Meria, Kimsey, 2011

Kimsey, Lynn S., 2011, Tiphiidae wasps of Madagascar (Hymenoptera, Tiphiidae), Journal of Hymenoptera Research 22, pp. 45-68 : 50

Genus Meria Illiger Fig. 5

Meria Illiger 1807:194.

Type species:

Tiphia tripunctata Rossi 1790. Monobasic.

Discussion.

This is a widespread genus found throughout the Palearctic and Afrotropical Regions. Meria species are sexually dimorphic, as are members of the genera Mesa and Myzinella . Males are elongate and slender with straight, cylindrical antennae. Females are heavy-bodied, with coiled antennae. Males also have the distinctive hook-like apical metasomal sternum (uncus) found in other myzinines. Meria males can be distinguished from Mesa and Myzinella by the short, broad metasomal sternum I and petiolate forewing submarginal cell. Hosts are unknown.

Key to species of Meria (males)

1	Scape with densely pitted band on upper surface extending to apex; volsella with strong processes on inner surface	Meria luteipes Bartalucci
-	Scape without densely pitted band on upper surface extending to apex; volsella without processes on inner surface	2
2	Anterior margin of scutum thickened, elevated; metasoma strongly constricted between segments	Meria gradilis Bartalucci
-	Anterior margin of scutum not thickened or elevated; metasoma not strongly constricted between segments	Meria vonizongo Krombein

Checklist of Meria species

1. Meria gradilis Bartalucci 2005:1087. Holotype male; Madagascar: Toliara, Toliara-Sakaraha Flusstal, 9 km vor Sakaraha (VIENNA). Distribution: Toliara Prov.

2. Meria luteipes Bartalucci 2005:1086. Holotype male; Madagascar: Toliara, Toliara-Sakaraha Flusstal, 9 km vor Sakaraha (VIENNA). Distribution: Toliara Prov.

3. Meria vonizongo Krombein 1949:57. Holotype male; Madagascar: Tananarive (ITHACA). Distribution: Fianarantsoa and Toliara Provinces.

Figures

Figures 1 - 6. Lateral view of males. 1 Methocha 2 Anthobosca 3 Tiphia (uncus obscured by genital capsule shown in inset) 4 Mesa 5 Meria 6 Myzinella.