Anatomic glossary of mesopleural structures in bethylidae (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea)

Abstract

The mesopleuron of Bethylidae has many structures that are used in taxonomic and phylogenetic studies. The lack of understanding of these structures has generated independent terminologies and a series of confusing terms, hampering effective scientific communication. A morphological study and literature review were made in order to solve these problems. Our study resulted in an anatomic glossary with 49 terms that presented a large number of synonyms and polysemies. The glossary standardizes the terms used in the Bethylidae mesopleuron and in other Hymenoptera groups, which will facilitate hypotheses of primary homology in comparative biology.