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Issue: Vol. 2932 No. 1: 28 Jun. 2011
Type: Articles
Published: 2011-06-28
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.2932.1.2
Page range: 24–32
Abstract views: 27
PDF downloaded: 2

Kiwigaster gen. nov. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from New Zealand: the first Microgastrinae with sexual dimorphism in number of antennal segments

Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G2W1, Canada
New Zealand Arthropod Collection, Landcare Research, Private Bag 92170, Auckland, New Zealand
Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 61801 USA
Hymenoptera Braconidae Microgastrinae New Zealand sexual dimorphism antennae

Abstract

A new and morphologically unusual genus of microgastrine Braconidae, Kiwigaster Fernandez-Triana, Whitfield and Ward, with one new species, K. variabilis Fernandez-Triana and Ward, is described from New Zealand, where it is widespread. A number of morphological features mark it as unique among Microgastrinae, the most striking being the males and females having different numbers of antennal flagellomeres (females 17, males 18). Other unusual characters suggest this may be the most early-diverging extant species of the subfamily, although comprehensive phylogenetic analyses have yet to be conducted. Nothing is yet known about its host(s) or other aspects of its biology.

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