Notes on the biology, morphology and generic placement of “Hellwigia” obscura Gravenhorst (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae, Ophioninae)

Abstract

The ophionine ichneumonid known as Hellwigia obscura has been reared for the first time, from larvae of Horisme sp. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) feeding on Clematis vitalba in The Netherlands. The cocoon and the parasitoid’s means of emergence are figured, as are some features of the adult. On a balance of morphological grounds, including some already discussed in the literature, it is proposed that “Hellwigia” obscura should be excluded from Hellwigia and instead be ascribed to the genus Heinrichiella stat. rev. as Heinrichiella obscura comb. n. Reasons for this change as well as for preferring this generic name to Protohellwigia Brues are given