Rediscovery of Melanepyris (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae): a new synonym of Epyris

Abstract

Melanepyris Kieffer, 1913 was proposed to accommodate a single species of Epyris Westwood, 1832, E. imicola Kieffer, 1913, mainly based on the absence of the posterior propodeal carina. Today, Melanepyris includes only two nominal species. The type-material of these species has been considered lost since their original description. In this study, the single known adult male (holotype) of Melanepyris asiaticus Kieffer, 1922 from the Philippines has been rediscovered, redescribed and illustrated. Melanepyris asiaticus is transferred to Epyris Westwood due to the following features: scutellar groove absent, well separated scutellar pits and lower mesopleural fovea large and with undefined upper margin. We checked the original description of M. imicola and concluded that it also fits the definition of Epyris perfectly, except for the (described) absence of a posterior carina. However, the thickness of the posterior carina of the propodeal disc varies within species of different Epyrinae genera. The diagnostic characters used by Kieffer to create Melanepyris and other genera from Epyris are briefly discussed. Melanepyris is proposed as a new junior synonym of Epyris, with the transfer of M. imicola to Epyris

Phylogeny and reclassification of Pristocera Klug (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae)

“…Remarks: Azevedo & Alencar (2009) quoted this character for the flrst time mAcrepyris and Pristocera. In the present study, state was found also in some species of Kathepyris and Neodicrogenium.…”

Reclassification of Epyrini (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae): a tribal approach with commentary on their genera

“…A large part of the genera proposed by Kieffer, when included in cladistic analyses, have been synonymized with other genera. Other genera of Epyrini that were neglected for several years were recently revised, and none of them remained valid, such as Pristepyris Kiefer (Azevedo & Alencar, 2009), Planepyris Kiefer (Alencar & Azevedo, 2009), Trissepyris Kiefer (Azevedo & Alencar, 2010a); Melanepyris Kiefer (Azevedo & Alencar, 2010b) and Neurepyris (Alencar & Azevedo, 2011).…”

Anatomic glossary of mesopleural structures in Bethylidae (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea)

“…transepisternal line (in part) by Azevedo et al (2018b); Lanes et al (2020). upper margin of lower fóvea (in part) by Alencar & Azevedo (2013); Azevedo (1994); Azevedo & Alencar (2010b); Stein & Azevedo (2007). medial coxal articular process of the mesopectus by (HAO).…”

“…;Azevedo & Alencar (2010b);;Azevedo & Lanes (2009);Barbosa & Azevedo (2011b. subtegular furrow (in part) byRamos & Azevedo (2012); subtegular groove (in part) by,b); Alencar et al (2016); Azevedo (2014); Azevedo & Alencar (2009, 2010a); Azevedo & Mugrabi (2014); Azevedo et al (2018a, b); Lanes & Azevedo…”

“…;Azevedo & Alencar (2010a);;Azevedo & Lanes (2009);Barbosa & Azevedo (2011b);Corrêa & Azevedo (2002);Gobbi & Azevedo (2006, 2014;Gupta et al (2017);Kawada & Azevedo (2003); Santos L.M. &;Vargas & Azevedo (2008, 2016a;Waichert & Azevedo (2012).…”