Hedychridium kimseyae ( Soliman, 2013 )

Rosa, Paolo, 2024, New teratological cases in cuckoo wasps, with synonymization of Oligogaster Soliman & Kimsey (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae), Zootaxa 5424 (2), pp. 225-233 : 226

Hedychridium kimseyae ( Soliman, 2013)

Fig. 1A‒C

Oligogaster kimseyae Soliman, 2013: 199 . Holotype ♀; Egypt: Wadi el Natrun, Beheira, Lower Nile Valley , 30°22’22”N 30°20’48”E, 18.vii.2003, leg. A.M. Soliman (EFC).

Given the aberrant nature of Hedychridium kimseyae , there are still opportunities for various analyses. This species shares similarities with the Central Asian Hedychridium eupraxiae Semenov-Tian-Shanskji, 1954, particularly for head profile, metasomal punctation, and metasomal apical margin. However, notable distinctions exist, such as the broadly cross-ridged scapal basin and body coloration. H. kimseyae displays a mesoscutellum-metanotum color congruence and non-metallic yellowish tibiae, whereas H. eupraxiae features a punctate scapal basin, green metanotum contrasting with the cupreous mesonotum, and metallic green tibiae. The tarsal claws in H. eupraxiae appear simple and enlarged in the basal half based on available images. However, it is necessary to double-check the type to verify this character. Considering these distinctive features and conducting a comparative analysis with other species documented in northern Africa ( Linsenmaier 1999), I propose recognizing H. kimseyae as a valid species. However, further examination of additional specimens from both sexes is necessary to confirm this classification.

Figures

FIGURE 1. Oligogaster kimseyae Soliman, 2013, female, holotype.A) Head and mesosoma, dorsal view. B–C) Metasoma: B) dorsal view, C) lateral view. D) Labels. Images © by A. Soliman.