Acanthetropis idiotes (Cockerell)

Kimsey, Lynn S. & Wasbauer, Marius S., 2015, Revision of the odd brachycistidine genus Acanthetropis Wasbauer, 1958 (Hymenoptera, Tiphiidae, Brachycistidinae), Journal of Hymenoptera Research 44, pp. 19-30 : 22-24

Acanthetropis idiotes (Cockerell)

Figs 8 , 9 , 12 , 16

Brachycistis idiotes Cockerell 1895 a: 63. Holotype male; USA: New Mexico (Repository unknown).

Diagnosis.

Acanthetropis idiotes is separable from other species in the genus by the rounded, unridged mesepisternum, lack of a gular elevation, long antennae, and long, slender body.

Male Description. Body length 12-17 mm. Head, with few short to moderately long setae, clypeus and mandibles with more numerous, longer setae; scape with shorter setae; flagellum with tiny, scattered setae, flagellomere I L/W 3.9-4.2 (Fig. 8 ); lower rim of antennal socket with low carina beneath; clypeus with uniformly scattered punctures; gular carina slightly elevated but not produced into tooth anteriorly. Mesosoma. Pronotum with scattered, small punctures medially, larger, denser punctures laterally; mesepisternum with large, scattered punctures, becoming nearly impunctate posteriorly, with low, rounded prominence anteriorly, not carinately produced; mesonotum and scutellum with large, scattered punctures; propodeal dorsum impunctate, dorsal sulcus not usually carina margined, areas laterad of sulcus poorly defined, posterior transverse sulcus absent or ill-defined without anterior carina, posterior transverse carina complete. Metasoma. First segment long and slender, L/H 2.5-4.0 (Fig. 10 ), sternum with longitudinal sulcus narrow, slightly widened posteriorly; tergum I slightly rugose, with small, irregular punctures laterally; tergum I with small, scattered punctures; terga III-VII nearly impunctate, except for row of shallow, setose punctures apically; sternum II with a median basal longitudinal ridge terminating in blunt spine (as in fig. 9). Genital capsule (Fig. 12 ). Color. Uniform medium to chestnut brown, entire body shining, clothed with long golden setae.

Distribution

(Fig. 17 ). MEXICO: Baja California: 23 mi w Punta Prieta; Baja California Sur: 2 mi ne El Rosario, 3.5 mi se San Augustin; Hidalgo: Jacala; USA: Arizona: Mojave Co.: Oatman; Pima Co.: Growler Valley; California: Imperial Co.: Bard, Glamis; Algodones Dunes; Inyo Co.: Saline Valley; Riverside Co: Cochella, Indian Wells; San Diego Co.: Borrego Springs; New Mexico: Dona Ana Co.: Las Cruces; Quay Co.: House; 92 specimens were examined (BME, CAS, CDFA).

Seasonal distribution.

Specimens of this species have been collected only during the winter months (November through January).

Discussion.

Collection of desert insects during the winter in temperate areas of the western U.S. has been largely ignored because of assumptions about seasonality. However, a unique fauna of brachycistidine wasps has developed with adult males appearing during the winter. In addition to Acanthetropis idiotes , two species of Brachycistis , Acanthetropis juncea Wasbauer, 1966, and Acanthetropis longula Wasbauer, 1966, in the Acanthetropis petiolata group are known only from winter collection dates (November and January) ( Wasbauer 1966). Interestingly, the habitus of males of these two species is similar to that of A. idiotes males. They are longer and more slender than males of other species in their respective groups.

Figures

Figures 1 - 10. 1 - 2 Forewing and hindwing 3 Side view of head, antennae removed 4 Ventral view of head, mouthparts and mandibles removed 5 Oblique ventral view of metasomal sterna I and II 6 Ventral view of metasomal sternum II 7, 8 Antenna 9 Lateral view of metasomal segment I showing measurement points, H = height between points c and d, L = length, between points a and b 10 Lateral view of metasomal segments I and II.

Figures 11 - 14. Male genital capsule. 11, 12 lateral view (left), ventral view (right) 13, 14 Ventral view.

Figures 15 - 18. Distribution maps.