Paramblynotus zohy van Noort & Buffington, 2013

Noort, Simon van & Buffington, Matthew L., 2013, Revision of the Afrotropical Mayrellinae (Cynipoidea, Liopteridae), with the first record of Paramblynotus from Madagascar, Journal of Hymenoptera Research 31, pp. 1-64 : 18-25

Paramblynotus zohy van Noort & Buffington sp. n. Figures 10 , 11 , 12

Type material.

HOLOTYPE: Female: Madagascar, Bekily, Reg. Sud. de L’ile, Museum Paris, XII·38, A. Seyrig (MNHN).

Distribution: Madagascar (currently only known from Bekily).

Etymology.

Zohy is Malagasy for cave or cavern, with reference to the pothole or cave-like excavations on each side of the terminal portion of T8. Noun in apposition.

Diagnosis.

Belongs to the Paramblynotus yangambicolus species-group. Female with 13 segmented antennae; F1 same length as F2; flagellum widening towards apex; ocellar plate raised; ocelli small, median ocellus diameter 0.62 × distance between lateral and median ocellus ( Fig. 11A ). Vertex rugose with two weak lateral carinae extending from each torulus towards lateral ocelli; strongly keeled medial carina present between toruli extending from median ocellus and fading below toruli ( Fig. 10E ). Occiput concave in dorsal view, alveolate without carinae. Upper face protruding in lateral view ( Fig. 10C ). Pronotal crest distinctly raised into conspicuous medial tooth ( Fig. 10C ). Lateral carinae of pronotum distinct. Mesoscutum with strongly toothed and ridged transverse costae; notaulices obscured ( Figs 10C-D ). The two scutellar foveae polished, without divisions ( Fig. 11B ). Upper mesopleuron and speculum longitudinally striate ( Fig. 11D ). T6 not much longer than T4 and T5 ( Fig. 10A ). T8 exposed with two pothole excavations on each side, a smaller circular one surrounding the spiracle and a second larger oval one adjacent to the first and extending to posterior margin ( Figs 12A-B ). Wings clear; Rs+M arising from near base of basal vein ( Fig. 12C ), a character state shared with Paramblynotus behara .

Comments.

This species along with Paramblynotus seyrigi sp. n. and Paramblynotus behara sp. n.represent the first records of Paramblynotus from Madagascar.

Note.

See note under Paramblynotus seyrigi concerning André Seyrig’s collecting.

Description.

FEMALE. Length 4.5 mm. Head, antennae (except for terminal segments which are darker), mesosoma (except for propodeum and mesopleuron which are black) reddish-brown; legs and metasoma dark brown. Wings clear ( Fig. 10A ). Entire head punctate-rugose, strongly pubescent. Eyes small, not extending beyond outer margin of genae in anterior view ( Fig. 10E ); 1.4 × length of malar space. Antenna 13 segmented; F1 same length as F2; flagellum widening toward apex. Vertex alveolate, ocellar plate raised; ocelli small, median ocellus diameter 0.62 × distance between lateral and median ocellus ( Fig. 11A ). Face punctate-rugose, humped between toruli and clypeal margin ( Fig. 10E ), protruding medially in lateral view ( Fig. 10C ); antennal scrobe rugose. Vertex rugose with two weak lateral carinae extending from each torulus towards lateral ocelli; strongly keeled medial carina present between toruli extending from median ocellus and fading below toruli ( Fig. 10E ). Occiput concave in dorsal view, alveolate without carinae. Lower face with two weak excavations at upper clypeal margin, containing anterior tentorial pits. Clypeus rugose, margin strongly convex. Genae large, swollen ( Fig. 10C ).

Mesosoma dorsally with scattered long pubescent ( Fig. 10D ). Anterior flange of pronotum weakly punctuate/foveate; plate of pronotum medially glabrate and punctate/foveate with pubescence laterally ( Fig. 11C ). Pronotum dorsomedially distinctly raised, in lateral view distinctly higher than anterior margin of mesoscutum ( Fig. 10C ). Pronotal crest prominent, raised into a sharp carina running parallel to mesoscutal margin, fronting a horizontal shelf on posterior prontal margin that comprises longitudinally carinate foveae ( Fig. 11A ). Lateral pronotal carinae distinct, not reaching pronotal crest dorsomedially. Lateral surface of pronotum foveate with smooth areas ( Fig. 11D ). Mesoscutum foveate-reticulate with foveae set in irregular rows between transverse costae irregularly raised into strong backward pointing teeth ( Figs 10C-D ). The two scutellar foveae not subdivided by submedian longitudinal carinae ( Fig. 11B ). Mesoscutellum foveate-reticulate; posteriorly raised and projected into a truncate lamella with a slight emargination in dorsal view ( Fig. 11B ). Mesopleural triangle ventrally defined by a smoothly curved carina; upper mesopleuron foveate-reticulate; median impression vertically carinate; speculum finely longitudinally carinate ( Fig. 11D ). Metapectal-propodeal complex coarsely foveate-rugose laterally with dense pubescence. Dorsellum with two medial foveae; laterally excavated with fine pubescence in lateral depressions. Median propodeal area areolate-reticulate ( Fig. 11B ).

Rs+M of forewing defined, arising from the base of basal vein ( Fig. 12C ). Marginal cell 2.7 times as long as wide. Abdominal petiole short, longitudinally carinate, 0.22 times as long as wide in dorsal view ( Fig. 11E ). Posterior ventral margin of metasomal T6 and T7 sinuate ( Fig. 10A ). T7 largely concealed benath T6 only partially visible laterally and covered on dorso-posterior central margin. T8 marginally exposed with two pothole excavations on each side, a smaller circular one surrounding the spiracle and a second larger oval one adjacent to the first and extending to posterior margin ( Figs 12 A-B ). Relative dorsal length of T3-8: 21:13:15:12:0:4. Tergites 4-8 finely punctate; T3 polished. All legs sparsely punctuate, strongly pubescent, except metacoxae dorsally glabrous, smooth. Mesotibial outer spur shorter than inner spur; metatibial spurs subequal in length. Ratio of first metatarsomere to the remaining 4 metatarsomeres combined: 0.65.

MALE. Unknown.

Paramblynotus trisetosus species-group

Remarks. This is the most species-rich group within the Afrotropical region with 23 previously described species and a further five species added here. The species-group is only known from the African mainland.

Diagnosis. Species in this group are typically smaller than those in other species-groups, and are the easiest to confuse with Figitidae . They are characterized by having a flat pronotal crest (or, pronotal crest absent); the mesoscutum is foveate-reticulate or with continuous transverse carinae with foveae set in rows looking like saw teeth in lateral view; in most species, the speculum is perfectly smooth (gently striate in Paramblynotus vannoorti ); and the median propodeal area is distinctly delimited by lateral propodeal carinae, and posteriorly is not foveate-reticulate. Careful attention to the metasomal sclerites will prevent confusing trisetosus -group Paramblynotus with Figitidae .

Key to species of the Paramblynotus trisetosus species-group (modified from Liu et al. 2007)

http://www.waspweb.org/Cynipoidea/Liopteridae/Keys/index.htm

1	Head compressed longitudinally; occiput not concave in dorsal view. Mesoscutum densely foveate, without transverse carinae	Paramblynotus prinslooi
-	Head not compressed longitudinally; occiput distinctly concave in dorsal view. Mesoscutum more or less foveate-reticulate, with or without transverse carinae	2
2	Median frontal carina absent. T6 of female metasoma the largest and T8 distinctly exposed. Median propodeal area without a strong transverse carina	3
-	Median frontal carina present (may only be weakly represented between toruli). T6 of female metasoma not always the largest; if T6 the largest, then T8 is not exposed. Median propodeal area usually with a strong transverse carina. Occasionally variations occur, but never come in combination of features as the above collate	7
3	Forewing entirely clear	4
-	Forewing at least ferruginous in marginal cell	5
4	Antennae of female with 11 flagellomeres; apical flagellomere less than twice as long as subapical flagellomere. Pronotal crest medially not raised into a triangular process. Metasoma black	Paramblynotus nigricornis
-	Antennae of female with 10 flagellomeres; apical flagellomere longer than twice as long as subapical flagellomere. Pronotal crest medially raised into a small but distinct triangular process. Metasoma brown	Paramblynotus claripennis
5	Antennal scrobes longitudinally carinate in upper part and glabrous in lower part. Upper mesopleuron glabrous, smooth, shiny. Metasoma black	Paramblynotus samiatus
-	Antennal scrobes longitudinally carinate entirely. Upper mesopleuron foveate to rugose. Metasoma brown	6
6	Vertex longitudinally carinate laterally. Pronotal crest medially raised into a small, distinct rounded triangular process. Scutellar foveae without submedian carinae	Paramblynotus maculipennis
-	Vertex foveate-reticulate entirely without longitudinal carination. Pronotal crest smoothly flat, without triangular process. Scutellar foveae subdivided by distinct submedian carinae	Paramblynotus townesorum
7	Distance between posterior ocelli at most twice as large as the distance between posterior ocellus and eye. Metasomal T5 of female normal, T6 the largest; T7 exposed, almost entirely covering T8	8
-	Distance between posterior ocelli at least three times the distance between posterior ocellus and eye. Metasomal T5 of female dorsally expanded, being the largest (at least so dorsally); T7 is largely or entirely covered by T6; T8 exposed	22
8	Female flagellum distinctly thicker toward apex; median flagellomeres not or slightly constricted toward ends. Antennae with distal flagellomeres 1-3 black, contrasting to the rest, which are yellow-orange	9
-	Female flagellum not distinctly thicker toward apex; median flagellomeres distinctly constricted toward ends. Antennae yellow or gradually becoming somewhat darker toward apex, but never with contrasting colors between distal and proximal flagellomeres	13
9	Wings with infuscate patch covering submarginal and marginal cells and extending distally slightly beyond vein RS ( Fig. 27E )	Paramblynotus ruvubuensis sp. n.
-	Wings clear	10
10	Metacoxae ventrally expanded to form a triangular lobular process	Paramblynotus coxatus
-	Metacoxae ventrally not expanded to form a triangular lobular process	11
11	Antennae with apical 3 flagellomeres black ( Fig. 25A ). Antennal scrobes finely punctate and without longitudinal carinae posteriorly	Paramblynotus parinari sp. n.
-	Antennae with either the apical or apical 2 flagellomeres dark-brown to black. Antennal scrobes heavily and densely punctate with longitudinal carinae posteriorly	12
12	Female flagellum with terminal two segments usually dark brown; T9 without dense brush of setae	Paramblynotus fuscapiculus
-	Female flagellum usually with only terminal segment darkened (occasionally blending into penultimate segment); female T9 with a distinct brush of setae present, engulfing ovipositor ( Fig. 13F )	Paramblynotus alexandriensis sp. n.
13	Dorsal surface of head between toruli and posterior margin of lateral ocelli mostly smooth, shiny with lateral carina of antennal scrobe bound on both sides by smooth areas, and sub-confluent with genal carina ( Figs 21E-F )	Paramblynotus matele sp. n.
-	Dorsal surface of head between toruli and posterior margin of lateral ocelli sculptured or with diagonal carina, except for antennal scrobes, which may be smooth; lateral carina of antennal scrobe interrupted on vertex and not joining genal carina	14
14	Ocellar plate of head not defined by lateral carinae, and without a small, triangular glabrous area beneath anterior ocellus	Paramblynotus trisetosus
-	Ocellar plate of head well defined by lateral carinae, with a small, triangular glabrous area beneath anterior ocellus	15
15	Vertex with distinct longitudinal carination	16
-	Vertex without distinct longitudinal carination	20
16	Median frontal carina almost extending to clypeus. Ocellar plate either with a row of relatively uniform, large foveae along the lateral carinae delimiting the plate or delimited with two parallel carinae	17
-	Median frontal carina not or slightly extending in lower face. Ocellar plate delimited only by a simple lateral carina	18
17	Ocellar plate with a row of relatively uniform, large foveae along the lateral carinae delimiting the plate	Paramblynotus carinatus
-	Ocellar plate delimited only by two simple parallel lateral carinae ( Fig. 15B )	Paramblynotus bayangensis sp. n.
18	Lateral surface of pronotum longitudinally costate in lower part. Lateral propodeal carinae medially strongly curved. Nucha dorsally longitudinally carinate	Paramblynotus kekenboschi
-	Lateral surface of pronotum without longitudinal costa in lower part. Lateral propodeal carinae nearly parallel, if strongly curved then nucha dorsally glabrate	19
19	Lateral propodeal carinae medially strongly curved ( Fig. 18F )	Paramblynotus dzangasangha sp. n.
-	Lateral propodeal carinae nearly parallel	Paramblynotus zairensis
20	Median frontal carina not distinctly extending in lower face. Head and mesosoma black. Rs and Rs+M veins of forewing distinct and brown in color	Paramblynotus jacksoni
-	Median frontal carina distinctly extending to middle of lower face. Head and mesosoma brown to dark brown. Rs and Rs+M veins of forewing reduced and pale in color	21
21	Antennal scrobes not distinctly depressed. Mesoscutum foveate-reticulate. Head, pronotum, mesoscutum, and mesoscutellum dark brown. Antenna yellow. Lateral occipital carinae well developed and crestlike. Median propodeal area glabrate	Paramblynotus cameroonensis
-	Antennal scrobes distinctly depressed. Mesoscutum transversely costate with foveae set in between. Head, pronotum, mesonotum, and mesoscutellum reddish brown. Antenna black, except basal two segments yellow. Lateral occipital carinae not crestlike. Median propodeal area areolate-reticulate	Paramblynotus rwandensis
22	Wings slightly and evenly tinted	Paramblynotus immaculatus
-	Wings with large brown to dark brown macula	23
23	Upper mesopleuron foveate-rugose	Paramblynotus minutus
-	Upper mesopleuron glabrous	24
24	Vertex diagonally carinate entirely or heavily punctate medially and diagonally carinate laterally	25
-	Vertex generally glabrate to glabrous with sparse punctures, and sometimes slightly rugose laterally	26
25	Vertex entirely diagonally carinate. Forewing clear basally and distally with a broad medial smoky band across the marginal and submarginal cells ( Fig. 30A ). Metasomal T7 of female almost covered by T6 ( Fig. 30F )	Paramblynotus vannoorti
-	Vertex heavily punctate medially and diagonally carinate laterally. Forewing clear in distal two-fifths and ferruginous basally. Metasomal T7 of female distinctly exposed	Paramblynotus scalptus
26	Lateral propodeal carinae straight and percurrent; medial propodeal area with one straight and percurrent longitudinal carina	Paramblynotus diminutus
-	Lateral propodeal carinae discontinuous, medially interrupted by a large fovea; medial propodeal area with more than one non percurrent longitudinal carinae	27
27	Forewing ferruginous only medially, and clear both proximately and distally. Metasomal T7 of female only slightly exposed, only 1:15 as long as T6 as measured medially on lateral sides	Paramblynotus angolensis
-	Forewing clear only distally, and ferruginous in basal two-thirds. Metasomal T7 distinctly visible, about 1:2.5as long as T6 as measured along middle of lateral sides	Paramblynotus antistatus

Figures

Figure 10. Paramblynotus zohy sp. n., holotype female. A lateral habitus B dorsal habitus C head and mesosoma, lateral view D head and mesosoma, dorsal view E face, anterior view F head and antenna, dorsal view.

Figure 11. Paramblynotus zohy sp. n., holotype female. A vertex and pronotum, dorsal view B scutellum and propodeum, dorsal view C pronotum, antero-dorsal view D mesopleuron E propodeum, dorsal view F head, ventral view.

Figure 12. Paramblynotus zohy sp. n., holotype female. A tergites 5 - 7 and ovipositor posterior-lateral view B tergites 6 - 7 and ovipositor posterior view C wings D labels.

Figure 13. Paramblynotus alexandriensis sp. n., holotype female. A lateral habitus B dorsal habitus C head and mesosoma, lateral view D head and mesosoma, dorsal view E head, anterior view F metasoma, lateral view.

Figure 15. Paramblynotus bayangensis sp. n., holotype female. A head, anterior view B vertex dorso-lateral view C head ventro-lateral view D propodeum and metasoma lateral view E wings F labels.

Figure 18. Paramblynotus dzangasangha sp. n., holotype female. A lateral habitus B dorsal habitus C head and mesosoma, lateral view D head and mesosoma, dorsal view E head, anterior view F scutellum and propodeum, posterior-dorsal view.

Figure 21. Paramblynotus matele sp. n., holotype female. A lateral habitus B dorsal habitus C head and mesosoma, lateral view D head and mesosoma, dorsal view E head, dorsal view F head, dorsolateral view.

Figure 25. Paramblynotus parinari, holotype female. A lateral habitus B dorsal habitus C head and mesosoma, lateral view D head and mesosoma, dorsal view E head anterior view F metasoma, lateral view.

Figure 27. Paramblynotus ruvubuensis sp. n., holotype female. A head, anterior view B head, antero-lateral view C head, dorsal view D scutellum and propodeum, dorsal view E forewing F labels.

Figure 30. Paramblynotus vannoorti, holotype female. A lateral habitus B dorsal habitus C head and mesosoma, lateral view D head and mesosoma, dorsal view E head anterior view F metasoma, lateral view.