Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 62: 109-1 59. With 43 figures
February 1978
A revision of the dinocarsiine Encyrtidae with a
study of the genus Pelmatencyrtus De Santis
(Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea)
G. J. KERRICH*
Tangley Corner, Chilworth, Guildford. GU4 8LZ
Accepted f o r publication March 1 9 76
This paper constitutes a revisionary treatment of the Encyrtid subtribe Dinocarsiina as defined
by Kerrich (1967). The genera there listed are studied, together with Praleurocerus Agarwal and
Aeptencyrtus De Santis, which are here included. Encyrtolophus De Santis is treated as a
subgenus of Chrysoplatycerus Ashmead although it is very distinct from t h e type species of that
genus. A new genus is proposed for Tropidophryne .flandersi Compere. All s p e c k are
redescribed with the exception of two belonging t o monotypic genera. Five species are
described as new.
CONTENTS
. . . . . . . . .
Introduction
Key t o genera of the Dinocarsiina, females
Genus Dinocarsis Forster
. . .
Genus Dicarnosis Mercet
. . .
Genus Praleurocerus Agarwal
. .
Genus Zarhopalus Ashmead
. .
Genus Acroaspidia Compere & Zinna
Genus Coelaspidia Timberlake
. .
Genus Aepfencyrtus De Santis
.
Genus Chrysoplatycerus Ashmead
. .
Genus Hambletonia Compere
Genus Austrotropidia gen. nov.
.
Genus Tropidophryne Compere
.
Genus Neoplatycerus Subba Rao
.
Genus Zaplatycerus Timberlake
.
Genus Pelmatencyrtus De Santis
.
Acknowledgements
. . . . . . .
References
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109
111
114
115
123
126
131
133
134
136
142
143
145
150
152
155
158
158
INTRODUCTION
The present author (1967) gave a classification of the Encyrtidae in which
the tribe Tetracnemini, there termed the Anagyrini, was divided into five
subtribes, which were characterized. To two of these, reference was made to
Entomologist (retired), Commonwealth Institute of Entomology.
8
109
110
G. J. KERRICH
earlier work, and some additional genera were attributed. A key was given to
the genera regarded as belonging t o the Tetracnemina, there termed the
Ericydnina, together with a discussion of some of these genera and a revision of
the species of others. For an explanation of these nomenclatural changes, see
Kerrich (1974). A revision of the genera and species of the Aenasiina, based on
female specimens, is believed to have been complete to date.
It was stated that a study was planned of the genera belonging to the
Dinocarsiina, and the present paper is the fulfillment of this plan. To the genera
listed in 1967 are now added Praleurocerus Agarwal, 1974* (= Paraleurocerus
Agarwal, 1966 non Girault, 1915) and Aeptencyrtus De Santis, 1964. The
position of Encyrtolophus De Santis, 1972 is discussed. A new genus is
proposed for the Australian species Tropidophryne flandersi Compere, 1933.
Based on female material, this work is held to constitute a complete revision of
the genera and species of the subtribe, except that the surviving material of
Tropidophryne palestinensis Rivnay, 1945 is inadequate for similar comparative study. The genus Pelmatencyrtus De Santis, 1964 is regarded as highly
peculiar and is discussed and illustrated in conclusion.
Trjapitsin (1968, 197 3) who, in the earlier paper raised the Tetracnemini to
subfamily rank, has divided this group quite otherwise, making a much larger
number of subdivisions and relating some of the genera differently. I continue,
however, t o regard the five subtribes as defined in my 1967 paper as
constituting valid natural groupings.
In the treatment of species that follows, only the female specimens have
been studied and described, except for the genus Dicarnosis Mercet.
For descriptive technique, reference may be made to Kerrich (1967: 146).
Proportions of head structures cited were measured in the view illustrated in
numerous figures. Except as otherwise stated, figures were drawn with the aid
of a squared eyepiece on graph paper and are to the same scale. All were drawn
by the author.
Abbreviations of names of Institutes and of Institutions in which type and
other material is deposited are as follows:
BMNH
CI E
CI BC
USNM, Washington
BPBM, Honolulu
IEE, Madrid
ZI, Leningrad
IARI, New Delhi
British Museum (Natural History)
Commonwealth Institute of Entomology
Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control
United States National Museum
Bernice P. Bishop Museum
Instituto Espaiiol de Entomologia
Zoological Institute, Academy of Sciences of the U.S.S.R.
Indian Agricultural Research Institute
Subtribe
D I N OCA RSIINA
Tetracnemini (= Ectromini Auctt., Anagyrini sec Kerrich, 1967, Tetracneminae Trjapitsin, 1968) characterized as follows. Head rather strongly
sclerotized, broadened, usually with the facial area sunk and bordered by a
short ridge: paratergites broad, at least in part: in most genera submarginal vein
running up to junction of postmarginal and radial, with marginal punctiform or
absent, but in the first three genera treated below, in which the margin of the
This author, Man Mohan Agarwal, has sometimes been cited as Man Mohan.
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
111
facial impression is not sharp, the marginal vein distinct but not contiguous
with the wing margin and the postmarginal absent or vestigial (Fig. 6).
Mandibles regularly or irregularly bidentate, or else tridentate, either with the
middle tooth much the longest as in some Aenasiina, or else with the
uppermost tooth small and obscure.
KEY TO GENERA OF THE DINOCARSIINA: FEMALES
1. Antenna1 scrobes well developed, meeting above, but the facial
impression, though well developed, nowhere sharply margined: in
macropterous forms marginal vein not contiguous with costal margin
but very distinct, about twice as long as broad, the radial more or less
straight and the postmarginal absent or vestigial, the wing in European
forms generally fasciated (Fig. 6; Trjapitsin, 1965: figs 11-13 ; Graham,
1966: fig. 1): antennae with no funicle segment very short, at least the
first nearly as long as broad, usually longer, and with club more or less
distinctly 3-segmented (Figs 8 to 1 3 ) : frontovertex and dorsum of
thorax matt through sirong, regular, reticulate micro-sculpture: body
sparsely beset with very conspicuous, broad white hairs: scutellum with
. . . 2
no apical hair-tuft: [mandibles bidentate] : holarctic, India
Facial impression with a sharp projecting margin which is usually
continuous above and at sides: in macropterous forms the submarginal
vein running up to the junction of the radial and postmarginal or almost
so, the marginal thus almost punctiform to virtually absent, the radial
often strongly curved and the postmarginal usually long, but at least
distinctly longer than broad (e.g. Fig. 18): antennae with funicle
segments usually very much broader than long, the first always so, and
with club solid o r 2-segmented: microsculpture, where present on
frontovertex and dorsum of thorax, generally less outstanding: if the
body is beset with broad white hairs, the scutellum bears a sub-apical
hair-tuft : extra-European
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2. Head strongly transverse, with frontovertex nearly twice width of an
eye and ocelli in a very strongly obtuse triangle (Fig. 1 ) : toruli not near
mouth: scape extending well above top of head: all funicle segments
much longer than broad: [antennal club mainly brownish-black or
steel-grey : mandibles with subequal, acute teeth] : Europe including
U.S.S.R.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dinocamis Forster
Head of normal shape, with frontovertex less than l+ times width of an
eye and ocelli in an equilateral to moderately strongly obtuse triangle
(Figs 2 and 3): toruli much nearer mouth: scape not reaching top of
head: at least funicle segments 3-6 not or not much longer than broad
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
(Figs 8 to 1 3 )
3. Scape well over twice length of its greatest breadth and club more or
less sharp-pointed at apex, white (Figs 8 to 12): scutellum not or hardly
laminate at apex: fore femora not markedly broadened nor emarginate
beneath: mandibles with subequal, acute teeth: holarctic
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dicarnosis Mercet
Scape less than twice length of its greatest breadth and club bluntly
rounded at apex, steel-grey (Fig. 1 3 ) : scutellum strongly laminate at
112
G . J. KERRICH
apex, overhanging about half the first large tergite: fore femora strongly
broadened and very distinctly emarginate beneath (Fig. 7): mandibles
. . Praleurocerus Agarwal
having upper tooth much the larger: India
4. Facial impression margined by a sharp fold or ridge at sides but usually
by a blunt fold above, though in one species by a continuous ridge:
scutellum of normal form and convexity, strongly shining, with rather
fine and rather sparse to very fine and very sparse piliferous punctures
in middle, smooth at sides, with no hair-tuft but a subapical row of fine
hairs (Fig. 17): postmarginal and radial veins both long, the radial a
little the longer, decidedly curved and emitted at a very acute angle
with the postmarginal (Fig. 18): [antennae not very strongly compressed, with pedicellus of normal form (Figs 14 to 16): mandibles
tridentate, the median tooth much the longest, slender: head and
dorsum of thorax predominantly medium green, dark green or bluish] :
Neotropics, U. S.A. . . . . . . . . . . . Zarhopalus Ashmead
Facial impression with a projecting sharp margin which is usually
continuous at sides and above: if the scutellum is of normal form and
. . . . . . . . . . . . 5
convexity, the venation is otherwise
5 . Brachypterous: scutelium not of normal form and with a subapical row
or tuft of stout hairs: frontovertex at least nearly a third the total head
width: mandibles tridentate, the median tooth much the longest,
slender: mesoscutum not as described for Ckrysoplutycerus Ashmead
(couplet 8): Neotropics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Macropterous: if the scutellum is not of more or less normal form, the
frontovertex is much less than a third the total head width: mandibles
otherwise (but cf. Zuplutycerus Timberlake, couplet 12)
. . . . 8
6. Frontovertex with strong reticulate microsculpture, a little narrower
than an eye (12 : 13), with ocelli in a very decidedly acute triangle:
antennal club 2-segmented, nearly three times as long as broad:
scutellum almost diamond-shaped, very narrowly sub-truncate behind,
the sides and back abruptly declivous, the disc rather strongly convex,
with a moderately strong but not dense sub-apical tuft of setae: fore
wing rudiments much longer than in alternate, reaching about to
posterior margin of propodeum
. . . Acroaspidia Compere & Zinna
Frontovertex rather shining, with fine irregular reticulate microsculpture or alutaceous, broader than an eye, with ocelli in a slightly
acute to slightly obtuse triangle: antennal club solid, about twice or less
as long as broad: scutellum slightly concave, pentagonal, broadly
rounded at apex: fore wing rudiments very short, reaching about to
apex of metanotum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7. Head hypognathous, distinctly higher than long (Fig. 19): frontovertex
a little broader than an eye: antenna (Fig. 21) having scape strongly
laminately expanded below, with outer fold broad, having pedicellus
sub-triangular, funicle segments very broad, and club about 1 . 3 times as
long as broad: propodeum above smooth, without longitudinal carinae,
rounded in profile: gaster rather globose, markedly convex above, the
. Coelaspidia Timberlake
first large tergite relatively long (Fig. 23)
Head prognathous, much longer than high (Fig. 20): frontovertex
nearly twice breadth of an eye: antenna (Fig. 22) having scape only
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
moderately expanded below, with outer fold narrow, having pedicellus
of normal form, funicle segments not very broad, and club about twice
as long as broad: propodeum in profile falling gradually and almost
rectilinearly, having a moderately reticulate median area enclosed by
fine carinae: gaster rather elongate, not markedly convex above (in
dried material), the first large tergite relatively short (Fig. 24) . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aeptencyrtus De Santis
8. Scutellum not of normal form, either strongly convex or else almost
flat or slightly concave above, and with a dense, subapical hair-tuft or at
least an irregular row of subapical bristles: mesoscutum finely but
densely reticulate in middle, shining and almost smooth at sides: wings
clear hyaline in about basal third, strongly infuscate beyond that, with
a triangular area before the speculum bearing strong black hairs:
venation as in Zarhopalus Ashmead (Fig. 18): mandibles obscurely
tridentate, having a minute, partly concealed, uppermost tooth:
[ antennal scape having a defined upper surface, and funicle generally
. . . . . . . . Chrysoplatycerus Ashmead
stronglycompressed]
Scutellum of more or less normal form and without subapical hair-tuft:
mandibles, mesoscutum, wing pattern and venation otherwise
. . 9
9. Head, seen from above, with fore margin convex, with frontovertex
much broader than an eye and ocelli in a decidedly obtuse triangle
(Figs 25 and 28): margin of forewing weakly emarginate at apex of
costal cell which is regularly narrowed in about apical third (Fig. 27):
[mandibles bidentate] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Head, seen from above, with fore margin weakly concave, with
frontovertex not or hardly broader than an eye, generally distinctly
narrower and ocelli in an acute or nearly right-angled triangle (Figs 29
to 3 1 and 37 to 38): margin of fore wing sharply incised at apex of
costal cell (Figs 3 5 , 36 aad 39)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
10. Head, seen from above, with fore margin strongly convex: ocelli in a
very obtuse triangle (Fig. 28): occipital margin very sharp, and back of
head covering a large part of mesoscutum in position of rest: antennal
scape rather broad above but with no outer fold: pedicellus with a
circlet of strong black hairs above, and four apical funicle segments
with similar conspicuous, though much less strong, black hairs:
flagellum strongly clavate and moderately compressed, i.e. oval in
cross-section, the antennae in position of rest fitting into the facial
impression: lower mandibular tooth the larger: scutellum laterally
sharply margined: marginal vein longer than broad, radial short, and
postmarginal shorter than marginal: (Compere, 1936: fig. 1): Neotropics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harnbletonia Compere
Head, seen from above, with fore margin much more weakly convex:
ocelli in a moderately obtuse triangle (Fig. 25): occipital margin not
sharp, at any rate not in middle, and back of head not covering hind
margin of pronotum: antennal scape with an outer fold (Fig. 26):
pedicellus and flagellum not as above, no more than normally strongly
hairy: mandibles with subequal, acute teeth: scutellum not sharply
margined laterally: marginal vein punctiform, the radial and post-
113
114
G . J. KERRICH
marginal of moderate length (Fig. 27): Australia . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austrotropidia gen. nov.
11. Marginal vein absent (Figs 35 and 36): antennal scape curved above and
with a broad outer fold: pedicellus and flagellum moderately compressed, the flagellum strongly clavate, the funicle 3- to 5-segmented,
when 5-segmented then the basal segment very small, the club much
broader than the funicle: mandibles bidentate, the upper tooth much
the longer, much broader in about basal half, the upper margin curved
downward: Africa
. . . . . . . . . . Tropidophryne Compere
Marginal vein present, punctiform (Fig. 39): antennal scape with a
narrow outer fold (e.g. Fig. 40): pedicellus and flagellum strongly
compressed, the funicle 6-segmented, the basal segment not very small
(e.g. Fig. 40; Subba Rao, 1965: fig. 5), and the club not or hardly
. . . . . . . . . . 12
broader than the sixth funicle segment
12. Frontovertex falling very steeply to facial area, with punctures small
and scattered, separated in many cases by well over twice their own
diameters: mandibles bidentate, the upper tooth moderately the larger:
antennal scape with a twisted upper surface: flagellum short-oval, the
first two flagellar segments decidedly less broad than those following,
and club 2-segmented (Subba Rao, 1965: fig. 5): scutellum strongly
and evenly convex, sharply margined at apex, the fall from the margin a
45" overhang (Fig. 42): propodeum short in midline, much shorter
there than length of metanotum in front of inner edge of propodeal
spiracle: mid-tibia1 spur about two-thirds length of basitarsus (Subba
Rao, 1965: fig. 7): postmarginal vein shorter than the radial, which is
strongly curved (Subba Rao, 1965: fig. 1): India . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neoplatycerus Subba Rao
Frontovertex falling less steeply, with punctures not so small and
scattered, seldom separated by twice their own diameters: mandibles
tridentate, the middle tooth the longest, relatively stout: antennal scape
with a defined, flattened upper surface: flagellum elongate-oval, the
first two flagellar segments scarcely less broad than those following, and
club solid (Timberlake, 1925: fig. 1A and Fig. 40): scutellum no more
than normally convex, falling less than vertically at apex (e.g. Fig. 41):
propodeum long in mid-line, longer than length of metanotum in front
of inner edge of propodeal spiracle: mid-tibia1 spur nearly as long as
basitarsus: postmarginal vein longer than the radial, which is slightly
. . . . . . Zaplatycerus Timberlake
curved (Fig. 39): Neotropics
Genus Dinocarsis Forster
Dinocarsis Forster, 1856: 3 3. Type-species: Encyrtus hemipteriis Dalman, by
original designation.
Dinocarsis Forster; Mercet, 1921: 147-148.
Dinocarsis Forster; Hoffer, 1952: 79-81.
Dinocursis Forster; Graham, 1966: 111-115.
The above are the principal references only.
The two European species of this genus have been well studied by Hoffer
(1952) and by Graham (1966) and little need be added here. The following key
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
115
is largely distilled from the observations of those two authors, after checking
with material in coll. BMNH.
Key to European species of Dinocarsis Forster: females
A. Gaster sharply pointed, the last large tergite having sides much longer
than base, the ovipositor sheaths very distinctly projecting: fore wings
in macropterous form hardly reaching beyond apex of gaster: wing
rudiments in brachypterous form usually extending beyond apex of
propodeum: antenna having scape narrower, about 3 . 3 times length of
its greatest breadth (Fig. 4), and last two funicle segments relatively
shorter . . . . . . . . hemipteru (Dalman) (=suhrnontana Hoffer)
B. Gaster not sharply pointed, the last large tergite having sides and base
about equal in length, the ovipositor sheaths not or hardly projecting:
fore wings in macropterous form reaching distinctly beyond apex of
gaster: wing rudiments in brachypterous form not or hardly extending
beyond apex of propodeum: antenna having scape broader, about 2.8
times length of its greatest breadth (Fig. 5), and last two funicle
segments relatively longer
. . . . . . . . . . tiofferi (Graham)
Other species attributed to Dinocarsis Forster
Graham (1966) listed other species described in Dinocarsis. Some had
already been excluded from this genus; while others, the types of which he had
not seen, had been included there by Girault. I t seemed most probable that
these did not belong here.
I have seen two further Girault types and am able to report as follows:
Dinocarsis rotundiceps Girault, 1932: 3
This is nothing like a Dinocarsis: I believe it to be related to Aglyptus
Forster and Vosleria Timberlake, see Kerrich (1967).
Dinocarsis auratiscutum Girault
Data. Taniya Forest, September.
I have not traced publication of this species. The specimen belongs in the
sub-tribe Anagyrina (see Kerrich, 1967: 145). I place it nearest to Apoanagyrus
Compere, 1947.
No record of this genus from outside the Palaearctic region is accepted.
Genus Dicarnosis Mercet
Dicarnosis Mercet, 1921: 60-64, 73-77, 141-142. Type-species: Dicarnosis
superba Mercet, by monotypy.
Dicarnosis Mercet; Hoffer, 1952: 79-80, 86-87.
Dicarnosis Mercet; Trjapitzin, 1965; 895-897 (in translation 522).
Dicarnosis Mercet; Trjapitzin, 1972: 614-61 5.
Dicarnosis Mercet; Kerrich, 1974: 104-105.
The main distinguishing characters of this genus are given in the above key to
genera. Kerrich (1974) tabulated characters separating it from the similar but
116
G . J. KERRICH
unrelated genus Comperia Gomes, 1942, species of which had been attributed
to it. He also excluded three other species, which do not conform with his
understanding of this genus, though he was unable to accord them positive
generic placements. Thus, there remained in Dicarnosis only three described
species, all palaearctic: in the present work these three are revised, and two
nearctic species are described.
There appears to be more intraspecific variation in a number of respects than
has been noted in the course of study of other genera (Kerrich, 1967), notably
in the shape of the head, the relative position of the ocelli, and even the shape
and proportions of antennal segments. This does not show in the nearctic
material, most of which is from one rearing in one locality.
Trjapitsin (1965) stated that the female antennal club was 3-segmented and
not undivided, as given by Mercet (1921) and Hoffer (1952). This is confirmed
in this work. The paratergites are narrower in about anterior half and broader
posteriorly as shown by Trjapitsin in his illustration of superha Mercet and as
found in the new species from Riverside.
Dicarnosis erythrocephala sp. nov.
(Fig. 12)
Head about 3.0 times breadth of its median length, with frontovertex almost
one and a half times breadth of an eye. Ocelli in a strongly obtuse triangle, the
lateral little more than their shorter diameter from occipital but about twice
that diameter from orbital margin. Scrobes sharply impressed, margined on
outer side, the inter-scrobal prominence with a median furrow. Head in facial
view elongate, the malar space about equal to or slightly longer than short
diameter of eye. Frontovertex with reticulate microsculpture extremely fine.
Eyes without discernible pilosity (x 100).
Antenna (Fig. 12) having scape slightly rounded below, broadened gradually
from near base to over three-quarters its length; with pedicellus almost
triangular; with flagellum very strongly compressed, the first segment threequarters breadth of its ventral length, the second about quadrate, the third
to sixth a little broader than long, and club rather strongly pointed.
Reticulate microsculpture on most of thorax and abdomen very fine, but on
sides of propodeum and on first large tergite above markedly less fine and more
outstanding.
Fore wings infumate throughout, but with a very well-marked speculum
extending about half way across; with three crenulate bands of infuscation in
apical half, the first incomplete but covering the marginal and radial veins:
radius emitted at an angle of well over 45".
Head rufous, with a band of silvery hairs running down temples and genae
and giving the impression of a line of pale colour. Mesopleura orange-brown
and prosternum rufous; remainder of thorax and most of abdomen steel-grey,
with the following stramineous: narrow hind margin of pronotum above, broad
margins of tegulae, and margins of hinder tergites at sides: gaster becoming
rufous round apex. Antennae rufous, the scape with broad lower margin and
the club ivory-white: in one specimen also the sixth funicle segment
ivory-white. Hind coxae rufous or darker: legs otherwise rufous, this colour
extending on to the whitish tibia1 spurs and tarsi, the tarsi darkened at apex.
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
117
Holotype 0 , U.S.A., Arizona, “road to Wupatki” (no. 854), 2l.vii.1949,
L. C. Wyman.
Paratype 9 , U.S.A., South Dakota, 23.vii.1935, Oman. Holotype in USNM,
Washington, cat. no. 73665, paratype in BMNH.
Dicarnosis ripariensis sp. nov. *
(Figs 2 and 11)
Head 2.0 to 2.2 times breadth of its median length, with frontovertex a little
narrower than an eye. Ocelli in about a right-angled triangle, the lateral nearly
twice their shorter diameter from orbital and about the same distance from
occipital margin. Frontovertex with reticulate microsculpture very fine, the
ridges more weakly raised than in the palaearctic species. Scrobes sharply
impressed, clearly margined on outer side, Eyes conspicuously, rather coarsely
and sparsely pilose.
Antenna (Fig. 11) with scape very little rounded below and very little
broadened from near base to near apex; with pedicellus almost triangular; with
flagellum very strongly compressed, the first funicle segment almost as broad as
its ventral length and second to sixth much broader than long.
Reticulate microsculpture on pronotum above and on mesoscutum very fine,
as on frontovertex; on axillae, pronotum at sides, mesopleura and sides of
propodeum less fine and more outstanding: propodeum above with reticulation
weak and irregular, and first large tergite coarsely scaly-reticulate. Metanotum
and greater part of gaster above shining, the tergites at sides matt. Scutellum
about one and a half times length of mesoscutum and about as broad as long.
Fore wings with an evident speculum extending about half way across the
wing, otherwise mainly infuscate to near apex of subcosta, then with a hyaline
band and three crenulate bands of infuscation beyond that, the first covering
h e marginal and radial veins: radius emitted and at an angle of about 45”.
Head steely-black, with inner orbits relatively broadly orange-brown,
shortened above and below, and hinder orbits more narrowly pale lemonyellow: no pale mark behind lower level of eye. Thorax and abdomen
steel-grey, with the following stramineous: lower and hind margins of sides of
pronotum narrowly, broad fore and hind margins of tegulae, narrow margins of
post-spiracular sclerite, a pair of longitudinal lines along upper margins of
mesopleura and fore and hind margins of sides of metanotum: mesopleura
occasionally dull rufous below. Antennae having scape brownish-black, with a
broad longitudinal red-brown streak in middle and the upper and lower margins
narrowly white; having pedicellus and funicle brownish-black, the first funicle
segment with a large white mark at upper apex, and club white. Legs
brownish-black, the tibiae somewhat paler, the tibia1 spurs and tarsi dull
stramineous, the tarsi darker toward apex: on fore and hind legs, a pale
stramineous mark runs across near apex of femora and corresponding base of
tibiae, and on mid legs the following are pale stramineous: pale apical margins
of trochanters, and four bands each on femora and tibiae which may, on
femora, be coalesced.
Male-frontovertex about twice breadth of an eye: ocelli in an obtuse
triangle, the lateral more than twice their shorter diameter from orbital margin.
* Etym. Ripan’a, town by
the river side.
118
G. J. KEKRICH
Antenna having scape curved above and below, about five times length of its
greatest breadth; having first funicle segment about four times length of its
greatest breadth, the hairs on upper surface little longer than the breadth of the
segment but those on under surface up to nearly twice as long. Scutellum
rather more pointed at apex than in female. Bands of infuscation on fore wings
much weaker and less clearly defined than in female.
Holotype 9 , U.S.A., California, Riverside, 10.vii. 1964, e x Phenacocciis
gossypii Townsend & Cockerel1 on Solanurn, D. Gerling.
Paratypes, 1 5 99, 1 d, same data as holotype; California, Corona, 1 0
27.iii. 1960, C. Collins; Arkansas, Glendale, 1 9 10.x.1960, “reared”, R. Flock.
Holotype in USNM, Washington, cat. no. 73664, paratypes in BMNH, USNM,
Washington, and Citrus Experiment Station, Riverside, California.
Dicarnosis helena Hoffer
(Fig. 10)
Dicarnosis helena Hoffer, 1952: 86-90. Holotype 9 , CZECHOSLOVAKIA,
Moravia (Nirodni Museum, Prague).
Dicarnosis helena Hoffer; Trjapitsin, 1965: 895 [in translation 5221 .
Head 2.0 to 2.2 times breadth of its median length, with frontovertex
somewhat broader than an eye. Ocelli in a very slightly to decidedly obtuse
triangle, the lateral more than twice their shorter diameter from orbital, and
slightly less than that from occipital margin. Frontovertex with reticulate
microsculpture very fine. Scrobes not sharply impressed, more or less clearly
margined on outer side. Eyes finely and rather sparsely pilose.
Antenna (Fig. 10) with scape, except near base and apex, almost parallelsided; with flagellum strongly compressed, the first funicle segment about one
and two-thirds times length of its greatest breadth, the second to sixth a little
broader than long.
Reticulate microsculpture on pronotum, mesoscutum, axillae, scutellum,
mesopleura and sides of propodeum less fine than on frontovertex: propodeum
above very finely reticulate, and first large tergite and the large triangular
tergite about equally coarsely scaly-reticulate. The squamous hairs are broader
than in the other palaearctic species, and the punctures from which they arise
are more conspicuous. Scutellum one and a half times length of mesoscutum or
more, and about as broad as long, blunter pointed at apex than in the other
species.
Brachypterous (Hoffer, 1952: 2nd plate): there is variation in size of the
rudimentary wings, which in some specimens over-reach the mid length of the
first large tergite.
Fore femora decidedly broadened, but not emarginate beneath.
Head plum-black, with the following pale lemon-yellow: inner orbits, a small
mark behind inner margin of eye on occipital margin, and a larger mark behind
lower level of eye: middle of occipital margin very narrowly and inconspicuously orange-brown. Thorax and abdomen steel-grey, with the following
stramineous: narrow margins of tegulae, upper and hind margins of postspiracular sclerite, and costal area of fore wing. Antennae having scape,
pedicellus and funicle brownish-black, and club white. Legs steely-black, the
tibiae somewhat paler, the tarsi dull stramineous with darkening especially
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
119
toward apex, the mid and hind femora with an inconspicuous pale spot near
apex, and the tibiae with a very inconspicuous pale ring near base.
Male-frontovertex between one and a half times and twice the breadth of an
eye. Antenna having scape curved above and below, about four times length of
its greatest breadth; having flagellum gradually tapered to apex, the first and
sixth funicle segments both about three times as long as broad or sixth
relatively shorter, and club about as long as the last two funicle segments
combined: hairs on first funicle segment much shorter than the breadth of the
segment. Scutellum rather more pointed at apex than in female.
Brachypterous or macropterous: in macropterous form fore wings mainly
infuscate to speculum and near apex of subcosta, then with a large, almost
hyaline spot, then with a band of infuscation around marginal and radial, which
broadens below and merges with the basal infuscation, beyond that with a
hyaline band, then with a broad crenulate band of infuscation which merges
distally with the lighter apical infuscation: radius emitted at about 45", the
stigma rather stout. Brachypterous fore wing figured by Hoffer (1952: 89).
Inner orbits much more broadly pale lemon-yellow than in female, the
hinder orbital mark extending some way downward and also continuous with
the inner orbital mark or almost so, and the mark behind lower level of eye
with a broad extension beside epistoma and clypeus: middle of occipital margin
more broadly and conspicuously orange-brown, and the epistoma and upper
face may be of the same colour. Antennae wholly brownish black, the club not
white. Leg colour as in female, but the pale marks on femora and tibiae more
conspicuous.
Hoffer (1952: 2nd plate) has given a general view of the brachypterous
female. In this illustration the antennae appear greatly foreshortened.
Redescribed from the following: CZECHOSLOVAKIA, Slovakia, Kovicov
hills, 1 9 21.vii.1944, 1 9 15.ix.1947, 1 d 17.vi.1948 (paratype); Sthovo, 1 9
5.vii.1947; Slovenski Novk Mesto, Pilis hills, 1 ? 31.v.1952; Baba near
Somotor, 1 d 8.xi.1954, A. Hoffer; Baba, 1 9 1 d 23.vi.1952, M. Kocourek;
Ban. Stiavnica, 1 ? 30.vi.1952, Z. Boucek.
Dicarnosis superba Mercet
(Figs 6 and 8)
Dicarnosis superbus Mercet, 1921: 142-144 including figs 36-37. Holotype 9 ,
SPAIN, Madrid, El Pardo (IEE, Madrid) [examined].
Dicarnosis superba Mercet; Hoffer 1952: 88,90.
Dicarnosis sziperba Mercet; Trjapitsin 1965: 892, 895-897 [in translation 519,
5211.
Head 2.2 to 2.5 times breadth of its median length, with frontovertex
somewhat broader than an eye. Ocelli in a decidedly obtuse triangle, the lateral
nearly twice their shorter diameter from orbital, and about the same distance
or rather less from occipital margin. Frontovertex with reticulate microsculpture very fine. Scrobes sharply impressed, clearly margined on outer side. Eyes
finely and moderately densely pilose.
Antenna (Fig. 8; and Trjapitsin, 1965: fig. 16) with scape more or less
rounded below (some variation in this); with flagellum only moderately
120
G . J. K E R K l C H
compressed, the first funicle segment about one and a quarter times length of
its greatest breadth, the second and third decidedly transverse though fourth to
sixth more nearly quadrate.
Reticulate microsculpture on pronotum and mesoscutum very fine, almost as
on frontovertex, on axillae, scutellum and mesopleura less fine but still regular,
on propodeum above again very fine: first large tergite of gaster above
relatively coarsely scaly-reticulate. Metanotum and greater part of gaster above
shining: sides of propodeum and gaster beneath matt like the mesoscutum.
Scutellum about one and a half times length of mesoscutum, and nearly as
broad as long. Apex of gaster and ovipositor (Trjapitsin, 1965: fig. 19).
Fore wings (Mercet, 1921: fig. 36, Trjapitsin, 1965: fig. 1 7 and Fig. 6) with
an evident speculum extending about three-quarters the way across the wing
(not indicated in either figure cited); otherwise mainly infuscate up to and
around radius, with a crenulate band of infuscation beyond and a weakly
infuscate tip: radius emitted at an angle much acuter than 45", the stigma
relatively narrow.
Head plum-black, with inner orbits and, continuous with these, almost the
upper half of outer orbits, pale orange-yellow; with a lemon-yellow pale mark
behind lower level of eye continuing as a line running to the mouth: middle of
occipital margin sometimes narrowly orange-brown. Thorax and abdomen
steel-grey, with the following pale lemon-yellow or stramineous: a pair of
anterior marks at side of upper surface of pronotum, hind and lower margins of
sides of pronotum, broad fore and hind margins of tegulae, broad margins of
postspiracular sclerite, a pair of longitudinal lines on upper margins of
mesopleura, and hind margins of sides of metanotum. Antennae having scape
and funicle brownish black, pedicellus brownish black with an apical white
mark or more broadly white at apex, and club white. Leg colour as described
for helena Hoffer (p. 118), but the tarsi more darkened.
Male-frontovertex nearly twice breadth of an eye, with ocelli in an obtuse
triangle, about one and a half times their longer diameter from orbital and
occipital margins. Antenna (cf. Mercet, 1921: fig. 37, p. 144 and Trjapitsin,
1965: fig. 18) having scape markedly dilated below in basal half then narrowed
to near apex, over five times length of its greatest breadth: having flagellum
gradually tapered to apex, the first funicle segment nearly four times length of
its greatest breadth, bearing hairs that are longer than the breadth of the
segment, the sixth little more than twice length of its greatest breadth, the
sharp-pointed club about equal in length to the last two funicle segments
combined. Scutellum about as broad as long. Wing markings relatively much
weaker, the radius emitted at about 45".
Colour as described for female, or with outer orbits not pale marked, and
tibiae more conspicuously whitish near base.
Ceballos in Mercet (1921) has given an illustration of the whole insect in the
female sex. In this, the antenna1 scape is foreshortened.
Redescribed from the following: SPAIN, El Pardo, 1 9 9.viii. 1920, G. Mercet
(holotype): Murcia, Sierra de Espuha near Totana, 9 20.vi.1973; Malaga, near
Nerja, d 23.vi. 3.973, Z. Boucek. ITALY, near Genoa, Varazze, 9 4.ix.1971, Z.
Boucek. FRANCE S.E., Chateau-Arnoux, 13 lO.viii.1972, 2. Boucek. U.S.S.R.,
Azerbaijan, Divichi, dry hills, 1 9 27.Vi. 1962, V. A. Trjapitsin.
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
121
Dicarnosis hoffen Trjapitsin
(Fig. 9)
Dicarnosis hofferi Trjapitsin, 1965: 892, 894-897 [in translation 519-5221 .
Holotype 0, U.S.S.R., Primor’ye (Maritime) Territory (ZI, Leningrad).
Head 1.9 times breadth of its median length, with frontovertex a little
broader than an eye. Ocelli described by Trjapitisin (1965) as in a right-angled
or obtuse triangle: in the paratype here studied they are in a decidedly obtuse
triangle, the lateral nearly twice their own diameter from orbital and rather less
from occipital margin. Frontovertex with reticulate microsculpture very fine.
Scrobes not sharply impressed, and without an outer margin. Eyes having
pilosity fine, not easily discernible.
Antenna (Fig. 9; and Trjapitsin, 1965: fig. 10) with scape moderately
rounded below; with flagellum only moderately compressed, the first funicle
segment, in the paratype here studied, about one and a half times length of its
greatest breadth; with second to sixth funicle segments, according to Trjapitsin,
slightly longer than broad or the sixth quadrate; in the paratype here studied
the second is decidedly longer than broad, though the hairs obscure this, and
the third to sixth are almost quadrate.
Reticulate microsculpture on pronotum, mesoscutum, axillae, scutellum and
mesopleura much coarser than on frontovertex, but on propodeum and first
large tergite of gaster again very fine. Scutellum (in paratype here studied) one
and two-thirds times length of mesoscutum and about one and a third times as
long as broad, sharper pointed than in the other palaearctic species. Trjapitsin
(1965, in English translation) wrote “axillae touching apically”: however, this
depends upon the posture assumed by the insect in death, whether the
mesoscutum is bent forward to uncover the fore part of the axillae or not. In
the paratype here studied, the axillae appear well separated.
Macropterous or micropterous: fore wings (Trjapitsin, 1965: figs 11-13) with
speculum evident, extending about three-quarters the way across the wing,
otherwise mainly infuscate up to and around radius, and with a rather broad
crenulate band of infuscation beyond: radius emitted at an angle much acuter
than 45”.
Head plum-black, with inner orbital margins pale orange-yellow, slightly
shortened below and above, and hinder orbital margins more narrowly of the
same colour, the two marginal lines discontinuous around level of lateral ocelli:
no pale mark behind lower level of eye in the paratype here studied. Thorax
and abdomen steel-grey with the following stramineous: hind margins of sides
of pronotum, broad fore and hind margins of tegulae, postspiracular sclerite in
greater part, and a pair of longitudinal lines on upper margins of mesopleura.
Antennae having scape, pedicellus and funicle brownish black, and club white.
Leg colour as described for helena Hoffer, but with a rather large, conspicuous
stramineous spot on mid and hind femora near apex.
Male- [ head missing on the paratype here studied] . Proportions of frontovertex not described by Trjapitsin. Antenna (Trjapitsin, 1965: fig. 14) figured
as having scape less than four times as long as broad, and figured and described
as having the first funicle segment three times as long as broad. Fore wings with
radius emitted at about 45” : apical band of infuscation weak and ill-defined.
122
G . J. KEKKICH
According to Trjapitsin (1965) head colouring as in female. Antennae
(Trjapitsin, pers. comm.) uniformly brownish black. Thoracic colouring as in
female. Leg colour as in female, but the pale mark more conspicuous.
Redescribed from the following: U.S.S.R., Primor'ye (Maritime) Territory,
Tachingou Bay, Sudzukhinsky Reservation, sands on sea shore, 1 0 (paratype),
1 S (allotype) 18-21.viii.1961, V. A. Trjapitsin.
Key to the species of Dicarnosis Mercet: females
1. Nearctic: macropterous: pedicellus in side view triangular (Figs 11 and
12): flagellum strongly compressed: radius emitted at an angle of 45"
or more: either the head, prosternum, antennae and legs are mainly
rufous or the mid femora and tibiae each have four pale bands
. . . 2
Palaearctic: macropterous or brachypterous: pedicellus of more normal
Encyrtid shape (Figs 8 to 10): if the flagellum is strongly compressed,
the female of the species is brachypterous: radius emitted at an acuter
angle: coloration otherwise, the mid femora with no more than an
inconspicuous pale mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Head about three times breadth of its median length, with frontovertex
almost 14 times breadth of an eye and ocelli in a strongly obtuse
triangle: antenna (Fig. 12) having funicle segments 2 to 6 quadrate or
only a little broader than long in side view and club strongly pointed:
eyes without discernible pilosity ( x 100): head, prosternum, antennae
and legs mainly rufous, the scape with a broad lower margin white . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . erythrocephala sp. nov.
Head little more than twice breadth of its median length, with
frontovertex a little narrower than an eye and ocelli in about a
right-angled triangle: antenna (Fig. 11) having funicle segments 2 to 6
much broader than long in side view and club only moderately pointed:
eyes conspicuously pilose: head, prosternum, antennae and legs mainly
greyish to blackish, the first funicle segment with a large white mark at
upper apex and the mid femora and tibiae each having four pale bands .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ripanensis sp. nov.
3. Brachypterous: gaster coarsely scaly-reticulate: antenna1 scape (Fig. 10)
more nearly parallel-sided: scutellum blunter pointed than in the other
palaearctic species (Hoffer, 1952: 2nd plate): no pale longitudinal lines
. . . . . . . . helena Hoffer
along upper margin of mesopleura
Macropterous or micropterous: gaster finely scaly-reticulate: antennal scape (Figs 8 and 9) more rounded below: scutellum sharper
pointed than in alternate: a pair of pale longitudinal lines present along
upper margin of mesopleura
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4. Scrobes sharply impressed, clearly margined on outer side: flagellar
segments relatively shorter (Fig. 8): pedicellus with an apical white
mark or more broadly white at apex: pale mark present behind lower
level of eye, continuing as a line running to the mouth superba Mercet
Scrobes not sharply impressed and without an outer margin: flagellar
segments relatively longer (Fig. 9): pedicellus not white at apex: no
pale mark behind lower level of eye
. . . . . . hofferi Trjapitsin
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
123
5
6
7
Figures 1 to 7. 1 to 3. Head, in dorsal view, of female of 1. Dinocarsis hemiptera (Dalman); 2 ,
Dicurnosis tiputiensis sp. nov. and 3 , Praleurocetus viridis (Agarwal). 4 and 5 . Right antennal
scape, in dextrc-lateral view, of female of 4, Dinocarsis hemiptera (Dalman) and 5 , Dinocarsis
hofferi Graham. 6 . Part of left fore wing of female of Dicarnosis superba Mercet, drawn
freehand. 7. Kight fore femur, in dextro-lateral view, of female of Praleurocerus viridis
( Agarwal ).
Genus Praleurocerus Agarwal
Puraleurocerus Agarwal, 1966: 67-70. [Primary homonym of Paraleuroceriw
Girault, 1915.1
Praleurocerus Agarwal, 1974: 394. Type-species: Paraleurocerus viritlis Agarwal, 1966.
From data given in the original description, and further data included in a
thesis written by Dr S. A. Shaffee, I concluded that this genus was clearly a
Dinocarsiine. I am very grateful to Dr Shaffee for sending on exchange two
specimens reared in the course of his studies: these are to be incorporated in
coll. BMNH. I consider the genus most closely related to Dicurnosis Mercet and
have given the chief distinguishing characters in the above key to genera.
124
G. J. KERRICH
Praleurocerus viridis (Aganval)
(Figs 3, 7 and 13)
Puruleurocerus viridis Agarwal, 1966: 69-70. Holotype 9 , INDIA, Aligarh
(Zoological Museum, Aligarh Muslim University).
Praleurocerus viridis (Agarwal); Agarwal, 1974: 3 94.
Head (Fig. 3) about 2.5 times breadth of its median length, with frontovertex very slightly broader than an eye. Ocelli in an almost equilateral triangle,
relatively large, less than their shorter diameter from orbital and occipital
margins. Scrobes sharply impressed though not margined on outer side. Malar
space markedly less than short diameter of eye. Frontovertex with reticulate
microsculpture very to extremely fine. Eyes rather sparsely and moderately
densely pilose.
Antenna (Fig. 1 3 ) having scape less than twice length of its greatest breadth,
moderately rounded below and strongly so near apex, there expanded to well
over half its length; with pedicellus almost triangular; with flagellum very
strongly compressed, the first segment having breadth almost equal t o its
ventral length, the following including club segments much broader than long.
Reticulate microsculpture very to extremely fine and weakly outstanding on
pronotum, mesoscutum, axillae, mesopleura and propodeum above, markedly
less fine and more outstanding on scutellum, gaster and sides of propodeum.
Scutellum about one and a half times length of mesoscutum, not very greatly
longer than its greatest breadth, sharply round-pointed and strongly laminate at
apex.
Fore wings with an evident speculum extending about two-thirds the way
across; otherwise mainly infuscate from below apical third of subcosta in an
area curving outward from radius, but more hyaline beyond this, in costal cell
and below basal part of subcosta: radius elongate, emitted at much less than
45".
Head steel-grey, with weak greenish reflections in the interstices of the
reticulations; having inner orbital margins orange-brown from a little above
level of top of scrobes to just short of a triangular, lemon-yellow mark on each
side, these two marks joined by a narrow band of the same colour along
occipital margin. Thorax and abdomen steel-grey, the gaster more weakly so,
with weak greenish reflections in the interstices of the reticulations and the
tergites below paler near apical margins: post-spiracular sclerites and tegulae
dull stramineous, and mesopleura dull orange-brown with some infuscation
but with upper margin lemon-yellow. Antennae steel-grey with brighter
reflections, especially on inner sides of scapes. Legs steel-grey merging to dull
testaceous, the mid and hind tarsi stramineous in greater part: the hind femora
have a sub-apical diagonal stramineous stripe and there is a mark of similar
colour at apex of fore and mid femora.
Redescribed from the following: INDIA, U.P., Aligarh, 2 99 8.ix.1967, ex
Planococcoides robustins Ezzat & McConnell, S. A. Shaffee.
Agarwal (1966) described and figured the antenna1 club as solid, but I
believe it to be obscurely 3-segmented (cf. discussion of genus Dicanzosis). His
specific name was curious, seeing that he nowhere mentioned any green
coloration in his description of the species, and I find only weak greenish
reflections.
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
125
a
9
10
12
13
Figures 8 to 1 3 . Right antenna, in dextrelateral view, of female of 8, Dicarnosis superba
Mercet, 9 , D. h o f f e n Trjapitsin, 10, D . helena Hoffer. 1 1 , D. ripariensis sp. nov. 12, D.
erythrocephala sp. nov. and 1 3 , Praleurocerus vindis (kgarwal).
9
126
G . J. KERRICH
Genus Zarhopalus Ashmead
Zurhopalus Ashmead, 1900: 3 34-342, 406. Type-species: Zarhopalus sheldoni
Ashmead, by original designation.
Zarhopalus Ashmead; Timberlake, 1924: 23 5-236.
Generic characters as derived from the above key to genera of the subtribe.
Zarhopalus putophilus Bennett
Zarhopalus putophilus Bennett 1957: 571-572. Holotype 9 , TRINIDAD,
I.C.T.A. (USNM, Washington, cat. no. 63502).
Head 1.7 to 2 . 0 times breadth of its median length, with frontovertex 0.7 to
0.9 times breadth of an eye. Ocelli in a slightly to decidedly acute triangle.
Frontovertex strongly shining, with microsculpture extremely fine, beset with
piliferous punctures that are rather small and superficial and mostly are
separated by decidedly more than their own diameters, even in region of ocelli,
the orbital piliferous punctures very small, separated by much more than their
own diameters. Facial area rather sparsely beset with very fine piliferous
punctures, smooth throughout, having a continuous sharp margin, i.e. above as
well as at sides. Eyes very weakly and sparsely hairy.
Antenna (Bennett, 19 57 : fig. 2) having scape strongly laminately expanded
below, 1.5 times length of its greatest breadth: funicle strongly expanded from
base, the sixth segment 2.7 times as broad as long: club 1 . 5 times length of its
greatest breadth and 1.4 times length of funicle.
Mesoscutum shining, with reticulate microsculpture fine and delicate,
sparsely beset with piliferous punctures that mostly are fine to very fine and
are separated by two or three times their own diameters, but are coarser and
closer near mid line posteriorly: axillae similar. Scutellum about a quarter
broader than long, the discal piliferous punctures very sparse and very fine.
Propodeum having sides separated from upper surface by a fine, sharp carina:
spiracles touching this carina, large, broad-oval, separated by much less than
their longer diameter from anterior margin.
Fore wing (Bennett, 1957: fig. 2) almost clear in about basal quarter below
the subcostalis, moderately infuscate beyond, the speculum not appreciably
clearer than the area immediately beyond and the patch above the stigma
scarcely clearer, the hairs on the area before the speculum much stronger than
those beyond.
Head dark blue to blue-green, with weak bronzy to strong red-violet
reflection. Pronotum dark green with bronzy reflections. Mesoscutum and
axillae dark green with some bluish reflection, the scutellum a brighter green
with slight brassy reflection medially and blue t o red-violet at sides:
propodeum dull bronzy above, dark green to bluish at sides, the mesopleura
dull with green reflections. Gaster blackish with green to bronzy reflections,
and a rather bright green anteriorly. Antennae brown, with weak metallic
reflections of indefinite coloration though tending to green. Legs brown with
weak reflections tending to greenish, the fore tarsi similar though paler: mid
tibia1 spurs and mid and hind tarsi whitish to dull stramineous, the apical tarsal
segments moderately darkened.
Redescribed from the following: TRINIDAD, I.C.T.A., 6 99 viii. 1963 (one
marked as paratype), ex Put0 barberi (Cockerell) on Gliricidia, F. D. Bennett.
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
127
Zarhopalus clavatus sp. nov.
(Fig. 14)
Head about twice breadth of its median length, with frontovertex about 0.8
times breadth of an eye. Ocelli in a slightly acute triangle. Frontovertex
moderately shining, with reticulate microsculpture fine but outstanding
throughout, beset with coarse, very irregularly spaced piliferous punctures, the
orbital piliferous punctures small and superficial, separated by more than
their own diameters. Facial area rather sparsely beset with fine piliferous
punctures, more densely so below, smooth throughout, margined by sharp
carinae at sides which merge to a rather sharp fold in middle above. Eyes
weakly and rather sparsely hairy.
Antenna (Fig. 14) having scape rather weakly expanded below, 2.9 times
length of its greatest breadth; flagellum strongly and conspicuously clavate, the
funicle very strongly expanded from base, with sixth segment 2.5 times as
broad as long: club 1.5 times length of its greatest breadth and 1.4 times length
of funicle.
Mesoscutum and axillae rather shining, with reticulate microsculpture very
fine, sparsely beset with fine piliferous punctures that mostly are separated by
more than twice their own diameters. Scutellum about a tenth broader than
long, the discal piliferous punctures fine and very sparse. Propodeum having
sides separated from upper surface by a strongly raised carina; having a few
conspicuous hairs before the spiracle which touches this carina, is large,
broad-oval, separated by much less than its shorter diameter from anterior
margin.
Fore wing weakly infuscate almost throughout, little clearer in basal quarter
but the speculum very distinct: no clearer patch above the stigma, the hairs on
the area before the speculum very greatly stronger than those beyond.
Head bright medium green with weak bronzy reflections above, the lower
face and genae much darker and with stronger reflections. Pronotum,
mesoscutum and axillae dark blue-green, the scutellum a much brighter green,
with some overspread of bronzy: propodeum bronzy, and mesopleura dark.
Gaster dark blue-green with some bronzy reflection. Antennae having scape and
pedicellus in greater part dark green, and flagellum blackish-brown with green
reflections: scape conspicuously whitish in about apical third, the pedicellus
narrowly at apex and basal funicle segments beneath dull whitish. Legs brown
to blackish with green reflections, much the strongest on fore tibiae above:
femora mostly paler at apex and tibiae at base and apex, the tarsi and mid tibia1
spurs whitish to pale stramineous, with the apical tarsal segments dark.
Holotype 9. TRINIDAD, Mayaro Beach, vii. 1965, ex Nippaecoccus nipae
(Maskell) on coconut, F. D. Bennett (BMNH).
Paratype. TRINIDAD, 1 9, same data as holotype (USNM, Washington). 1 d
present in series (BMNH).
Zarhopalus corvinus (Girault)
(Fig. 15)
Anagyrella corvina Girault, 1915: 169. Holotype 9 , U.S.A., California, Fresno
(USNM, Washington, cat. no. 19401).
128
G . J. KERRICH
Zurhopalus corvinus (Girault) Timberlake, 1924: 236-240.
Zurhopalus corvinus (Girault) Bennett, 1957: 571.
Head 2.2 to 2.5 times breadth of its median length, with frontovertex almost
equal in breadth to an eye. Ocelli in a right-angled or slightly obtuse triangle.
Frontovertex rather shining, with microsculpture very fine but obvious
throughout, stronger in region of ocelli, beset with rather coarse, irregularshaped piliferous punctures that mostly are separated by much less than their
own diameters, the orbital piliferous punctures around level of ocelli rather
large, separated by less than their own diameters, but smaller and sparser
further forward. Facial area rather densely beset with fine piliferous punctures
and with very delicate microsculpture below, margined by sharp carinae at sides
merging to a rather blunt fold in middle above. Eyes moderately strongly and
moderately densely hairy.
Antenna (Fig. 1 5 ) having scape rather strongly expanded below, 2.4 times
length of its greatest breadth; funicle moderately and gradually expanded from
base, the sixth segment twice as broad as long: club twice length of its greatest
breadth and 1.3 times length of funicle.
Pronotum above matt, with outstanding, very fine reticulate microsculpture
and beset with moderate to rather coarse piliferous punctures, shining along
hind margin. Mesoscutum rather shining, with fine but moderately outstanding
reticulate microsculpture and beset with fine to rather fine piliferous punctures
that mostly are separated by much more than their own diameters but are
closer near mid line: axillae with microsculpture less outstanding. Scutellum
about a quarter broader than long, the discal piliferous punctures rather sparse
and mostly fine, though a few outer ones coarser. Propodeum having a fine
longitudinal carina running to the spiracle which is small, short-oval, separated
by much more than its longer diameter from anterior margin.
Fore wing weakly infuscate in about basal quarter, strongly so beyond, the
speculum scarcely clearer than the area immediately beyond, the patch above
the stigma moderately clearer, the hairs on the area before the speculum only
moderately stronger than those beyond.
Head bright medium green, with very weak brassy to bronzy reflections.
Pronotum and mesoscutum dark green or greenish blue, the axillae a brighter
green, the scutellum a brighter green with extensive overspread of pale bronzy:
propodeum dull bronzy above, dark green with weak bronzy reflection at sides,
the mesopleura and gaster blackish with brighter, partly green, reflections.
Antennae brown, with green metallic reflections mostly weak, though strong
on upper surfaces of scape and pedicellus. Legs brown to blackish, the fore and
mid trochanters in part, femora at base and tibiae at apex pale: tarsi and mid
tibia1 spurs whitish to dull testaceous, with the apical tarsal segments darkened.
Redescribed from the following: U.S.A., California, San J oaquin Valley,
2 99 ex Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) reared 1940 in laboratory,
Belleville, Ontario, Canada by A. B. Baird (det. B. D. Burks).
Zarhopalus sheldoni Ashmead
Zarhopalus sheldoni Ashmead, 1900: 406. Holotype 9, U.S.A., New York,
Lake Placid (USNM, Washington, cat. no. 4766, holotype lost sec B. D.
Burks, pers. comm.).
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
129
Zarhopalus sheldoni Ashmead; Timberlake, 1924: 236.
Head 2.0 to 2.3 times breadth of its median length, with frontovertex 1.0 to
1.2 times breadth of an eye. Ocelli in a decidedly obtuse triangle. Frontovertex
rather shining, with microsculpture very fine but obvious throughout, beset
with moderate piliferous punctures that mostly are separated by rather more
than their own diameters, the orbital piliferous punctures very small, separated
by more than their own diameters. Facial area beset with fine piliferous
punctures, much more finely and densely so and with delicate microsculpture
below, margined by sharp carinae at sides, a sharp fold above. Eyes moderately
strongly and rather sparsely hairy.
Antenna having scape rather weakly expanded below, 2.8 times length of its
greatest breadth: funicle rather strongly but gradually expanded from base, the
sixth segment 1 . 5 times as broad as long: club 1.6 times length of its greatest
breadth and 1 . 3 times length of funicle.
Mesoscutum and axillae about as described for corvinus (Girault) but the
punctures not markedly closer near mid line. Scutellum about a tenth broader
than long, the discal piliferous punctures sparse and fine. Propodeum having
sides separated from upper surface by a sharp ridge; having a few rather
conspicuous hairs before the spiracle which touches this ridge, is small,
short-oval, separated by less than its longer diameter from anterior margin.
Fore wings almost clear in about basal quarter, rather weakly infuscate
beyond, the patch above the stigma slightly clearer, the speculum scarcely
clearer yet very distinct, almost devoid of hairs, the hairs on the area before the
speculum only moderately stronger than those beyond.
Small species, of length about 1 . 3 mm.
Head dark green, medium brown along margins of upper face. Pronotum and
mesoscutum blackish blue to dark green, the scutellum a somewhat brighter
green, but with weak bronzy reflection, the axillae intermediate in colour;
propodeum dull bronzy, the mesopleura brown to blackish with weak green
reflection. Gaster blackish with bright reflection. Antennae brown, with weak
metallic green reflections. Legs brown to blackish with weak green reflections,
the tarsi and mid tibia1 spurs whitish to pale testaceous, with the apical tarsal
segments only moderately darkened.
Redescribed from the following: U.S.A., California, Riverside, 2 99 received
24.ix.1943, ex Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) “Comstock’s mealybug
investigations”; Washington, Twisp, 1 9 vi. 1944, ex Phenacoccus aceris
(Signoret) on apple, E. J. Newcomer (all det. A. B. Gahan).
Zarhopalus inquisitor (Howard)
(Figs 16 to 18)
Encyrtus inquisitor Howard 1881: 367 + pl. XXIV fig. 1. Holotype 9 , U.S.A.,
Florida (USNM, Washington, cat. no. 2616 sec Ashmead, 1900, holotype
lost sec Timberlake, 1924).
Zarhopalus inquisitor (Howard) Timberlake, 1924: 23 5-236.
Head about 2.3 times breadth of its median length, with frontovertex about
equal in breadth to an eye. Ocelli in a decidedly obtuse triangle. Frontovertex
moderately shining, with microsculpture irregular and extremely fine, beset
with rather coarse piliferous punctures that mostly are separated by about their
130
G . J. KERRICH
own diameters but are decidedly denser on interocellar area, the orbital
piliferous punctures in posterior half rather small, separated by about their own
diameters, but those anterior much smaller and sparser. Facial area rather
sparsely beset with very fine piliferous punctures, smooth throughout,
margined by a fold which is sharp at sides, blunt above. Eyes shortly and rather
sparsely hairy.
Antenna (Fig. 16) having scape moderately expanded below, about 2.7 times
length of its greatest breadth: funicle strongly but evenly expanded from base,
the sixth segment 2.5 times as broad as long: club about twice length of its
greatest breadth and 1.5 times length of funicle.
Mesoscutum rather shining, with reticulate microsculpture very fine, beset
with piliferous punctures that (cf. Timberlake) are so shallow that only on
close examination do they appear coarser than those on frontovertex: axillae
similar. Scutellum about a quarter broader than long, the discal piliferous
punctures sparse and fine (Fig. 17). Propodeum having sides not separated from
upper surface by a carina; having a few rather conspicuous hairs before the
spiracle which is oval, of moderate size, separated by about its own diameter
from anterior margin.
Fore wing weakly infuscate in about basal quarter, moderately so beyond,
the patch above the stigma slightly clearer, the speculum scarcely clearer yet
very distinct, almost devoid of hairs, the hairs on the area before it much
stronger than those beyond.
Head dark green, with bronzy reflection on upper face. Pronotum blackish
green, with some bronzy reflection. Mesoscutum and axillae blackish green, the
scutellum a much brighter green with slight bronzy reflection: propodeum and
mesopleura blackish with slight green to bronzy reflection. Gaster blackish,
with bright pale bronzy reflection above, dark green at sides. Antennae brown,
with green metallic reflections mostly weak, though rather strong on upper
surfaces of scape and pedicellus. Legs brown to blackish with weak green
reflections, the tarsi and mid tibia1 spurs stramineous, with the apical tarsal
segments darkened.
Redescribed from the following: U.S.A., Maryland, College Park, 1 9
23.vi.1953, e x Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), Highland (det. B. D. Burks).
Originally described as reared from “Dactylopius destructor on orange” in
Florida (= Planococcus citri (Risso)).
Key to species of Zurhopalus Ashmead: females
1. Antennal scape about 1.5 times length of its greatest breadth (Bennett,
1957: fig. 2): facial area bounded by a sharp carina above as well as at
sides: frontovertex strongly shining, the piliferous punctures rather
small and superficial, mostly separated by decidedly more than their
own diameters: head bright blue to blue-green with red-violet reflections: scutellum blue to red-violet at sides: fore tarsi pale brown . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . putophilus Bennett
Antennal scape well over twice length of its greatest breadth (Figs 14 to
16): facial area bounded by no more than a sharp fold above:
frontovertex less shining, the piliferous punctures stronger and generally closer: head medium to dark green with bronzy reflections:
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
131
scutellum green with bronzy reflection: fore tarsi whitish to dull
testaceous
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
2. Frontovertex markedly narrower than an eye: antenna (Fig. 14)
strongly clavate, the funicle very strongly expanded from base, the club
1.5 times length of its greatest breadth: antenna having scape and
pedicellus dark green and flagellum blackish-brown with green reflections: scape conspicuously whitish in about apical third, the pedicellus
narrowly at apex and basal funicle segments beneath dull whitish: legs
having fore tibiae above the most strongly green: [head a bright
medium green, with ocelli in a slightly acute triangle] clavatus sp. nov.
Frontovertex more or less equal in breadth to or broader than an eye:
antenna brown with green reflections mostly weak though sometimes
stronger on scape and pedicellus above, and having no such whitish
markings: legs having fore tibiae above not strongly green: antenna less
strongly clavate, the club about twice length of its greatest breadth
except in sheldoni Ashmead, a smaller species which has the head a
duller dark green with ocelli in a decidedly obtuse triangle . . . . 3
3. Ocelli in a slightly acute to slightly obtuse triangle: frontovertex having
piliferous punctures mostly separated by much less than their own
diameters : eyes moderately densely hairy: anteqnal scape rather
strongly expanded below (Fig. 1 5 ) : fore-wings strongly infuscate
beyond basal quarter: head a bright medium green . . continus (Girault)
Ocelli in a decidedly obtuse triangle: frontovertex having piliferous
punctures separated by about or more than their own diameters: eyes
rather sparsely hairy: antenna1 scape moderately or (Fig. 16) rather
weakly expanded below: fore wings no more than moderately infuscate
beyond basal quarter: head a duller, dark green
. . . . . . . .4
4. Smaller species of length about 1 . 3 mm: facial area margined by a
rather sharp fold above: eyes moderately strongly hairy: antenna having
sixth funicle segment 1.5 times as broad as long and club 1.6 times
length of its greatest breadth: scutellum about a tenth broader than
long: fore wings rather weakly infuscate beyond basal quarter, the hairs
on the area before the speculum only moderately stronger than those
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sheldoni Ashmead
beyond
Larger species of length about 1.5 mm: facial area margined by a blunt
fold above: eyes shortly hairy: antenna (Fig. 16) having sixth funicle
segment 2.5 times as broad as long and club about twice length of its
greatest breadth : scutellum about a quarter broader than long: fore
wings moderately infuscate beyond basal quarter, the hairs on the area
before the speculum much stronger than those beyond . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
inquisitor (Howard)
Genus Acroaspidia Compere & Zinna
Acroaspidia Compere & Zinna, 1955: 96-98. Type-species: Acroaspidia
myrmicoides Compere & Zinna, by monotypy.
Generic ch:racters as given by Compere & Zinna (195 5 ) and as derived from
the above key to genera of the subtribe.
132
G . J. KERRICH
15
16
17
18
Figures 14 to 18. 14 to 16. Right antenna, in dextro-lateral view, of female of 1 4 , Zarhopalus
clavatus sp. nov. 1 5 , Z . coruinus (Gitault) and 16, Z. inquisitor (Howard). 17. Scutellurn and
adjacent sclerites, in dextro-lateral view, of female Zarhopalus inquisitor (Howard). Ax, Axilla.
18. Part of right fore wing of Zarhopalus inquisitor (Howard), female.
Acroaspidia myrrnicoides Compere & Zinna
Acroaspidia myrmicoides Compere & Zinna, 1955: 98-100. Cotypes 9,U.S.A.,
California, derived from stock from TRINIDAD (BMNH) [examined] .
Material studied. TRINIDAD, ICTA, 5 99 x.1949, e x Ferrisia virgata
(Cockerell) on cacao, T. W. Kirkpatrick. U.S.A., California, Fontana, 3 99
(paratypes), 5 99 (cotypes) viii. 1954, propagated on Planococczis citri (Risso)
by D. C . Lloyd from individuals derived from the above-mentioned Trinidad
stock. Two cotypes are mounted on one slide and three, one dissected, on
another: the paratypes are tag-mounted.
REVISION OF ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
133
Genus Coelaspidia Timberlake
Coelaspidia Timberlake, 1923: 326-3 30. Type-species: Coelaspidia osborni
Timberlake, by monotypy.
Coelaspidia osborni Timberlake
(Figs 19, 21 and 23)
Coelaspidia osborni Timberlake, 1923: 328, 330-333. Holotype 0 , MEXICO:
Vera Cruz (RPBM, Honolulu).
Head about 1.6 times breadth of its median length, with frontovertex a little
broader than an eye. Eye very well separated from occipital margin which is
very deeply emarginate. Ocelli very small, arranged in a very slightly acute
triangle, base to side about 5 : 4,the lateral about their longer diameter from
orbital and much further from occipital margin. Frontovertex shining, the
alutaceous sculpture fine, arranged transversely, beset with fine piliferous
punctures that mostly are separated by two to three times their own diameters
but are denser behind fore margin, the orbital piliferous punctures small,
separated by about or less than their own diameters. Eyes (described by
Timberlake as bare) appearing to me to be very shortly hairy ( ~ 1 0 0 ) .
Antenna (Fig. 21) having scape strongly laminately expanded below, 1.6
times length of its greatest breadth: having pedicellus triangular shaped,
broader near apex than long, the funicle segments broadly ring-shaped,
becoming markedly broader from first to sixth, the sixth four times as broad as
long, and club solid, less than one and a half times as long as broad.
Pronotum above moderately reticulate and rather sparsely hairy: mesoscutum extremely finely reticulate and not so sparsely hairy: axillae shining,
the sculpture very delicate and scutellum smooth and shining. Pronotum
bell-shaped. Mesoscutum rather strongly convex. Scutellum having sides
marked off by folds anteriorly, having upper surface concave, falling very
gradually to level of metanotum, the hair-tuft only slightly above this.
Propodeum smooth, without carinae, rounded in profile: spiracles large,
circular, about their own diameter from lateral margin and rather further from
margin of metapotum.
Gaster (Fig. 23) having first large tergite extremely delicately transversely
reticulate, the second almost smooth, very sparsely beset at sides with hairs
which are not broadened.
Wing rudiments narrowly rounded at apex, covering sides of metanotum and
reaching or surpassing its apex.
Head medium brown, with rather indefinite dull metallic reflection, the
facial area bright brassy green. Thorax and propodeum medium brown with
green to brassy reflection, the axillae and scutellum bright metallic green.
Gaster brown to blackish, with green and brassy metallic reflection. Antennae
having scape bronzy on outer surface, medium green to bronzy on inner and
upper surfaces: pedicellus medium brown with green reflection above, and
flagellum dark brown with weak metallic reflections. Legs pale to dull
testaceous, the femora toward apex and tibiae above somewhat darkened.
Redescribed from three female paratypes. The original stock was reared in
MEXICO, Vera Cruz, El Potrero, v.-vii. 1922, ex Pseudococcus calceolariae
134
G. J. KERRICH
(Maskell) on sugarcane; but others included in the paratype series were reared
in U.S.A., Honolulu, from the same host and from Pseudococcus sacchari
(Cockerell) and Pseudococcus kraunhiae (Kuwana).
Genus Aeptencyrtus De Santis
Aeptencyrtus De Santis, 1964: 41-42, 119-121. Type-species: Pheidoloxenus
bruchi De Santis, by monotypy.
The main distinguishing characters of this genus are given in the above key to
genera. Based on the material studied, I describe the scutellum as pentagonal,
with a row of bristles at apex, rather than as sub-triangular. The propodeum has
a pair of fine longitudinal carinae enclosing a median area.
Aeptencyrtus Oritchi (De Santis)
(Figs 20, 22 and 24)
Pheidoloxenus bruchi De Santis, 1957: 122-126. Holotype 9 , ARGENTINA,
La Plata (Museo, Universidad Nacional, La Plata).
Aeptencyrtus bruchi (De Santis) De Santis 1964: 121-125.
Head about a quarter broader than its median length, with frontovertex
nearly twice breadth of an eye. Eye very well separated from anterior but,
viewed from above, nearly reaching occipital margin. Ocelli very small, arranged
in a slightly obtuse triangle, the lateral much more than their shorter diameter
from orbital margin. Frontovertex rather shining, with fine, irregular reticulate
microsculpture which becomes more alutaceous anteriorly, beset with fine
piliferous punctures that mostly are separated by well over twice their own
diameters but are denser anteriorly, the orbital piliferous punctures small,
separated by more than their own diameters. Eyes very shortly hairy (x100).
Antenna1 scape (Fig. 22) only moderately expanded below, about three
times length of its greatest breadth: pedicellus about twice length of its greatest
breadth: flagellum not strongly compressed, club-shaped, the first five funicle
segments broadly ring-shaped, more than twice as broad as long and becoming
gradually broader from first to fifth, the sixth less than twice as broad as long,
much longer than the fifth and distinctly expanded towards the club which is
solid, twice as long as broad and almost as much as combined length of
pedicellus and funicle.
Pronotum, mesoscutum and axillae matt, very finely and closely reticulate
and rather sparsely hairy, the scutellum smooth and shining. Pronotum and
mesoscutum moderately convex. Scutellum pentagonal, broadly rounded at
apex, having sides marked off by folds, concave, not raised above level of
metanotum, the row of bristles at extreme apex. Propodeum in profile falling
gradually and almost rectilinearly, having a broadly hexagonal median area
enclosed by fine carinae and sometimes with a medium carina, this area
moderately reticulate, beside this area smooth then again reticulate at sides:
spiracles small, circular, separated by more than their own diameter from
lateral and by much more from anterior margin.
Gaster (Fig. 24) very delicately reticulate above, the first two large tergites
sparsely beset with broadened hairs.
Wing rudiments small, pointed, not nearly reaching apex of metanotum.
Head medium brown, with more or less, mostly dull green, metallic reflection
REVISION OF ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
135
20
23
24
Figures 19 to 24. 19 and 20. Head, in sinistro-lateral view of female of 19, Coelaspidia osborni
Timberlake and 2 0 , Aeptencyrlus bruchi (De Santis). Original, and to same scale. 21 and 22.
Right antenna, in dextro-lateral view, of female of 21, Coelaspidia osborni Timberlake and 22,
Aeptencyrtus bruchi (De Santis). Adapted from Timberlake and De Santis respectively, and not
to same scale. 23 and 24. Gaster, seen from above, of female of 23, Coelaspidia osborni
Timberlake and 24, Aeptencyrtus bmchi (De Santis). Originals, drawn freehand.
136
G. J. KEKKICH
on frontovertex and genae, but not on facial area which is a lighter brown.
Scutellum bright metallic green to blue: remainder of thorax, including axillae,
and propodeum testaceous, with overspread of metallic green or red-violet
which on sides is moderately strong but above is almost confined to the
propodeum and is much weaker. Gaster brown to blackish, with green and
bronzy metallic reflection. Antenna1 scape pale testaceous, dark along lower
margin: pedicellus and first five funicle segments dull brown, the pedicellus
green above in greater part: sixth funicle segment merging in colour t o the club
which is bronzy-black. Legs pale to dull testaceous, the femora and tibiae above
and the tarsi at apex darkened.
Redescribed from the following: PERU, Arequipa, Bella Union, 6 99
17.xii. 1966, ex Antonina ?graminis (Maskell) on grass, J . Salazar; Chucarapi,
1 0 ex Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell), per CIBC Trinidad 1970. ARGENTINA, Magdalena Province, 1 0 3 .iv.1969, De Santis-Millan.
The specific name was coined in honour of the myrmecologist Dr Carlos
Bruch, and has nothing t o do with a similarly named genus of Coleoptera.
Professor De Santis has asked me to state that, subsequently to his
publication, he has doubted the correctness of his association of a male with
the females of this species.
Genus Chrysoplatycerus Ashmead
Rileya Howard, 1888, July: 80 (non Ashmead 1888 June). Type-species:
Rileya splendens Howard, by monotypy.
Rileya Howard: Howard, 1888, October: 192-195.
Chrysoplatycerus Ashmead, 1889: 3 8. Type-species, Rileya splendens Howard,
by monotypy.
Chrysoplatycerus Ashmead: Ashmead, 1900: 3 34-341.
Chrysoplatycerus Ashmead: Ashmead, 1904: 298-305.
Chrysoplatycerus Ashmead: Timberlake, 1922: 1-4.
Encyrtolophus De Santis, 1972: 49. Type-species, Encyrtolophus flavicollis De
Santis, by monotypy, syn. nov.
Paraplatycerus Hall, 1974: 14-21. Type-species, Paraplatycerzu citnculus Hall,
by monotypy, syn. nov.
This genus was redescribed well and placed correctly to tribe by Timberlake
(1922). That author stated that the genus appeared to be exclusively American.
The only species received from anywhere else, i.e. South Africa, is known to
have been introduced there.
Encyrtolophus, proposed with type species flavicollis De Santis, 1972, was
stated by that author to differ from Chrysoplatycerus in having a strongly
convex scutellum with no apical hair-tuft. However, C. ferrisi Timberlake has a
strongly convex scutellum, and E. flavicollis has a sparse, irregular row of
Subapical bristles representing a hair-tuft. The venation of flavicollis is of
precisely the same type as that of species previously attributed to Chrysoplatycerus. If Encyrtolophus be regarded as a good genus, then C. ferrisi should
surely be transferred to it.
Timberlake (1922) described the mandible as bidentate, but I detect the
presence of a minute, partly concealed, uppermost tooth in the species here
studied. The female antenna1 club is 2-segmented in all these species.
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
137
Chrysoplaty cerus ferrisi Timber lake
Chrysoplatycerus ferrisi Timberlake, 1922: 6-1 1+P1. I. Holotype 9, U.S.A.,
California, San Diego (USNM, Washington, cat. no. 25087).
Head about 1.8 times breadth of its median length, with frontovertex about
0.8 times breadth of an eye. Eye distinctly separated from occipital margin by
about the width of an ocellus. Ocelli in an almost equilateral triangle, the
median separated by about twice its width from orbital margin, the lateral
separated distinctly from orbital and by more than their longer diameter from
occipital margin.
Frontovertex with reticulate microsculpture fine to moderate, beset with
scattered piliferous punctures that, before ocelli, mostly are separated by
considerably more than their own diameters, the orbital piliferous punctures
separated by about their own diameters: there is also a row of punctures along
fore margin of frontovertex.
Antenna having scape strongly laminately expanded, well rounded below,
about 1.6 to 1.7 times length of its greatest breadth: pedicellus broadly
triangular: flagellum strongly compressed, the funicle markedly expanded to its
junction with the club.
Pronotum above matt, with very fine reticulate microsculpture and very fine
piliferous punctures, the hairs silvery, much shorter and denser than in
splendens (Howard) and extending only a little way over the mesoscutum.
Mesoscutum between a pair of sharp sublateral ridges and axillae above very
finely reticulate and rather densely beset with punctures bearing slightly
broadened silvery hairs, rather fine and dense on mesoscutum, coarser and
sparser on axillae. Reticulate microsculpture on scutellum above more
outstanding than on mesoscutum. Sides of mesoscutum, back of axillae and
sides and back of scutellum strongly shining and almost smooth, with
extremely delicate reticulation. Mesoscutum very weakly convex between the
sublateral ridges. Scutellum very strongly convex, with a short, sharp median
keel between the axillae, the hair tuft raised strongly above level of metanotum
to which the scutellum falls very sharply. Back of axillae separated from upper
surface by a fine, sharp ridge. Propodeum scarcely striate behind the spiracle.
Hind tibiae not shining on inner side.
Head light brown, sometimes with weak overspread of metallic coloration.
Pronotum, mid lobe of mesoscutum, tegulae, mesopleura and propodeum
above light orange-brown to testaceous with some darkening in part, the
mesopleura sometimes with weak metallic coloration especially behind: lateral
lobes of mesoscutum and sides of propodeum bright metallic green, sometimes
with infusion of red-violet: axillae and scutellum medium to dark brown with
weak metallic reflection. Gaster blackish, with green and bronzy metallic
reflection.
Antennae having scape and shining upper surface of pedicellus pale brassy to
bronzy green: pedicellus laterally and flagellum bronzy. Legs mainly testaceous
with some darkening, especially on femora above and on coxae, the tibiae
darkened, sometimes green on inner side, but the mid and hind tarsi often
mainly a dirty white.
Redescribed from the following: U.S.A., California, San Diego, 9 lO.ix.1920,
ex Pseudococcus adenostomae Ferris, G. F. Ferris (paratype); Whittier, 2 99
138
G. J. KERRICH
6.iii. 193 5 , ex Phenacoccus gossypii Townsend & Cockerell, J . D. Maple;
Riverside, 3 99 6.vii.1935, ex P.gossypii, J. D. Maple.
Chrysoplatycerus flavicollis (De Santis) comb. nov.
Encyrtolophus flavicollis De Santis, 1972: 49. Holotype 9 , ARGENTINA,
Misiones, Loreto (Museo, Universidad Nacional, La Plata).
Paraplatycerus citriculus Hall, 1974: 20-21. Holotype 9 PARAGUAY,
Asuncion (Citrus Experiment Station, Riverside, California), syn. nov.
Head rather globose, about 1.5 times breadth of its median length, with
frontovertex narrow, 0.4 times breadth of an eye. Eye separated from occipital
margin by about the length of an ocellus. Ocelli in a moderately acute triangle,
base to side about 2 : 3, the median separated by a little more than its width
from orbital margin, the lateral almost touching orbital but remote from
occipital margin. Frontovertex with reticulate microsculpture rather strong,
beset with scattered piliferous punctures that, though shallow, are relatively
wide, the orbital piliferous punctures small, mostly separated by less than their
own diameters: no distinct row of punctures along fore margin of frontovertex.
Mandible tridentate, the median tooth much the longest.
Antenna having scape strongly laminately expanded and moderately rounded
below, 1.7 times length of its greatest breadth: pedicellus broadly triangular:
flagellum strongly compressed, the funicle markedly expanded to the 2-segmented club.
Pronotum above with very fine reticulate microsculpture and fine piliferous
punctures, the silvery hairs relatively sparse, extending some way over the
mesoscutum though not so far as in splendens (Howard). Mesoscutum and
axillae much as described for ferrisi (Timberlake) but the hairs on axillae above
considerably finer. Scutellum strongly convex, inverted boat-shaped, with a
median keel that is sharp in about anterior third but then becomes a fold;
smooth and shining, sparsely beset with very fine piliferous punctures, and with
a sparse, irregular row of subapical bristles which represent a hair-tuft, these
moderately raised above level of metanotum to which the scutellum does not
fall sharply. Propodeum finely striate behind the spiracle.
Hind tibiae shining on upper inner surface.
Head dark green with slight bronzy reflection above, and red-violet reflection
along fore margin of frontovertex, a much brighter green on facial area and
genae. Pronotum mainly orange-brown, darkened anteriorly and in part on
sides, the hind margin above silvery white: mid lobe of mesoscutum and tegulae
dark green with bright bronzy reflection: axillae dark green: the shining
scutellum and lateral lobes of mesoscutum green through blue to red-violet:
mesopleura and sternum dark green with some dull testaceous margins:
metanotum and propodeum above blackish with bronzy reflection, the sides of
propodeum green. Gaster blackish, with green and bronzy metallic reflections.
Antennae having upper surfaces of scape and pedicellus bright green, with
brassy to bronzy reflections, otherwise blackish brown, with weak metallic
reflections. Fore and mid legs medium brown, with some darkening and
metallic reflection especially on tibiae above, the mid tibiae at apex and mid
tarsi except at apex pale: hind legs blackish brown, with weak metallic
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
139
reflections, but tarsal segments 2-4 whitish. The specimen from Paraguay is
considerably paler, but coloration is of essentially the same type.
Material studied. ARGENTINA, Misiones, Loreto, 9 13.iv.1932, A. A.
Ogloblin (paratype). BRAZIL, “Nova Teutonia, 27OR 52-58” L”, 9 23.iii.1938,
F. Plaumann (det. B. R. Subba Rao): the paratype of flavicollis is mounted on
a slide, so for some characters here studied I have relied on the card-pointed
specimens in the British Museum (Natural History) collection. PARAGUAY,
Asuncion, 9 5.ii.1973, ex Pseudococcus citriculus Green, M. Rose (paratype of
P. citriculus Hall).
Chrysopla ty cerus c o lo rn b iensis sp . n ov .
Head 1.9 times breadth of its median length, with frontovertex narrow, 0.4
times breadth of an eye. Eye distinctly separated from occipital margin by
more than the width of an ocellus. Ocelli in a decidedly acute triangle, base to
side about 5 : 8, the median separated by a little more than its width from
orbital margin, the lateral almost touching orbital but separated by more than
their longer diameter from occipital margin. Frontovertex with reticulate
microsculpture fine to moderate, finer behind, beset with piliferous punctures
that are shallow but much larger than in ferrisi Timberlake and splendens
(Howard) and are situated in two irregular rows, the orbital piliferous
punctures small, mostly separated by much more than their own diameters: no
row of punctures along fore margin of frontovertex.
Antenna having scape strongly laminately expanded and well rounded below,
1.6 times length of its greatest breadth: pedicellus of almost normai shape:
funicle only moderately compressed, strongly expanded to its junction with the
club, the first segment little broader than long, the sixth about 1.7 times as
broad at apex as long.
Pronotum above with very fine reticulate microsculpture and fine piliferous
punctures, the hairs silvery, decidedly sparse, extending a moderate way over
the mesoscutum, i.e. not so far as in splendens (Howard). Mesoscutum with
reticulate microsculpture fine but rather strongly outstanding and rather
sparsely beset with punctures bearing slightly broadened, gilded hairs, rather
weakly convex in this part, the shining lateral areas excavate but not margined
by ridges. Axillae very finely reticulate above, the smooth hinder part separated
by a mere fold. Scutellum almost smooth, weakly concave above, the sides not
separated by distinct folds but merely rounded over, the hair tuft raised
moderately above level of metanotum, to which the scutellum falls at about
half a right angle. Propodeum weakly striate behind the spiracle.
Hind tibiae shining on upper inner surface.
Head bronzy to blue-green on frontovertex and lower face, blue-green with
some bronzy to brassy behind. Pronotum mainly orange-brown, silvery white
along hind margin above. Mesocutum dark blue-green, orange-brown along
hind margin, the shining lateral areas a much brighter blue-green: axillae and
tegulae dark blue-green: mesopleura, mesosternum and metanotum orangebrown: scutellum dark blue-green, with light bronzy to red-violet reflections
above. Propodeum above and gaster blackish with dark blue-green and bronzy
reflections, the propodeum bright blue-green at sides. Antennae having scape
and pedicellus dull testaceous, with weak green reflections, bright blue-green
140
G. J. KEKKICH
above: funicle testaceous, the first segment darkened: club dark brown, with
green and bronzy reflections. Legs testaceous to dull brown, the coxae in
greatest part green, the fore and mid femora and tibiae largely green above, the
hind femora, tibiae and metatarsi in greater part green, the hind tarsi otherwise
whitish, darkened at extreme apex.
Unique holotvpe 0 . COLOMBIA: unlocalized, 29.iv.1935, “in banana
debris”, W. A. Ranck (USNM, Washington, cat. no. 73666).
Chrysoplatycerus splendens (Howard)
Rileyu splendens Howard, 1888: 80. Lectotype 9 , U.S.A., California, Los
Angeles (USNM, Washington, cat. no. 1492) here designated.
Rileyu splendens Howard, 1888: 192-195.
Chrysoplutycerus splendens (Howard) Ashmead, 1889: 37-38.
Chrysoplutycerus splendens (Howard) Ashmead, 1900: 405.
Chrysoplutycerus ho wardii Ashmead, 1900: 405. Holotype 9, ?MEXICO
(USNM, Washington, cat. no. 4765), syn. nov.
Chrysoplutycerzis splendens (Howard) Timberlake, 1922: 4-5.
Chrysoplutycerus howardii Ashmead; Timberlake, 1922: 4-6.
Head nearly twice breadth of its median length, with frontovertex narrow,
only half breadth of an eye. Eye nearly reaching occipital margin, separated
therefrom by less than the width of an ocellus. Ocelli in a decidedly acute
triangle, base to side about 7 : 11, the median separated by a little more than
its width from orbital margin, the lateral almost touching orbital and separated
by about their shorter diameter from occipital margin. Frontovertex with
reticulate microsculpture strong, on the raised inter-ocellar area dense, beset
with shallow piliferous punctures that, before ocelli, are mostly in two rows
though with some between in anterior half, the orbital piliferous punctures
rather large, mostly separated by less than their own diameters: no row of
punctures along fore margin of frontovertex.
Antenna having scape nearly parallel-sided and little rounded below, about
twice or more the length of its greatest breadth; pedicellus very broadly
triangular: flagellum strongly compressed, the funicle almost parallel-sided to
its junction with the club.
Pronotum above matt, with very fine reticulate microsculpture and fine
piliferous punctures, the hairs relatively sparse and long, extending a
considerable way over the mesoscutum. Mesoscutum and axillae more shining,
the mid part of mesoscutum and axillae above with fine to rather fine reticulate
microsculpture and rather sparsely beset with fine piliferous punctures, the
hairs moderately to rather long, not broadened and silvery. Lateral parts of
mesoscutum not separated from median part by ridges, strongly shining and
virtually smooth as are the scutellum and back of the axillae. Mesoscutum
strongly convex. Scutellum almost flat to very slightly concave above, the sides
more or less marked off by folds, the hair tuft raised only moderately above
level of metanotum, t o which the scutellum does not fall sharply. Back of
axillae separated from upper surface by a sharp fold. Propodeum generally with
a number of striae running back from the spiracle.
Hind tibiae shining on upper inner surface.
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
141
Head dull bronzy green above, often bright bronzy along fore margin of
frontovertex, generally bright green to bluish below. Pronotum above orangebrown, darkened anteriorly: sides of pronotum, tegulae, mesopleura and
propodeum above dull testaceous with metallic coloration which sometimes is
strong on sides of pronotum: axillae bronzy: mesoscutum bronzy or
occasionally red-violet medially merging to blue-green and red-violet at sides:
scutellum and sides of propodeum bright metallic green and red-violet. Gaster
brown to blackish, with green through purple to bronzy metallic reflections.
Antennae having scape blue-green to bronzy, with its shining upper surface and
that of the pedicellus generally a brighter blue-green, though sometimes bronzy
to violescent : pedicellus laterally and flagellum bronzy. Leg coloration much as
described for ferrisi Timberlake.
Two female specimens from South Africa are found to differ as follows:
head having considerable infusion of red-violet, or the frontovertex more
distinctly bronzy. Metallic coloration stronger on pleura. Mesoscutum and
antennae with more infusion of red-violet.
The synonymy of C. howardii Ashmead is based on the specimen from
Florida so determined by B. D. Burks. The specimen is markedly brighter, with
the pale colour of the pronotum extending on to the scutum, but in other
respects it agrees sufficiently with the main colour description of splendens, of
which it might be a teneral form. The colour differences given by Timberlake
(1922) do not work out well since the lustre, though weak, is present here, and
the tarsi may be a dirty white in both forms. Timberlake wrote that A. B.
Gahan reported that the types of howardii were “in regard t o all structural
characters practically identical with splendens”; and this I confirm from the
specimen studied except that the orbital piliferous punctures are small,
separated by more than their own diameters. ,
Material studied. U.S.A., California, Whittier, 1 9 x.1922, H. Compere;
Covina, 1 9 4.xi.1922, P. H. Timberlake; Ricrena, 1 9 x.1923, Spear; Santa
Barbara, 1 9 22.x.1924, H. Compere; Santa Paula, 1 9 , E. 0. Essig; Stanford
University, 1 9 2.ix.1937, T. D. A. Cockerell; San Diego, 1 9 8.viii.1939, ex
Psezrdococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) on Passifloru, H. Compere; State Insectory,
2 99 (ref. 2001); Riverside, 3 99 24.x.1943 “Comstock’s mealybug investigations”; Fontana, Biological Control Institute, 3 99 1953, ex Pseudococcus
maritimus (Ehrhorn), per CIBC: Florida, Merritt Lake, 1 9 30.vi.1953, ex
mealybug, Holtsbor (det. B. D. Burks as howardii Ashmead). PANAMA, Canal
Zone, Paraiso, 1 9 6.iv.1911, E. A. Schwarz. SOUTH AFRICA, Transvaal,
Stellenbosch, 2 99 vi. 19 5 1, e x mealybug sp. determined as Pseudococcus citri
Risso, per Department of Agriculture Technical Services.
A typescript copy of my treatment of the whole genus was sent to Dr
Gordon Gordh with the request that, in the light of it, he should select a
lectotype of splendens (Howard). Dr Gordh wrote as follows:
“After studying the cotypical series of Chrysoplatycerus splendens
(Howard), I feel confident that I can select a lectotype for you. The
cotypical series consists of eleven specimens, six of which are minuten
nadels, arranged in two columns of three rows each, embedded in a
rectangular piece of balsa (or other soft wood). I have drawn an arrow in
the balsa to the lectotype (female) and placed a tag in the box (Lectotype
by Kerrich). I hope this arrangement is satisfactory with you.”
10
142
G . J. KERRICH
Key to species of Chrvsoplatycerus Ashmead: females
1. Scutellum strongly convex, anteriorly with a median keel: mesoscutum
with a pair of sharp sublateral ridges separating the strongly shining and
almost smooth side parts from the median part which is very finely
reticulate and beset with slightly broadened silvery hairs: back of
axillae separated from upper surface by a sharp ridge . . . . . . 2
Scutellum almost flat or slightly concave above, with no median keel,
its sides rounded or marked off by folds: lateral areas of mesoscutum
not marked off by ridges: back of axillae separated from upper surface
byafold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
2. Head, seen from above, rather lenticular: frontovertex relatively broad,
about 0.8 breadth of an eye: scutellum rather conical, falling sharply
behind the dense subapical hair-tuft, the anterior median carina not
continuing as a fold, the upper surface covered with outstanding
reticulate microsculpture: head, axillae, scutellum, mesopleura and
propodeum above lightish brown, with metallic coloration not strong,
the legs also without strong metallic darkening
. ferrisi Timberlake
Head, seen from above, rather globose: frontovertex much narrower,
about 0.4 breadth of an eye: scutellum inverted boat-shaped, not falling
sharply behind the irregular row of subapical bristles, the anterior
median carina continuing as a fold to near apex, the upper surface
smooth and shining: head, axillae, scutellum, mesopleura and propodeum above strongly metallic coloured, the hind femora and tibiae also
with strong metallic darkening
. . . . . . flavicollis (De Santis)
3. Mesoscutum rather weakly convex, the mid part beset with slightly
broadened, gilded hairs, the shining side parts strongly excavate though
not margined by ridges: antennal scape strongly laminately expanded,
1.6 times length of its greatest breadth, well rounded below: pedicellus
of almost normal shape, narrowly triangular, quite twice length of its
apical breadth: flagellum not strongly compressed, the first segment
little broader than long, the funicle largely testaceous, strongly
expanded to the club which is markedly broader than the sixth funicle
segment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . colombiensis sp. nov.
Mesoscutum strongly convex, the mid part beset with fine hairs,
merging with no sharp division to the shining side parts which are not
or hardly excavate: antennal scape nearly parallel-sided, little rounded
below, about twice length of its greatest breadth: pedicellus (as in other
species here treated) broadly triangular, about as long as its apical
breadth: flagellum strongly compressed, the first segment saucershaped, the funicle dark, almost parallel-sided, the club scarcely broader
than the sixth funicle segment . . . . . . . . splertderts (Howard)
Genus Hambletonia Compere
Hamhletonia Compere, 1936: 172-173. Type-species: Hambletonia pseudococcina Compere, by monotypy.
REVISION OF ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
143
Hambletonia pseudococcina Compere
(Fig. 28)
Hambletonia pseudococcina Compere 1936: 172-174. Paratypes 9, BRAZIL,
Sio Paulo, Araras (USNM, Washington).
Material studied. BRAZIL, Sio Paulo, Araras, 2 99 1O.vii.1933, e x Dysrnicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) on pineapple, E. J. Hambleton (paratypes in
BMNH), also 1 9 25.ix.1935. COLOMBIA, near Palmira, 8 9 9 i.1953, “ex
Coccid”, D. J . Taylor.
Recorded from Argentina, Buenos Aires, by De Santis (1972: 47) (Mus. La
Plata).
Genus Austrotropidia gen. nov.
Type-species: Tropidophryne flandersi Compere 1933 : 247.
Head, seen from above (Fig. 25) with fore margin weakly convex:
frontovertex much wider than an eye, with ocelli in a decidedly obtuse triangle,
the lateral ones more than their own diameters from eye: facial impression
about 2.5 times as broad as high, sharply margined above but with margin
merging to a fold on either side: frontovertex in greater part decidedly matt,
with the small punctures strongly shining by contrast. Antenna (Fig. 26) with
scape curved above, broad, the outer fold rather broad; with pedicellus in side
view triangular and having a shining, concave, long oval-shaped upper surface;
with funicle segments short, the first the smallest but not minute; with club
solid, hardly broader than the sixth funicle segment. Mandibles bidentate.
Thorax weakly convex, with axillae separated and with scutellum bluntly
rounded at apex. Fore wings (Fig. 27) weakly emarginate at apex of costal cell;
with marginal vein punctiform; with radial and postmarginal both long, the
radial slightly the longer: fore wings strongly maculate, having infuscate areas
beset with dark hairs and hyaline areas with pale hairs.
Compere (1939: 13) stated “A mistake was made in referring the Australian
species flandersi, Compere, to Tropidophryne. This Australian species is not
congeneric with the species included here”.
Austro tropidia flandersi (Compere)
(Figs 25 to 27)
Tropidophryne flandersi Compere, 1933: 247. Holotype 9, AUSTRALIA,
N.S.W., Epping (USNM, Washington) [examined] .
Head (Fig. 25), seen from above, with median length to breadth = 1 : 1.8:
frontovertex to total breadth = 1 : 2.3, i.e. frontovertex 1.5 times as broad as
an eye: lateral ocelli distinctly further than their longer diameter from both
orbital and occipital margins. Frontovertex on inter-ocellar area with scattered,
very shallow punctures and with reticulate microsculpture regular and very fine;
before and beside this area decidedly matt, with reticulate microsculpture
extremely fine, beset with small, sharp, shining punctures that mostly are
separated by a little less than twice their own diameters; on fore margin and
also on facial area with reticulation strongly outstanding, shining between the
ridges.
144
G . J. KEKKICH
26
Figures 25 to 28. 25 to 27. Austrotropidia flandersi (Compere), female. 25, Head, seen from
above; 26, left antenna, in sinistro-lateral view; 27, part of right fore-wing. 28. Hambletonia
pseudococcina Compere, female, head, seen from above.
Mandibles slender, bidentate, the upper tooth much the longer.
Antenna as in Fig. 26 and in generic description.
Thorax above rather dull, with reticulate microsculpture extremely fine,
beset with shallow, shining punctures that on mesoscutum are separated on
average by about twice their own diameters, but on scutellum are distinctly
sparser. Axillae well separated. Scutellum bluntly rounded at apex. Spiracles of
propodeum small.
Female gaster showing paratergites clearly in slide mounts.
Fore wings as in generic description and Fig. 27.
Head mainly dark blue-green above and o n facial area, red-violet on
inter-ocellar area, o n margin before eyes, on inter-scrobal prominence and on
genae. Dorsum of thorax a brighter blue-green, with a broad, median stripe of
dull bronzy, and with strong infusions of red-violet on sides of mesoscutum and
axillae, which become still stronger on sides and hinder half of scutellum.
Thorax below, and propodeum above and on sides, dull brown with weak
reflections. Gaster blackish, with mostly bright bronzy reflection, but also
some blue-green at extreme base above and on sides near apex. Mandibles pale
brown. Antennae blackish, with bronzy to dull violet reflection, the scape
above and on outer fold, and the pedicellus above, shining brassy green. Legs
dull brown, in part having infuscation which bears metallic reflection: fore and
mid legs with tarsi and apices of tibiae much paler, and hind legs with tarsal
segments 2 to 4 whitish.
The male has six flagellar segments and a solid club.
Material studied. AUSTRALIA, N.S.W., Epping, 1 9 2O.iii. (holotype), 1 d
13.iii.1931, ex Pseudococcus sp.? comstocki Kuwana on Acacia longifolia, S.E.
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
145
Flanders: S. Australia, Waikerie, 3 00 ii.1956, ex Pseudococcus sp. on
Myoporum, T. 0. Browning: F.C.T., Canberra, 1 0 23.xi.1930, W. K. Hughes.
Holotype transferred to U.S. National Museum 1966: material in Citrus
Experiment Station, Riverside and in British Museum (Natural History).
Genus Tropidophryne Compere
Tropidophryne Compere, 193 1: 269-27 1. Type-species: Tropidophryne africana Compere, by monotypy.
Tropidophryne Compere, 1939: 13.
Compere (1931) described this genus on the basis of a single new species
africana. Eight years later (1939) he described two further species, giving a key
for separating the females and illustrating the female antennae of all three
species. In the latter paper he commented on the difficulty of observing the
flagellum in tag mounts, and this difficulty led him, after describing the species
natalensis on external features, to treat the unique type with potash and mount
it on a slide. In this condition the external and internal skeletal structures can
be seen very clearly, but I have not found it possible t o make an accurate
comparative study of the sculpture and coloration. From this cause an
uncertainty was felt as to whether a series of specimens received in 1954 could
truly be referred to natalensis, which could only be resolved by undertaking a
fresh intensive study of the three species.
The mandibles are bidentate, the upper tooth being much the larger and
longer, and unevenly narrowed in such a way as to suggest the development of
a minute uppermost tooth.
No further description of the female antennae has been made, owing to the
difficulty of making a comparative study of these very solid structures. The
appearance in outline of the segments depends not only on the angle of viewing
but also on the degree of compression in the particular mount studied. In the
Encyrtidae, the female antennae are normally about the most stable structure
within a species; but then the number of antenna1 segments is rightly
considered as normally constant within a genus. From a series of reared
specimens here attributed to the species natalensis Compere, the left antennae
of three female specimens have been mounted: two of these have four separate
funicle segments, the basal segment to a differing degree divided, and the third
appears to have five fully separate segments. This series of specimens agrees
with natalensis in all other characters that Compere has described or that I can
observe on the unique slide-mounted type. Unexpected as it may seem, I
believe that the female funicle is unstable in this genus, and that Compere’s
drawing, which I can confirm as accurate, was made from an abnormal
specimen. Indeed, Compere, in his key to the females of the species (p. 14)
wrote “funicle with four distinct joints, sometimes with vestigial fifth joint at
base”. The pilosity of the eyes is very difficuly to see.
Tropidophryne natalensis Compere
(Figs 29, 32 and 35)
Tropidophryne natalensis Compere, 1939: 14-15. Holotype 0 , SOUTH
AFRICA, Natal, Durban (BMNH, cat. no. 5.1539) [examined].
146
G . J . KERRICH
Head (Fig. 29), seen from above, with median length to breadth = 1 : 1 . 5 to
1.7, with margin before eyes relatively broad but margin behind narrow:
frontovertex to total breadth = 1 : 2.9 t o 3.2, with ocelli in a slightly acute
triangle, the lateral ocelli very close to orbital and about 1 . 5 times their own
diameters from occipital margin: head in side view only slightly rounded above,
with eyes less deep than in the two following species. Frontovertex on
inter-ocellar area with reticulate microsculpture of moderate strength; before
ocelli shining and almost smooth, the alutaceous microsculpture extremely
fine, beset with fine piliferous punctures, most of which are separated by two
or three times their own diameters: orbital piliferous punctures very small.
Pronotum and mesoscutum finely alutaceous, regularly beset with very fine
piliferous punctures: axillae and scutellum similar but the sculpture tending
more to very fine reticulation. Scutellum (Fig. 32) almost rounded at apex.
Propodeum with sides not delimited by a ridge just outside the spiracle, but
rather densely hairy in that position and quite conspicuously so below.
Fore wings lightly infuscate almost throughout, relatively slender, the radial
emitted at decidedly less than a right-angle with the postmarginal (Fig. 3 5 ) .
Head bright testaceous above, with only slight metallic darkening, merging to
stramineous below. Body a similar bright testaceous above, and on under side
of gaster near mid line: pronotum in front, mesoscutum and scutellum with
median metallic darkening weak: gaster above and at sides with much stronger
metallic darkening, and greenish to bronzy reflections: sides of thorax and
remainder of gaster beneath stramineous. Antennae bright testaceous, with
metallic darkening much weaker and less extensive than in africana and
melvillei Compere, though very conspicuous on about apical two-fifths of club,
and with some brassy green or bronzy colouring on upper (outer) lamina of
scape and corresponding surface of pedicellus. Legs stramineous on coxae,
trochanters and largely on femora, merging to pale testaceous beyond.
Redescribed from the following material. SOUTH AFRICA, Natal, Durban,
0 iii-vi. 1926, E. W. Rust (holotype): NIGERIA, Abeokuta Province, Aladie
Iluro, 10 00 26.i.1954, ex Planococcus citri (Risso), on Theobroma cacao,
R. G. Donald. Material in BMNH, including 3 dd reared with the 99 from
Nigeria.
Tropidophryne melvillei Compere
(Figs 30 and 3 3 )
Tropidophryne melvillei Compere, 1939: 14-15 . Holotype 0 , KENYA, Nairobi
(BMNH, cat. no. 5.1152) [examined].
Head (Fig. 30), seen from above, with median length to breadth = 1 : 1.6 to
1.8, with margin before eyes relatively narrower than in natalensis Compere but
margin behind much broader: frontovertex to total breadth normally 1 to 2.6
to 2.9, with ocelli in a very slightly acute triangle, the lateral ocelli about half
their own diameters from orbital and nearly twice their own diameters from
occipital margin: head in side view rather strongly rounded above, with eyes
markedly deeper than in natalensis Compere. Frontovertex on inter-ocellar area
matt, with reticulate microsculpture rather fine but strong; before ocelli
shining, with microsculpture coarse though not strong, tending to be arranged
transversely, rather irregularly beset with piliferous punctures that mostly are
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
147
separated by more than their own diameters: orbital piliferous punctures larger
than in africana Compere, separated near middle of eye by about their own
diameters.
Mesoscutum with reticulate microsculpture regular and strong, beset with
piliferous punctures that are relatively coarse but very superficial: microsculpture of pronotum fine. Axillae and scutellum with reticulate microsculpture of moderate strength, and with piliferous punctures more pronounced than on mesoscutuni. Scutellum (Fig. 3 3 ) obtusely pointed at apex.
Propodeum with sides delimited by an outstanding sharp ridge, that runs just
outside the spiracle, the sides very sparsely hairy.
Fore wings lightly infuscate almost throughout, relatively stout, the radial
emitted at little less than a right-angle with the postmarginal.
Head dull testaceous, with strong metallic darkening which becomes a
definite blue-green to blue or even violaceous on interscrobal prominence, paler
behind and below. Body a similar dull testaceous: mesoscutum, axillae,
scutellum and metanotum a strong blue-green to steely blue except peripherally: remainder of body with similar metallic colouring developed on average
more strongly and more extensively than in africana Compere. Antennae dull
testaceous, mainly overspread with metallic darkening, and with some brassy
green or bronzy colouring on upper (outer) lamina of scape and corresponding
surface of pedicellus. Leg coloration much as described for africana Compere,
but the testaceous colouring duller, the metallic darkening more extensive and
developed on fore femora and tibiae also, and fore coxae more broadly
stramineous.
Redescribed from the following material. KENYA, Nairobi, National
Agricultural Laboratory, 8 99 (including holotype and two paratypes)
6.iii.1937, ex Pseudococcus sp. on Kei Apple (Aberia sp.) A. R. Melville.
GHANA, Tafo, 9 1947, e x Pseudococcus njalensis Laing, A. H. Strickland, 9
2.vi. 1954, ex Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell), F. E. Decker. Material in
BMNH, including 1 d reared with the 99 from Kenya.
Tropidophryne africana Compere
(Figs 3 1 , 34 and 36)
Tropidophryne africana Compere, 193 1 : 270-272. Holotype 9 , SOUTH
AFRICA, Natal, Durban (USNM, Washington, cat. no. 53121).
Tropidophryne africana Compere, 1939: 14-15.
Head (Fig. 3 1 ) , seen from above, with median length to breadth = 1 : 1 . 5 to
1.7, with margin before eyes decidedly narrower than in the other species and
margin behind very narrow: frontovertex relatively narrow, t o total breadth
normally 1 : 3 . 3 to 3.9, with ocelli in a very decidedly acute triangle (about
6 0 ° ) , the lateral ocelli nearly half their own diameters from orbital and over
twice their own diameters from occipital margin: head in side view as described
for melvillei Compere. Frontovertex matt, with reticulate microsculpture
regular and rather strong, before ocelli rather regularly beset with piliferous
punctures that on average are separated by less than their own diameters:
orbital piliferous punctures small, separated near middle of eye by more than
their own diameters.
148
G. J. KERRICH
29
30
32
v
33
Figures 2 9 to 34. 29 to 31. Head, in dorsal view, of female of 29, Tropidophryne natalensis
Compere; 30, T. melvillei Compere and 3 1 , T. ufricana Compere. 32 to 34. Scutellum, in dorsal
view, of female of 32, Tropidophryne natalensis Compere; 3 3 , 7'. melvilleiCompere and 34, 7'.
afncana Compere.
Mesoscutum with reticulate microsculpture rather strong, beset with weak
but quite distinct piliferous punctures that mostly are separated by considerably more than their own diameters: pronotum similarly sculptured but finer.
Axillae and scutellum with reticulate microscu!pture more outstanding than on
mesoscutum, the punctation sharper. Scutellum (Fig. 34)rectangularly pointed
at apex. Propodeum with sides delimited by a sharp ridge that runs just outside
the spiracle, the sides sparsely hairy.
Fore wings more strongly infuscate almost throughout, relatively stout, the
radial emitted at little less than a right angle with the postmarginal (Fig. 36).
Head fulvo-testaceous, with weak metallic darkening on frontovertex,
inter-scrobal prominence, and sometimes on genae, markedly paler towards
mouth and on mandibles except their apices. Body a rather paler fulvo-
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
149
testaceous: mesoscutum, axillae, scutellum and metanotum dark blue-green to
steely blue except peripherally, often with light bronzy or violaceous
reflections: similar but mostly weaker metallic colouring is developed on
pronotum, pleura and propodeum in part, and on greater part of gaster.
Antennae fulvo-testaceous, with much metallic darkening, the upper (outer)
lamina of the scape and corresponding surface of the pedicellus largely a
medium green, usually very distinct. Legs testaceous, with metallic darkening
strong on hind coxae and weak on mid and hind femora and tibiae: on fore and
mid legs, coxae at apex and trochanters largely stramineous.
Redescribed from the following material. SOUTH AFRICA, Natal, Durban,
9 20.iv.1926, ex “Pseudococcus sp. reputed to be P. citri (Risso)”, E. W. Rust
(paratype). UGANDA, Entebbe, 4 99 iii. 1938, ex Planoccoccus kenyae (Le
Pelley) on A. cherirnoya A. R. Melville: NIGERIA, Ibadan Province, Agodi,
2 QQ viii.1954, ex PZanococcus kenyae (Le Pelley) on cacao, R. G. Donald.
GHANA, Aburi, 9 21.x.1949, ex Pseudococcus njalensis Laing on cacao F. E.
Decker. MAURITIUS, Corps de Garde, to 2200’, 4.vi.1971, A. M. Hutson.
Material in BMNH.
Key to the African species of Tropidophryne Compere: females
1. Frontovertex before ocelli shining and almost smooth, the alutaceous
microsculpture extremely fine, with piliferous punctures fine, mostly
separated by two or three times their own diameters (Fig. 29): margin
before eyes relatively broad: head in side view only slightly rounded
above: scutellum (Fig. 32) almost rounded at apex: propodeum with
sides not delimited by a ridge just out‘side the spiracle: fore wings
relatively slender, the radial emitted at much less than a right-angle with
the post marginal (Fig. 35): head and thorax mainly stramineous below,
bright testaceous above, the mesoscutum and scutellum broadly but
weakly darkened in mid line
. . . . . . . . natalensis Compere
Frontovertex before ocelli not so shining, with microsculpture of at
least moderate strength, with piliferous punctures very much coarser,
mostly separated by much less than twice their own diameters (Figs 30
and 31): margin before eyes narrower: head in side view rather strongly
rounded above: scutellum pointed at apex: propodeum with sides
delimited by a sharp ridge that runs just outside the spiracle: fore wings
stouter, the radial emitted at little less than a right angle with
postmarginal (Fig. 36): head and thorax duller above and much darker
below: mesoscutum, axillae and scutellum darker blue-green to steely
blue except peripherally
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
2. Frontovertex more than one-third total head breadth, with ocelli in a
very slightly acute triangle: margin behind eyes about equal to breadth
of a lateral ocellus: piliferous punctures on frontovertex mostly
separated by more than their own diameters (Fig. 30): antenna1 club
about a quarter longer than broad: scutellum obtusely pointed at apex
(Fig. 3 3): head with strong metallic darkening on frontovertex,
becoming a definite blue-green or similar on inter-scrobal prominence .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
melvillei Compere
Frontovertex relatively narrow, decidedly less than one-third total head
150
G . J. KERRICH
breadth, with ocelli in a very decidedly acute triangle: margin behind
eyes much narrower: piliferous punctures on frontovertex mostly
separated by less than their own diameters (Fig. 31): antenna1 club
nearly as broad as long: scutellum rectangularly pointed at apex
(Fig. 34): head with weak metallic darkening on frontovertex and
inter-scrobal prominence . . . . . . . . . . africana Compere
Tropidophryne palestinensis Rivnay
Tropidiophryne palestinensis Rivnay, 1945: 118-121. Holotype 9 lost.
Rivnay (1945) described a species Tropidiophryne (sic)* palestinensis. The
intended location of holotype, allotype and paratypes was stated, but the
relative specimens could not, in 1965, be found in the collections of the British
Museum (Natural History), the Department of Agriculture, Pretoria, or the U.S.
National Museum. Dr Rivnay has most kindly sent the material that he had at
that date (1965) been able to trace in Israel, and allowed it to be retained for
the British Museum (Natural History) collection. It consists of three slides: (1)
a mount of a right antenna and forewing of a male, labelled “Jerusalem,
Bytinski-Salz”, presumably from the same series as the holotype; ( 2 ) a mount
of a whole female specimen, Rehovoth, ix.1942, ex Planococciis citri (Risso)
on pomegranate, E. Rivnay; ( 3 ) a mount of a right antenna and forewing of a
female with same data as the last.
This species has the facial impression sharply margined only at sides, as in
Zarhopalzis Ashmead. If that character be ignored, it would run in the above
key to genera with Austrotropodia gen. nov; but A . flandersi (Compere) has the
facial impression sharply margined above and folded at sides. It appears to me
that the margin of the fore wing is not sharply incised as according to Rivnay’s
fig. 4. The radial is strongly curved and without an uncus, as in species of
Tropidophryne, but there is a punctiform marginal vein: the postmarginal vein
is slightly longer than the radial. The female antenna is of the type of those of
Azistrotropidia and of Zaplatycerus species, having the scape with an outer
fold, six funicle segments and a solid club which is not broader than the sixth
funicle segment. The propodeum is short in mid line, as in Neoplatycerzis
Subba Rao.
It is desirable that fresh material be obtained and card-pointed mounts made
so that a further assessment of the generic position may be made.
Genus Neoplatycerzis Subba Rao
Neoplatycerzis Subba Rao, 1965: 150-1 5 1 . Type-species: Neoplatycerus tachikawai Subba Rao, by monotypy.
Neoplatycerus tachikawai Subba Rao
(Fig. 42)
Neoplatycerits tachikawai Subba Rao, 1965: 151-152. Holotype 9, INDIA,
Orissa, Bhubaneswar (IARI, New Delhi) [examined] .
Head twice breadth of its median length, with frontovertex five-sixths
breadth of an eye. Ocelli in a very decidedly obtuse triangle, the lateral about
* This was a lapsus made by Compere himself.
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
151
Figures 3 5 and 3 6 . Part of right forewing of female of 3 5 , Tropidophryne natalensis Compere
and 3 6 , T. africana Compere.
their longer diameter from occipital margin. Frontovertex with reticulate
microsculpture in and around the inter-ocellar area fine and moderately
outstanding, before that increasingly fine and weak, the area more shining;
beset with scattered shallow piliferous punctures that mostly are separated by
very much more than their own diameters. Upper face shining and virtually
smooth: lower face and genae with reticulate microsculpture very weak, beset
with rather fine to very fine piliferous punctures.
Antenna (Subba Rao, 1965: fig. 5).
Mesoscutum, axillae and tegulae with reticulate microsculpture very fine,
beset with fine piliferous punctures that mostly are separated by about three
times their own diameters, the scutellum with reticulation rather coarser but
the piliferous punctures, except near base, still more scattered. Scutellum
(Fig. 42) strongly convex, with a narrow median furrow in about basal quarter
and a blunt keel in about apical half, the sides and apex sharply margined.
Propodeum laterally margined throughout by a sharply raised keel.
Fore wings (Subba Rao, 1965: fig. 1) with a large, roughly triangular
speculum prebasale, the costal cell hairy about half way across in about basal
two-thirds but tapering to a single hair row on upper surface beyond that;
rather strongly infuscate and with the hairs rather strong before the speculum
postbasale, the infuscation gradually weakening and the hairs becoming finer
beyond, till they are markedly finer than in species of Zaplatycerzis: radius
emitted at more than half a right-angle, its uncus not distinctly angled but
continuing the curvature of the radius.
152
G. J. KERRICH
Head brown, with green and red-violet coloration in and behind the
inter-ocellar area and on outer orbits, and weak red-violet reflection on genae
and lower face. Thorax and propodeum brown, with some weak metallic
reflections, the dorsal thoracic tergites mainly blackish with metallic reflections. Gaster brown, with darkening and weak metallic reflection above and
below. Antennae brown, with light brassy reflection, the upper surface of scape
blue-green and red-violet but of pedicellus with only a little such coloration.
Legs brown, the hind coxae lightly infuscate, the tarsi scarcely darkened at
apex.
Redescribed from the following. INDIA, Orissa, Bhubaneswar, 1 9
25.iv.1964, ex Pulvinaria sp. on mango, Y . B. Singh (holotype); Uttar Pradesh,
Naimital, 1 9 16.vi.1967, e x Zcerya seychellarum (Westwood), S . A. Shafee.
Genus Zaplatycerus Timberlake
Zaplatycerus Timberlake, 1925: 173-176. Type-species: Zaplatycerus fullawayi
Timberlake, by monotypy.
The author has studied only the females of the two following species.
Zaplatycerus fullawayi Timberlake
(Fig. 37)
Zaplatycerus fullawayi Timberlake, 1925: 176-177, 192-193. Holotype 0 ,
PANAMA, Canal Zone (BPBM, Hololulu) [examined].
Head (Fig. 37) almost twice breadth of its greatest length, with frontovertex
equal in breadth to an eye. Ocelli in an equilateral triangle, the lateral about
their longer diameter from occipital margin. Frontovertex with reticulate
microsculpture very fine, mostly arranged in a more or less transverse pattern,
much more strongly outstanding in and behind the inter-ocellar area; rather
regularly beset with moderate piliferous punctures that mostly are separated by
much more than their own diameters, the orbital piliferous punctures separated
by about their own diameters. Upper face shining, the microsculpture
extremely fine: lower face and genae with reticulate microsculpture very fine
to moderate, much more outstanding than on frontovertex, the upper genae
beset with fine, very well separated punctures, the lower genae and lower face
with moderate punctures that mostly are separated by less than their own
diameters, and are very obvious,
Antenna (Timberlake, 1925: 193, Fig. la): flagellum little more than twice
as long as its greatest width in the holotype and the Colombian specimen
measured dry (Timberlake figured it as nearly two and a half times and
described it as nearly thrice, perhaps from slide mounts in which the segments
had been to some extent telescoped out).
Mesoscutum, axillae, tegulae and scutellum with reticulate microsculpture
fine, much more outstanding than on frontovertex, beset with moderate
piliferous punctures that on average are separated by about their own
diameters. Scutellum moderately convex, with a narrow median furrow in
about basal third and a sharp median keel in about apical third, the apex
projecting only slightly over the base of the propodeum, the sides not folded
nor the apex sharply margined. Propodeum having lateral margin sharp
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
153
throughout, the spiracle not quite touching it and not so close to hind margin
of metanotum as in planiscutellurn sp. nov.
Fore wings with a large, roughly triangular speculum pre-basale and the
costal cell hairy for markedly less than half way across; weakly infuscate
throughout except for a more strongly infuscate and more densely hairy
cross-band just beyond the speculum prebasale: radius emitted at about half a
right-angle, its uncus distinctly angled at little more than a right-angle.
Head russet brown, not with a band of strong red-violet coloration between
the sharp facial margin and the eyes, but with green and red-violet coloration
on outer orbits and genae and with weak metallic reflections elsewhere. Thorax
and propodeum russet brown, with some patches of weak infuscation and
metallic reflection, the mesopleura and sides or propodeum in greater or lesser
part with stronger infuscation and metallic reflection which on sides of
propodeum is green. Gaster russet brown, to a greater or lesser extent infuscate
with weak metallic reflection above and below. Antennae brown, with
infuscation and green coloration, the scape and pedicellus with upper surface
bright green. Legs russet brown, the coxae with greater or lesser amount of
infuscation, the tarsi not darkened at apex.
Redescribed from the following: PANAMA, Canal Zone, 1 9 iv.1924, ex
Dysrnicoccus brevipes (Cockerell), D. T. Fullaway (holotype). COLUMBIA,
near Palmira, 1 9 i.1953, ex undetermined Coccid on cacao pod, D. J . Taylor
(BMNH).
Zaplatycems planiscutellurn sp. nov.
(Figs 38 to 41)
Head (Fig. 38) somewhat less than twice breadth of its median length, with
frontovertex relatively narrow, only one-fifth the total head breadth and half
the breadth of an eye. Ocelli in a correspondingly very acute triangle, the
lateral about their longer diameter from orbital margin. Frontovertex with
reticulate microsculpture fine, moderately outstanding, though finer near
orbital margins and more outstanding in and behind inter-ocellar area, nowhere
suggesting a more or less transverse pattern; beset with moderate piliferous
punctures that mostly are separated by well over their own diameters, the
orbital piliferous punctures very small, separated by about twice their own
diameters. Reticulate microsculpture on outer orbits and genae much coarser
and more outstanding, on facial area and clypeiis very fine and weak, the facial
area beset with scattered, fine, shallow punctures that mostly are separated by
much more than their own diameters, the punctation on genae very shallow
and not at all obvious.
Antenna (Fig. 40) very similar to that of fulluwuyi Timberlake, but the
funicle segments seemingly narrower and the club longer, the flagellum about
twice length of its greatest breadth.
Mesoscutum, axillae and tegulae with reticulate microsculpture finer and less
outstanding than on frontovertex, beset with fine piliferous punctures that
mostly are separated by two or three times their own diameters, the scutellum
with reticulation and punctures rather coarser. Scutellum (Fig. 41) very weakly
convex, almost flat above, with only a small furrow or depression at mid base,
with lateral folds running to a sharp apical margin, the apex projecting a
154
G . J. KERKICH
37
000
m3
40
Figure 37. Zaplatycerus fuZZawayi Timberlake, female, head, seen from above. 38 to 41.
Zuplurycerus pluniscurellum sp. nov., female, 38, head, seen from above; 39, part o f left
fore-wing; 40, left antenna in sinistro-lateral view; 41, scutellum and adjacent structures in
dextro-lateral view. 42. Neoplafycerus tachiknwai Suhba Rao, female, scutellum and adjacent
structures in dextro-lateral view. Ax, Axilla; Ppm, Propodeum.
considerable distance over the bsse of the propodeum. Propodeum having
lateral margin not sharp before the spiracle but appearing to start from the
outer edge of this, the spiracle very close to the hind margin of the metanotum.
Fore wings with no speculum prebasale and the costal cell hairy for about
half way across; strongly infuscate and with the hairs much stronger before the
speculum postbasale, moderately infuscate and with the hairs of normal
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
155
strength beyond: radius emitted at less than half a right angle, its uncus not
distinctly angled but continuing the curvature of the radius (Fig. 39).
Head brown, with a band of strong red-violet coloration between the sharp
facial margin and the eyes, with green and red-violet coloration on outer orbits
and genae, and weak metallic reflections on frontovertex and facial area.
Thorax and propodeum brown, the mesoscutum except for narrow margins,
axillae, scutellum, and tegulae in part steel-grey with weak metallic reflection,
and mesopleura and sides of propodeum sometimes tinged with the same
colour in small part. Gaster brown, largely infuscate with weak metallic
reflection above and below. Antennae blackish, with light bronzy reflection,
the scape brown near base, the scape and pedicellus with upper surface bright
brassy green. Legs brown, with weak infuscation and metallic reflection in
some part.
Holotype 0 , TRINIDAD, Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture, 1952-195 3,
ex Planococcus citri (Risso) on cacao, F. D. Bennett (USNM, Washington, cat.
no. 73667).
Paratypes: 3 99 (same data as holotype). Paratypes in BMNH.
Key to species of Zuplatycerus Timberlake: females
A. Head (Fig. 37) having frontovertex about one-third its total breadth,
with ocelli in about an equilateral triangle: lower face beset with
moderate punctures that mostly are separated by less than their own
diameters: scutellum moderately convex, with a narrow median furrow
in about basal third and a sharp median keel in about apical third, the
apex projecting only slightly over the base of the propodeum: fore
wings with a large, roughly triangular, speculum prebasale: mesoscutum
and scutellum russet brown with weak infuscation: head not with a
band of strong red-violet coloration between the sharp facial margin
. . . . . . . . . . . . . fulhwayi Timberlake
and the eyes
B. Head (Fig. 38) having frontovertex about one-fifth its total breadth,
with ocelli in a much acuter triangle: lower face beset with fine,
scattered punctures that mostly are separated by much more than their
own diameters: scutellum (Fig. 41) very weakly convex, almost flat
above, with only a small furrow at mid base, the apex projecting a
considerable distance over the base of the propodeum: fore wings with
no speculum prebasale: niesoscutum and scutellum mainly steel-grey,
with weak metallic reflection: head with a band of strong red-violet
coloration between the sharp facial margin and the eyes . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . planiscutellum sp. nov.
Genus Pelmatencyrtus De Santis
Pelmatencyrtus De Santis, 1964: 41-42, 125-126. Type-species: Pelmatencyrtus
bonariensis De Santis, by monotypy.
De Santis (1964), in establishing this genus, placed it next Aeptencyrtus,
proposed in the same publication, in both his key to genera and his descriptive
text. He compared it (p. 126), with Zarhopalus Ashmead, Chrysoplatycerus
Ashmead and particularly Coeluspidia Timberlake; but presumably had not had
156
G . J. KERRICH
the opportunity of studying the last-named which I find to have the scutellum
concave but not really longitudinally furrowed. In discussing the position of
Aeptencyrtus, he placed that genus in a group containing Coelaspidia
Timberlake, Acroaspidia Compere & Zinna and Pelmatencyrtus.
Professor De Santis most kindly accorded me the loan of a card-mounted
specimen of his species, Pelmatencyrtus bonariensis, for study. It resembles
Aeptencyrtus De Santis in having a prognathous head, and most Dinocarsiine
genera in having the facial area bordered by a sharply raised carina. It has a
striking resemblance t o some species of Chrysoplatycerus Ashmead in the
strongly concave, strongly shining lateral areas of the mesoscutum. Yet I
consider the almost quadrate petiolar segment, and the conformation of the
gaster, more resembling those of a Pteromalid or Eulophid, to characterise this
genus as wholly anomalous. The antennae are unlike those of any genus treated
earlier in this work. I cannot relate this genus to any other known to me, nor
can my colleagues in the British Museum (Natural History). The conformation
of the thorax and propodeum, most especially the scutellum, is highly peculiar.
A figure of thorax and abdomen is given as an aid to the recognition of the
genus.
Pelmatencyrtus bonariensis De Santis
(Fig. 43)
Pelmatencyrtus bonariensis De Santis, 1964: 126-127. Holotype 0 ARGENTINA, Buenos Aires Province, Caz6n (Museo, Universidad Nacional, La
Plata).
Prognathous, the head much longer than high. Head about 1.4 times breadth
of its median length, rather narrowly and deeply emarginate anteriorly and
posteriorly, with frontovertex equal in breadth to an eye. Eye well separated
from occipital and remote from anterior margin. Ocelli in an equilateral
triangle, small, about their shorter diameter from orbital and three times their
longer diameter from occipital margin. Frontovertex covered with rather fine
to rather coarse, outstanding reticulation and beset with some rather sparse,
obscure punctures: facial area very weakly sculptured, shining, sparsely but
evidently hairy, bordered by a sharply raised carina which is narrowly much
weaker near mid line. Mandibles not clearly seen in the specimen studied, but
described by De Santis as tridentate with the middle tooth much longer and
stronger than the other two.
Antenna (De Santis, 1961: fig. 45) having scape moderately swollen in less
than basal half, then tapering gradually, about five and half times length of its
greatest breadth: pedicellus of normal shape, about three times length of its
greatest breadth: flagellum gradually and moderately expanded, with a distinct
but very thin anellus, the first funicle segment a little broader than long, the
sixth about 1.6 times as broad as long: club solid, moderately broader than
sixth funicle segment, 1.8 times as long as broad.
Pronotum, seen from above, shaped as in Fig. 43,covered with rather fine
outstanding reticulation above and at sides. Mesoscutum having median lobe
strongly convex, covered with fine outstanding reticulation which tends to
become striate behind and at sides; with lateral lobes strongly concave and
strongly shining, very weakly sculptured, very sharply margined at sides:
REVISION O F ENCYRTID CHALCIDS
157
Figure 43. Pelrnarencyrrus bonariensis De Santis, female, thorax and abdomen
postspiracular sclerite shining, irregularly striate t o finely reticulate: tegulae
large, covered with rather fine, outstanding reticulation: axillae inward of the
tegulae, very narrow and very finely reticulate: scutellar shield sharply
margined throughout, shaped like a broadened scoop, the anterior part strongly
concave, shining and very weakly sculptured, the posterior “handle” strongly
raised, dull and finely reticulate: sides of scutellum strongly concave, finely
reticulate, the wing rudiments extending a little beyond them: mesopleura
shining, weakly striate anteriorly. Metanotum finely reticulate. Propodeum
having a raised carina behind the metascutellum leading to weak diagonal carinae
and a weak median carina, its mid part bounded by these and extending to the
rear, strongly convex, finely reticulate t o more striate behind, the areas beside
this with reticulation coarser and much more outstanding but the lateral areas
shining, extremely finely reticulate: spiracles small, circular, almost backwardfacing, contiguous with the sharply raised margins which separate the shining,
sparsely hairy, sides of the propodeum.
Petiolar segment almost quadrate, moderately strongly transversely reticulate. First large tergite very finely and closely transversely striate merging to
reticulate, shining along hind margin, the second strongly shining, both very
finely and very sparsely hairy, the two, in the specimen studied, almost
covering those following.
Fore femora, though almost parallel-sided, rather stout, about five times
11
158
G. J. KERRICH
length of their greatest breadth. Hind coxae relatively short, about one and a
half times length of their greatest breadth, with oblique upper hind margin very
sharply raised.
Length about 2.3 mm.
Head in greatest part castaneous, with weak metallic reflections, the facial
area testaceous. Thorax and propodeum in greatest part castaneous, with weak
metallic reflections: mesopleura, sides and lateral areas of propodeum, and
most of scutellar shield with metallic reflections of moderate strength, mostly
blue-green, on the last-named structure on a darkened background: lateral lobes
of mesoscutum and raised margins of propodeum deep blue-green. Petiolar
segment and remainder of gaster blackish, with moderate metallic reflections.
Antennae having scape pale testaceous, with some darkening on upper and
lower margins: pedicellus deep blue-green above, testaceous below: flagellum
blackish, with moderate metallic reflections. Legs mainly castaneous, with
some darkening and metallic reflection: tibia1 spurs and tarsi more or less pale
testaceous, but the tarsi darkened at apex.
Redescribed from the following. ARGENTINA, Misiones, 1 9 2.ii. 1932,
A. A. Ogloblin (det. L. De Santis).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
For the loan of material of European species of Dicarnosis I am grateful to
Dr 2. Boucek, Dr A. Hoffer, Dr V. A. Trjapitsin and the late Professor G.
Ceballos. Professor J . L. Gressitt kindly sent on loan the holotype of
Zuplutycerus fulluwayi Timberlake, and Dr B. R. Subba Rao, formerly of the
IARI, that of his species Neoplutycerus tachikriwai. Professor L. De Santis
kindly sent on loan or exchange material of those of his species studied in the
course of this work. Specimens of Pruleurocerus and Neoplatycerus were
received by exchange from Dr S. A. Shaffee of the Aligarh Muslim University.
Most of the other material studied was received by the CIE, largely through Dr
F. D. Bennett, or was sent on loan by the USNM or the Citrus Experiment
Station, Riverside, California through the good offices of Dr B. D. Burks and
Mr H. Compere respectively. Dr Burks’ successor Dr Gordon Gordh has kindly
supplied recent information. Dr D. J. Williams kindly reviewed the names of
some Coccid hosts.
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