Plectocynipinae, Ros-Farre and Pujade-Villar, 2007

Buffington, Matthew L., Forshage, Mattias, Liljeblad, Johan, Tang, Chang-Ti & Noort, Simon van, 2020, World Cynipoidea (Hymenoptera): A Key to Higher- Level Groups, Insect Systematics and Diversity 4 (2020), No. 1, pp. 1-69 : 62

Plectocynipinae

Figs. 269–273

This is another small group of gall-associated Figitidae that were considered members of the informal ‘figitoid inquiline’ group of Ronquist (1994; 1999). Ros-Farré and Pujade-Villar (2007) moved both Plectocynips and Pegascynips to Plectocynipinae . The group is very small, and is strongly associated with galls on Nothofagus forests in temperate South America. While rare in collections, relatively large numbers can be obtained from careful rearing of galls, or canopy fogging Nothofagus .

Biology. Associated with Aditrochus species (Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae : Ormocerinae ) and unidentified hymenopterous gallers on Nothofagus spp. ( Fagaceae ).

Distribution. Neotropical Region; temperate South America.

Relevant literature. Weld (1952) moved Pegascynips from Liopteridae to Figitidae . Ros-Farré and Pujade-Villar (2007) described the subfamily. Buffington and Nieves-Aldrey (2011) revised the subfamily. Buffington et al. (2007, 2012) investigated the phylogeny of the group.

Classification.

Plectocynipinae Ros-Farré and Pujade-Villar, 2007

Araucocynips Buffington and Nieves-Aldrey, 2011 ; 2 species NT Pegascynips Brèthes, 1928 ; 1 species NT

Plectocynips Díaz, 1976 ; 3 species NT