Pholetesor Species

Whitfield, James B., 2006, Revision of the Nearctic species of the genus Pholetesor Mason (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Zootaxa 1144 (1), pp. 1-94 : 13-17

Key to Females of Nearctic Pholetesor Species

It has not been possible to provide a reliable key to the males of all species. Many distinctive males may be run through the key easily but some coloration and metasomal tergite shape characters are unreliable or even positively misleading for males. The best strategy, assuming there are no associated females, is to use the species group diagnoses to place the males to species group, and then compare the descriptions of the included species, paying special attention to the male characters. Male genitalia are useful for distinguishing between species groups but have been found to be difficult to use in identifying species.

1) Third tergite of metasoma nearly or entirely covered in coarse sculpturing ................ 2

­ Third tergite sculptured only anteromedially or not at all............................................. 9

2) Tegulae pale yellowish­brown; ovipositor sheaths slender and usually weakly decurved ( figs. 74, 75, 77 ); hypopygium evenly sclerotized and pigmented to medial fold ....................................................................................................................................... 3

­ Tegulae deep brown; ovipositor sheaths variable but not usually both slender and decurved; hypopygium sometimes submedially creased, setting off more weakly sclerotized and translucent medial fold ............................................................................... 4

3) First tergite of metasoma about 1.3x longer than posteriorly broad, becoming broader posteriorly ( fig. 54 ) ........................................................................... .. caloptiliae , n. sp.

­ First tergite of metasoma more slender, usually about 2.0x as long as posteriorly broad, usually more or less parallel­sided to very weakly narrowing posteriorly ( fig. 55 ) ....... ..................................................................................................... ornigis (Weed) , in part

4) Fourth tergite of matasoma functionally fused to third, separated from third by a crenulate furrow and strongly scultpured ( fig. 39 ) ............................... masneri (Mason)

­ Fourth tergite unsculptured, overlapped by third ......................................................... 5

5) Propodeum with broad, strongly carinated pentagonal areola and transverse carinae on weakly sculptured background ( fig. 35 ).............................. bucculatricis (Muesebeck)

­ Propodeum with either weak or indistinct (usually narrower) areola, areola suggested only posteriorly, areola nearly obscured by surrounding rugosity or areola completely absent............................................................................................................................6

6) Hypopygium evenly sclerotized, pigmented and hairy to medial fold ...... zelleriae , n. sp.

­ Hypopygium weakly creased submedially, setting off medial, more translucent (sometimes hairless) and flexible fold .................................................................................... 7

7) Ovipositor sheaths in profile more strongly curved dorsally than ventrally ( fig. 65 ); 2r and 1Rs of fore wing meeting at sharp angle ( fig. 22 ); 2r often much shorter than 1Rs ........................................................................................................ rhygoplitoides , n. sp.

­ Ovipositor sheaths in profile more strongly curved ventrally than dorsally ( figs. 63, 64 ); 2r and 1Rs of fore wing meeting at a less sharp angle ( figs. 20, 21 ; 2r rarely equal to or shorter than 1Rs ................................................................................................... 8

8) Inner hind tibial spur at least 1.2x as long as outer, reaching to or beyond middle of hind basitarsus; ovipositor sheaths broadest at about midlength of expanded hairy portions ( fig. 63 ); propodeum sometimes with weakly carinated areola evident................. ................................................................................................................. dixianus , n. sp.

­ Inner and outer hind tibial spurs virtually equal in length, not more than 0.4x as long as hind basitarsus; ovipositor sheaths broadest nearer tip of expanded hairy portions ( fig. 64 ); propodeum without areolar carinae ........................................... pinifoliellae , n. sp.

9) Hypopygium evenly sclerotized to medial fold, not strongly produced medially at tip ..................................................................................................................................... 10

­ Hypopygium weakly creased submedially, somewhat more transparent and flexible (often hairless) in medial fold than elsewhere, with tip often produced medially ..... 18

10) Tegulae light yellow­brown......................................................................................... 13

­ Tegulae deep brown to black ...................................................................................... 11

11) Ovipositor sheaths arising near or above midheight of valvifers, strongly exserted in most specimens, with hairy, expanded distal portions weakly decurved and usually as long as or longer than hind basitarsus ( fig. 74 ); inner hind tibial spur at least 1.2x as long as outer; first metasomal tergite weakly to strongly narrowing posteriorly (often as in fig. 57 ) ................................................................................. salicifoliellae (Mason)

­ Ovipositor sheaths arising low on valvifers, only partially exserted in some specimens, with expanded distal portions roughly fusiform and usually much shorter than hind basitarsus ( figs. 62, 71 ); hind tibial spurs short, subequal in length; first metasomal tergite almost always parallel­sided to broadening posteriorly ( figs. 42, 51 ) ............ 12

12) Propodeum coarsely rugose, usually with superimposed carinae forming oval to narrow pentagonal areola and transverse carinae ( fig. 36 ); maxillary palpi usually moderately darkened; fringe of vannal lobe of hind wing long (as long as posterior fringe of wing near wing apex or longer)............................................................... .. masoni , n. sp.

­ Propodeum with posterolateral corners sunken and more finely sculptured and polished than medial region, medially strongly raised in vaguely pentagonal shape, suggesting ill­defined areola; maxillary palpi almost entirely very pale yellowish; fringe of vannal lobe shorter than remaining fringe of hind wing, at least over most of distal half ................................................................................................ rohweri (Muesebeck)

13) First and second tergites of metasoma polished, nearly sculptureless ........................ 14

­ First and second tergites strongly sculptured over most of surface in granular, rugulose or aciculate pattern ......................................................................................................15

14) ...Metacarp (R1) of fore wing shorter than or equal in length with stigma and no more than twice as long as distance from its distal end to end of 3Rs fold along wing edge ( fig. 32 ); second metasomal tergite often yellowish ............................... pedias (Nixon)

­ Metacarp clearly longer than stigma and at least 3x as long as distance from its distal end to end of 3Rsfold along wing edge ( fig. 31 ); second metasomal tergite dark brown to black in available nearctic material (variable in Europe) ......... circumscriptus (Nees)

15) First tergite of metasoma less than 1.4x as long as posteriorly broad, clearly broadening posteriorly ( fig. 54 ); third tergite usually extensively sculptured beyond anteromedial border; metacarp (R1) usually about 7x as long as distance from its distal end to end of 3Rs fold along wing edge ( fig. 27 ); ovipositor sheaths reaching maximum breadth at about 2/3 of their lengths, usually appearing blunt­tipped ( fig. 74 ) .............. ............................................................................................................. caloptiliae , n. sp.

­ First tergite more slender, usually more than 1.7x as long as posteriorly broad, very weakly broadening to strongly narrowing posteriorly ( figs. 55, 56, 57 ); third tergite usually anteromedially sculptured but area of sculpturing rarely extending over much of tergite; metacarp not so long, usually no more than 5x as long as distance from its distal end to end of 3Rs along wing edge ( figs. 28, 29, 30 ); ovipositor sheaths evenly broadening to maximum breadth just before beveled, bluntly­pointed tip ( figs. 75, 76, 77 ) ..................................................................................................................................... 16

16) Lateral margins of first metasomal tergite nearly parallel­sided, weakly curved, rarely noticeably diverging or converging posteriorly ( fig. 55 ); second tergite with rounded anterolateral corners and straight posterior margin, usually less than 2.4x as broad posteriorly as medially long and nearly as long as third tergum medially ... ornigis (Weed)

­ Lateral margins of first metasomal tergite clearly converging posteriorly, at least over posterior half ( figs. 56, 57 ); second tergite either medially clearly shorter than third tergum and often with weakly concave posterior margin, or strongly triangular, with posteriorly diverging sides .......................................................................................... 17

17) Posterior margin of second metasomal tergite usually weakly concave; second tergite 2.3–2.7x as broad posteriorly as medially long and shorter than third tergum medially; first tergite with weakly arched lateral margins, more strongly converging posteriorly ( fig. 57 ); stigma uniformly dark grey­brown; hind coxae mostly dark brown to black. ..................................................................................................... salicifoliellae (Mason)

­ Posterior margin of second metasomal tergite straight; second tergite usually less than 2.2x as broad posteriorly as long medially, often as long as third tergum; firsat tergite oftenwithnearly straight,evenlyconverginglateral margins( fig.56 );stigma nearly always suffused with extensive pale yellower areas; hind coxae nearly always yellow­brown to yellow­orange over most of distal portions .................................... salalicus (Mason)

18) Ovipositor sheaths short, broadened abruptly into asymmetrical spatulate form ( fig. 73 ); posterior margin of second metasomal tergite medially convex; first metasomal tergite usually clearly narrowing posteriorly ( fig. 53 ) .............. viminetorum (Wesmael)

­ Ovipositor sheaths fusiform or at least more elongate, occasionally more or less parallel­sided and short but not broadened and spatulate (fis. 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72); posterior margin of second tergite usually not strongly convex medially; first tergite variable ( figs. 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52 ) .......................................................................... 19

19) First tergite of metasoma as broad at widest point as long medially, or nearly so (often broader); second tergite about 2.5x as broad posteriorly as long medially, or less broad ( fig. 52 ); ovipositor sheaths short, with more or less fusiform expanded hairy portions ( fig. 72 ) .................................................................................................. variabilis , n. sp.

­ First tergite at least 1.4x as long as broad at broadest point; second tergite usually more than 2.5x as broad posteriorly as medially long ( figs. 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 ); ovipositor sheaths variable ( figs. 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 ).................................................................... 20

20) Tegulae pale yellowish, translucent; metasoma shortened and hind coxae somewhat enlarged so that distal ends of hind coxae reach nearly to posterior end of third metasomal tergum ( fig. 68 ); ovipositor sheaths about 2/3 length of hind basitarsi, more or less parallel­sided over most of length ( fig. 68 )......................................... longicoxis , n. sp.

­ Tegulae dark brown, sometimes translucent but not pale; metasoma not strongly shortened; hind coxae not reaching beyond second metasomal tergite; ovipositor sheaths longer than hind basitarsi or broadest near apex and not parallel­sided ..................... 21

21) Ovipositor sheaths about 0.75 as long as hind tibiae, broadly fusiform but much more strongly convex ventrally than dorsally in profile ( fig. 69 ); fore wing length greater than 2.5 mm ............................................................................................... powelli , n. sp.

­ Ovipositor sheaths either much shorter, not more than half of hind tibial length or more strongly convex dorsally than ventrally in profile or not broadly fusiform ( figs. 66, 67, 70 ); fore wing length usually less than 2.5 mm .............................................. 22

22) First metasomal tergite strongly narrowing posteriorly, about 1.5x as broad anteriorly as posteriorly; second tergite transverse, subtriangular, with fine longitudinal, diverging aciculations over most of surface ( fig. 47 )............................. chiricahuensis , n. sp.

­ First tergite more or less barrel­shaped, not much broader or narrower posteriorly than anteriorly; second tergite, if longitudinally aciculate, at least with rounded anterolateral corners and more quadrate ( figs. 46, 50 ).............................................................. 23

23) Expanded portions of ovipositor sheaths clearly longer than hind basitarsi; second metasomal tergite usually about 2.2x as broad posteriorly as long medially (or broader) ( fig. 50 ) .................................................................................... thuiellae , n. sp.

­ Expanded portions of ovipositor sheaths shorter than hind basitarsi; second metasomal tergite usually 2.0–2.1x as broad posteriorly as long medially ( fig. 46 )......................... ......................................................................................................... bedelliae (Viereck)

Figures

FIGURES 72–78. Ovipositor apparati, lateral view, of: 72, Pholetesor variabilis Whitfield; 73, P. viminetorum (Wesmael); 74, P. caloptiliae Whitfield; 75, P. ornigis (Weed); 76, P. salalicus (Mason); 77, Pholetesor salicifoliellae (Mason); 78, P. pedias (Nixon).

FIGURES 39–59. Anterior metasomal tergites, dorsal view, of: 39, Pholetesor masneri (Mason); 40, P. bucculatricis (Muesebeck); 41, P. zelleriae Whitfield; 42, P. masoni Whitfield; 43, P. dixianus Whitfield; 44, P. pinifoliellae Whitfield; 45, Pholetesor rhygoplitoides Whitfield; 46, P. bedelliae (Viereck); 47, P. chiricahuensis Whitfield; 48, P. longicoxis Whitfield; 49, P. powelli Whitfield; 50, P. thuiellae Whitfield; 51, P. rohweri (Muesebeck); 52, P. variabilis Whitfield; 53, P. viminetorum (Wesmael); 54, P. caloptiliae Whitfield; 55, Pholetesor ornigis (Weed); 56, P. salalicus (Mason); 57, P. salicifoliellae (Mason); 58, Pholetesor circumscriptus (Nees); 59, P. pedias (Nixon).

FIGURES 33–38. 33: metanotum of Pholetesor bucculatricis (Muesebeck), showing slight retraction from scutellum; 34: metanotum of P. salalicus (Mason), showing strong retraction from scutellum. Both FIGURES 400x. 35: propodeum and anterior metasomal tergites of P. bucculatricis (Muesebeck), dorsal view, 97.5x. 36: propodeum and anterior metasomal tergites of P. masoni Whitfield, dorsal view. 120x. 37: propodeum and anterior metasomal tergites of P. bedelliae (Viereck), dorsal view, 120x. 38: propodeum and anterior metasomal tergites of P. salalicus (Mason), dorsal view, 120x.

FIGURES 60–71. 60–62, Ovipositor apparati, lateral view, of: 60, Pholetesor bucculatricis (Muesebeck); 61, P. zelleriae Whitfield; 62, P. masoni Whitfield. 63–65: Apex of female metasoma, lateral view, of: 63, P. dixianus Whitfield; 64, P. pinifoliellae Whitfield; 65, P. rhygoplitoides Whitfield. 66: Ovipositor apparatus, lateral view, of P. bedelliae (Viereck). 67, 68: Apex of female metasoma, lateral view, of: 67, P. chiricahuensis Whitfield; 68, P. longicoxis Whitfield. 69: Ovipositor apparatus, lateral view, of P. powelli Whitfield. 70, 71: Apex of female metasoma, lateral view, of: 70, P. thuiellae Whitfield; 71, P. rohweri (Muesebeck).

FIGURES 22–26. Forewings of: 22, Pholetesor rhygoplitoides Whitfield; 23, P. bedelliae (Viereck); 24, P. powelli Whitfield; 25, P. variabilis Whitfield; 26, P.viminetorum(Wesmael).

FIGURES 17–21. Forewings of: 17, Pholetesor bucculatricis (Muesebeck); 18, P. zelleriae Whitfield; 19, P. masoni Whitfield; 20, P. dixianus Whitfield; 21, P. pinifoliellae Whitfield.

FIGURES 1–8. 1: anterior view of Pholetesor head. (cp—clypeus; fl—flagellomere 1; fr—frons; mp—maxillary palp; pc—pedicel; sc—scape). Length of frons measured from midpoint between antennal bases to upper edge of clypeus. 2: dorsal view of Pholetesor head. Scale lines indicate measured dimensions. 3 & 4: mesosoma of Pholetesor: 3, dorsal view; 4, lateral view. (at—axillary troughs; ms—mesoscutum; n1—pronotum; n3—metanotum; pr—propodeum; p1—propleuron; p2—mesopleuron; p3—metapleuron; sd—scutellar disc; sl—ascutellar lunule; ssc—scutoscutellar scrobe; tg—tegula). 5 & 6: metasoma of Pholetesor: 5, lateral view; 6, dorsal view. (T1, T2 ....— tergites 1, 2 ...; S1, S2 ...sternites 1, 2 ...; ltl—laterotergite 1; lt2—laterotergite 2; hp—hypopygium; os—ovipositor sheath; ov—ovipositor). 7: final instar larval head sclerites. (hs—hypostoma; ls— labial setae; lsc—labial sclerite; md—mandibles; ms—maxillary setae; ss—stipital sclerite). 8: male genitalia, ventral view; 16—ovipositor apparatus, lateral view. (aedeagus; dg—digitus; gb— gonobase; pm—paramere; vs—volsella).

FIGURES 27–32. Forewings of: 27, Pholetesor caloptiliae Whitfield; 28, P. ornigis (Weed); 29, P. salalicus (Mason); 30, P. salicifoliellae (Mason); 31, P. circumscriptus (Nees); 32, P. pedias (Nixon).