Parnipinae, Ronquist and Nieves-Aldrey, 2001

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 : 61

Parnipinae

Figs. 267 and 268

This monotypic subfamily has been the focus of a great deal of research on the evolution of Figitidae and Cynipidae . Originally classified as a cynipid, Parnips was later elevated to its own subfamily of Figitidae , and has been hypothesized as being the sister-group to the rest of Figitidae ( Ronquist and Nieves-Aldrey 2001; Buffington et al. 2007). This unusual genus are parastoids of gall wasps ( Aylacini ) in Papaver (Papaveraceae) flowers in the Mediterranean. While usually rare in collections, Parnips can be readily obtained from Barbotinia - infested Papaver flowers.

Biology. Primary parasitoid of Aylacine gall wasps in Papaver .

Distribution. Palearctic Region; Mediterranean.

Relevant literature. Ronquist and Nieves-Aldrey (2001) described the subfamily; Buffington et al. (2007, 2012) provided phylogenetic data. Ronquist et al. (2018) summarized and added new knowledge.

Classification.

Parnipinae Ronquist and Nieves-Aldrey, 2001

Parnips Ronquist and Nieves-Aldrey, 2001 ; 1 species described from the Mediterranean, 1 undescribed known.