Systematics of the Australian Ambositrinae (Hymenoptera : Diapriidae), with a synopsis on non-Australian genera of the subfamily

Abstract

Proctotrupoid wasps of the subfamily Ambositrinae are surveyed. The taxonomic value of adult characters, the taxonomic and biological implications of wing reduction, and the phylogeny and suprageneric classification of the subfamily are discussed. The present distribution of the subfamily is interpreted in the context of continental drift. The Australian Ambositrinae are revised. Identification keys, diagnoses, and descriptions or redescriptions are provided for all genera and species recognized. The distribution patterns of Australian species are outlined. The following previously known genera are redescribed: Pantolytomyia Dodd, Acanthobetyla Dodd and Diphoropria Kieffer. The synonymy of Pantolytoidea Dodd and Neobetyla Dodd with Diphoropria is confirmed. Six new genera are described: Scianomas, Austroxylabis, Riaworra, Allobetyla, Perissodryas and Gwaihiria. The following specific names are considered synonyms: Neobetyla aurea Dodd of N. pulchricornis Dodd; Pantolytoidea castaneicorpus Dodd and P. rufinotum Dodd of P. nigricans Dodd. Previously described species are transferred to other genera as follows: Prosoxylabis pictipennis Dodd to Austroxylabis, gen. nov.; Pantolytoidea bifoveata Dodd to Gwaihiria, gen. nov.; Pantolytoidea nigricans Dodd, P. splendida Dodd, P. pseudoclavata Dodd, Neobetyla pulchricornis Dodd and N. spinosa Dodd all to Diphoropria Kieffer (as a result of new generic synonymy). Thirty-five new species are described: Scianomas poseidon, S. titan, S. agamemnon, Riaworra petibela, Acanthobetyla drymodes, A. oradelpha, A. clitodes, A. cerbera, A. bouloumbae, A. stenocephale, A. tooloomensis, A. corystes, A. brindabellae, A. tasmanica, Allobetyla pindari, Perissodryas daedalma, P. zophera, P. apotoma, Gwaihiria allocerata, Diphoropria rieki, D. collessi, D. phoenura, D. embolocosma, D. compsodes, D. agenor, D. tricarinata, D. occidentalis, D. eumitra, D. pecki, D. pteridonomas, D. gyroprora, D. clepsimorpha, D. micranepsia, D. donnae and D. eungellae. A lectotype is selected for Pantolytomyia ferruginea Dodd. A synopsis of all non-Australian genera of Ambositrinae (eight described, four undescribed) is given. A complete bibliography, a diagnosis, and notes on included species and distribution are provided for each genus recognized. Aczelopria argentinica Fabritius is designated as the type species of Aczelopria Fabritius.