 22

­ anteromedian region of pronotum raised as a secondary margin projecting over the lamella, corresponding anterior sulcus distinct .................................................... 28

22(21) anteromedian lamella of pronotum low, not reflexed; fore wing elongated, length of discal cell 2.25 times larger than height of mesopleuron, pterostigma long and narrow, at least 3.4 times longer than wide; ground color dark brown, without yellow marks ............................................................................................................. 23

­ anteromedian lamella of pronotum raised, moderately reflexed; fore wing short, length of discal cell only about 2.0 times larger than height of mesopleuron, pterostigma not more than 3.0 times longer than wide; ground color black, with numerous yellow marks, scutellum (frequently), metanotum (always), and a large part of propodeum (almost always) yellow, head never extensively tinged with orange red (group of M. metathoracicus ) ............................................................ 24

23(22) metasomal segment 1 very elongated, its length about 1.3 times larger than height of mesopleuron, spiracles little prominent ( Fig. 38 ); length of fore wing 11–12 mm; Trinidad (male unknown) .......................................... M. fitzgeraldi Bequaert.

­ metasomal segment 1 shorter, its length about 1.2 times larger than height of mesopleuron, spiracles distinctly prominent; length of fore wing 10 mm; male antenna with apex moderately elongated ( Fig. 37 ), apical antennomeres distinctly flattened below; Brazil: PA (female unknown) ....................... M. mocsaryi (Ducke)

24(22) pronotum as seen from above with sides distinctly converging, humeral extremity not salient ( Fig. 68, 80 ), width of pronotal carina less than or at most equal to that of mesoscutum; length of metasomal segment 1 never greater than 1.2 times height of mesopleuron, in dorsal view without a linear parallel sided sector behind spiracles ( Figs. 72–74, 77 ); scutellum nearly always yellow ...................................... 25

­ pronotum as seen from above with sides less converging, humeral extremity quite salient, pronotal carina as wide or (often) wider than mesoscutum, slightly reflexed at sides, in frontal view with a distinct lateral upward pointing angle ( Fig. 78 ), lamella low; metasomal segment 1 sometimes very elongated and with a linear parallel sided sector behind spiracles; scutellum always dark ........................ 27

25(24) pronotal carina with lamella high, not reflexed at sides, abruptly extinct at the center, not angled at sides in frontal view ( Fig. 79 ); clypeus relatively flat; ocelli rather approximated, POL not greater than 2 diameters; occipital margin little salient medially; clypeus totally black .................................................................. 26

­ pronotal carina low and (as seen from above) strongly concave ( Fig. 80 ), less abruptly extinct at the center; clypeus distinctly convex, its sculpture very strong; POL as wide or wider than 2 diameters; occipital margin strong medially; ventral third or less of the clypeus tinged with red­brown; length of fore wing ca. 10 mm; Colombia (male unknown) ........................................................... M. occiduus sp. n.

26(25) mesosoma more elongated, propodeum less oblique ( Fig. 66 ); length of fore wing 9–11 mm; yellow spot on propodeum usually occupying all the dorsal surface, less often reduced, and rarely triangular or “Y” shaped; male antenna with apex very elongated, apical antennomeres cylindrical, not noticeably flattened below; Bolivia; Peru; Colombia; Brazil: MT, AM, PA; Guyana......................................... .............................................................................. M. metathoracicus (de Saussure)

­ mesosoma more robust; propodeum shortened behind, more strongly oblique ( Fig. 69 ); length of fore wing 10–11 mm; yellow spot on propodeum much reduced posteriorly, with triangular or “Y” shape; Brazil: RJ, MG (male unknown) ................. .......................................................................................... M. flavoscutellatus Zikán

27(24) length of metasomal segment 1 more than 1.2 times height of mesopleuron, in dorsal view with a linear parallel sided sector behind spiracles ( Fig. 76 ); pronotum with humeral angles projecting forwards, carina usually concave as seen from above ( Fig. 71 ); occipital carina salient medially; clypeus with apex slightly truncate, wider; length of fore wing 10–11 mm; male antenna with apex very elongated ( Fig. 70 ), apical antennomeres cylindrical, not noticeably flattened below; Paraguay; Bolivia; Brazil: RJ, MG, PA, MA ................................... M. efferus sp. n.

­ length of metasomal segment 1 far less than 1.2 times height of mesopleuron, in dorsal view without a linear parallel sided sector behind spiracles ( Fig. 73 ); pronotum with humeral angles less projecting, carina straight as seen from above ( Fig. 75 ); occipital carina weak medially; clypeus with apex narrowly rounded; fore wing very short, 9 mm; Brazil: AC (male unknown) ................. M. acreanus sp. n.

28(21) metasomal segment 1 short, length equal to height of mesopleuron; mesosoma very robust; pronotum short and wide, sides little converging, carina with lamella high, translucent; propodeal median furrow long, approaching the anterior margin; length of fore wing 9–9,5 mm; ground color black, mandible, eye, and inner orbit extensively tinged with yellow; male antenna with apex elongated ( Fig. 92 ), apical antennomeres flattened below; Peru........................................... M. schunkei Zikán

­ length of metasomal segment 1 distincly greater than height of mesopleuron; mesosoma less robust; pronotum more elongated, carina usually low and opaque; propodeal median furrow separated from the anterior margin by a well developed protuberant zone.................................................................................................... 29

29(28) occipital carina greatly reduced (specially at the center) or completely absent; clypeus with apex narrowly rounded; pronotal carina low, not very salient at sides, often straight in dorsal view ( Fig. 94 ) (group of M. picturatus ) ......................... 30

­ occipital carina distinct; clypeus with apex variously wider and truncate ........... 32

30(29) ground color black, face extensively tinged with brownish red, body with numerous and extensive yellow marks, including posterior margin of most metasomal segments ............................................................................................................... 31

­ ground color black including head, yellow marks less numerous and extensive, metasoma dark red brown; length of fore wing 9–9.5 mm; male antenna with apex moderately elongated ( Fig. 91 ), apical antennomeres flattened below; Brazil: PA. ...................................................................................................... M. porantin sp. n.

31(30) occipital carina vestigial at sides; pronotal carina very low and straight as seen from above; back of the head tinged with brownish red, posterior margin of all metasomal segments with a yellow band; length of fore wing 10 mm; Brazil: MT (male unknown) ................................................................... M. picturatus Bequaert

­ occipital carina completely absent; pronotal carina more elevated and concave as seen from above ( Fig. 93 ); back of the head black, metasomal segments 1–4 (1–5 in males) with a posterior yellow band; length of fore wing 8.5–9 mm; male antenna with apex moderately elongated ( Fig. 90 ), apical antennomeres flattened below Brazil: MA ........................................................................... M. timbira sp. n. 32(29) limit between propodeum and metapleuron demarcated by a deep sulcus, more shining than adjacent areas; lateral orifice on posterior region of propodeum more widely open, its hind margin expanding backwards and compressed against the lateral valve, producing a salient acute border which sometimes approaches a vertical orientation as seen from behind; male antenna with apex slender, apical antennomeres only slightly flattened below (group of M. injucundus ) ............................ 33

­ limit between propodeum and metapleuron demarcated by a line or shallow sulcus, not noticeably shining; lateral orifice on posterior region of propodeum narrow, its hind margin not expanding backwards and compressed against the lateral valve ... ............................................................................................................................... 34

33(32) clypeus normally black, anterior third of metanotum yellow, propodeum with two small yellow spots (or none), metasoma red brown, segments with marginal yellow bands indistinct or very narrow, wings tinged with light yellowish brown; pronotal carina normally less projecting at sides, usually straight as seen from above ( Fig. 85 ); metasomal segment 1 usually shorter ( Fig. 87 ); length of fore wing 8–9.5 mm; Bolivia; Peru; Equador; Colombia; Venezuela; Trinidad; Guyanas; Brazil: AM, PA, AP, MA, BA? ........................... M. injucundus (de Saussure)

­ clypeus almost always tinged with red­brown (rarely all the head red­brown), metanotum entirely yellow, yellow spots on propodeum large almost reaching anterior margin, metasoma black or dark brown, segments with marginal yellow bands wider, wings nearly hyaline, veins dark brown; pronotal carina high and projecting at sides, usually concave as seen from above ( Fig. 81 ); metasomal segment 1 usually longer ( Fig. 86 ); length of fore wing 8–10.5 mm; Bolivia; Paraguay; Brazil: MT, SP, RS .................................................................................. M. bertonii Ducke.

34(32) wings tinged with yellow or light yellowish brown; metasomal segment 1 not very elongated ............................................................................................................... 35

­ wings never tinged with yellow or light yellowish brown; metasomal segment 1 very elongated, its length about 1.2 times larger than height of mesopleuron ..... 36

35(34) pronotum with sides converging, pronotal carina as wide or narrower than mesoscutum ( Fig. 82 ), with lamella high; length of fore wing 10 mm; ground color black, inner orbit without pale marks, apex of clypeus, posterior margin of pronotum, narrow band on metanotum and posterior band on metasomal terga orangeyellow; Peru (male unknown) ..................................................... M. mysticus sp. n.

­ pronotum with sides less converging, pronotal carina wider than mesoscutum, with lamella low; small wasps, length of fore wing 8 mm; ground color black, clypeus totally black, inner orbit, posterior margin of pronotum, narrow band on metanotum, and two small spots on propodeum (sometimes absent) yellow, metasoma dark brown; Peru: Tingo Maria ............................ M. injucundus de Saussure (part)

36(34) metasomal segment 1 (in lateral view) with a straight general profile; clypeus very wide, H/WClp about 0.85; wings longer, length of discal cell more than 2.2 times height of mesopleuron; ground color dark brown, without noticeable yellow marks; male antenna with apex elongated ( Figs. 41, 42 ), apical antennomeres flattened bellow (group of M. villarricanus Zikán ) ................................................... 37

­ metasomal segment 1 (in lateral view) with a downward curved profile; clypeus narrow (considering norm in the subgenus), H/WClp about 0.90; wings short, length of discal cell about 2 times height of mesopleuron; length of fore wing 10 mm; ground color black, posterior margin of pronotum, band on metanotum, two spots on propodeum, yellow, metasoma light red brown; Brazil: PA (male unknown) .................................................................................... M. pertinax sp. n.

37(36) mandible and great part of face reddish, pronotal carina at sides yellow; pronotum with humeral angle more salient, carina concave as seen from above; length of fore wing 11 mm; Paraguay.......................................................... M. villarricanus Zikán

­ absolutely dark, without reddish or yellow marks; pronotum with humeral angle less salient, pronotal carina more straight as seen from above; length of fore wing 10–10.5 mm; Brazil: MG, RJ ..................................................... M. funerulus Zikán

Figures

FIGURES 8–25. M. laurae sp. n.: 8, 11, female head frontal and dorsal, 16, first metasomal tergum (T1); M. latior: 9, 12, female head frontal and dorsal, 10, male antenna, 14, hind 5th. tarsomere, 19, T1; M. immarginatus: 13, male antenna, 15, hind 5th. tarsomere, 17, T1; M. mirus sp. n.: 18, T1; M. paris sp. n.: 20, mesosoma part dorsal, 21, male antenna, 22, T1, 24, propodeal large punctures; M. tapuya: 23, T1, 25, propodeal large punctures.

FIGURES 26–42. M. tolensis: 26, mesosoma part dorsal, 28, female mandible, 29, male antenna, 30, T1; M. magdalenensis sp. n.: 27, mesosoma part dorsal, 31, T1; M. zikaninus: 32, male antenna, 33, T1; M. pseudomimeticus: 34, T1; M. mocsaryi: 35, mesosoma part dorsal, 36, male head, 37, male antenna; M. fitzgeraldi: 38, T1; M. villarricanus: 39, T1, 42, male antenna; M. funerulus: 40, T1, 41, male antenna.

FIGURES 97–100. (SEM images) M. imitator: 97, apical aspect of the female clypeus; M. socialis: 98, same as anterior; M. injucundus: 99, propodeum (strongly striate) lateral view, 97, propodeum (moderately striate) dorsal view.

FIGURES 66–80. M. metathoracicus: 66, mesosoma lateral, 67, male antenna, 68, mesosoma part dorsal, 77, T1, 79, pronotum frontal; M. flavoscutellatus: 69, mesosoma lateral, 72, T1; M. efferus sp. n.: 70, male antenna, 71, mesosoma part dorsal, 76, T1, 78, pronotum frontal; M. acreanus sp. n.: 73, T1, 75, mesosoma part dorsal; M. occiduus sp. n.: 74, T1, 80, mesosoma part dorsal.

FIGURES 81–96. M. bertonii: 81, mesosoma part dorsal, 86, T1; M. mysticus sp. n.: 82, mesosoma part dorsal, 83, T1; M. schunkei: 84, T1, 92, male antenna; M. injucundus: 85, mesosoma part dorsal, 87, T1; M. pertinax sp. n.: 88, T1, 89, mesosoma part dorsal; M. timbira sp. n.: 90, male antenna, 93, mesosoma part dorsal, 95, T1; M. porantin sp. n.: 91, male antenna, 94, mesosoma part dorsal, 96, T1.