Review of metanotal sculpture of aphidiine wasps (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae)

Abstract

Morphological data on metanotal sculpture of aphidiine wasps (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae), are reviewed based on the specimens collected in Ukraine. Specimens of 20 species of 13 genera were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. Differences in menatonal morphology appear diagnostic for some genera or generic groups, such as tribes and subtribes. Seven general types of metanotal sculpture were distinguished. The proposed diagnostic characters are: The relative proportions of the metanotum and its parts (metascutellum, metascutellar arms), the shape and setation of the metascutellum, the number and form of the carinae arising from the base of metascutellum toward the mesoscutellum. To facilitate describing the structure of the metanotum in Aphidiinae, following measurements were established: The length and width of the metanotum and the metascutellum, the length of the metascutellar arms. The discovered characters could be used as additional diagnostic tools for aphidiine identification, and perhaps also in studies on their evolution and phylogeny.