Chalinus albitibialis Vilhelmsen, 2005

Vilhelmsen, Lars, 2005, Chalinus albitibialis, a new species of Orussidae (Insecta, Hymenoptera) from Morocco, Zootaxa 880 (1), pp. 1-7 : 2-4

Chalinus albitibialis Vilhelmsen , new species

( Figs 1–5 )

Type. Holotype female. MOROCCO. Zagora , Oulad Driss, 29.821º N, 5.669º W, Mt. 800m, iv.2001, ex. Tamarix , M. + D. + R. Gigli leg. Paratype female, same data as holotype. Depository : Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen .

Etymology. The species name refers to the extensive white marking on the hind tibia.

Description. Based on holotype, unless otherwise noted. Body length: 13.2 mm [paratype 9.8 mm]. Colour: Body metallic blue­green ( Fig. 1 ), except posteroventrally on abdomen, where at least T9 dark brown to black. Antenna and mouthparts dark brown to black. Femora metallic blue­green [paratype with mid and hind femur more brownish]. Fore tibia metallic blue­green basally, dark brown distally. Mid tibia and all tarsi light to dark brown. Hind tibia posteriorly with creamy white band extending from base almost to apex ( Fig. 4 ), otherwise dark brown. Fore wing predominantly hyaline, with slightly infuscate area extending from just distally of pterostigma to apex ( Fig. 5 ). Venation dark brown [partly more weakly coloured in paratype] Head ( Fig. 2 ): median longitudinal frontal carina well developed and converging, not reaching ventral transverse frontal carina. Ventral transverse frontal carina with slight incurvation medially. Pilosity posteriorly of eye well developed [less developed in paratype]. Postocular carina well developed. Head capsule in ventral view with posteroventral margins converging in a distinct angle. Antenna with scapus flattened, curved, without distinct anteromedian projection opposite base of A2. Remaining antennomeres not flattened or constricted basally. Stout elongate hairs densely placed on A3–7 and ventrally on A8–9. Maxillary and labial palps very reduced. Thorax ( Fig. 3, 4 ): Pronotum with anterodorsal rim raised, sculptured posteriorly of transverse groove and throughout anterolaterally. Mesoscutum with axillar flange not projecting distinctly, being parallel with lateral margin of mesoscutellum. Mesoscutellar sulcus well developed and continuous anteriorly of mesoscutellum. Hind coxa with only scattered hairs laterally. Hind femur smooth ventrally. Hind tibia without lateral carina proximally, 8–9 pegs present dorsally in single row; two short, well developed apical spurs present, being subequal in length. Fore wing ( Fig. 5 ): Vein 2r arising from middle of pterostigma and curving gently into vein Rs. Discal cell slightly longer proximally than distally, almost reaching vein R dorsally, vein 1r­Rs very short. Vein 2r­m situated distally of distal end of pterostigma. Abdomen: Posterior margin of T8 almost straight. T9 with a pair of raised areas with sparse sculpture posterolaterally.

Male. Unknown.

Biology. Both specimens were reared from Tamarix sp. (Tamaricaceae) branches of approximately 5 cm diameter. Larvae of Buprestis bilyi Novak & Kuban (Buprestidae) were found in the same branches. This is the second putative host association reported for Chalinus spp. , the other being a specimen of C. somalicus Guiglia from wood infested with cerambycids ( Vilhelmsen 2001).

Figures

FIGURES 1–5. Chalinus albitibialis Vilhelmsen, new species. 1 Holotype, lateral view. 2 Holotype, head anterior view. 3. Holotype, thorax dorsal view. 4. Holotype, hind tibia lateral view. 5. Paratype, fore wing dorsal view.