The subfamily Cratocentrinae (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae): reappraisal of their morphological characters and review of the West Palaearctic species, with the description of two new species

Abstract

The Cratocentrinae (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) of the West Palaearctic region are reviewed. A reappraisal of the morphological characters used for their recognition and phylogeny is provided as is a key to separate the genera and species of the region. Their distribution in the West Palaearctic is updated and the subfamily is reported for the first time in Europe. Cratocentrus inermus Delvare sp. nov. and Philocentrus papillus Abul-Sood Gadallah sp. nov. are described. A neotype is designated for Philocentrus argenteopilosus (Cameron), which is revalidated and transferred to Philocentrus comb. nov. stat rev.

Ultra‐Conserved Elements and morphology reciprocally illuminate conflicting phylogenetic hypotheses in Chalcididae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea)

“…12). Exposed muscle of mandible. (0) below the exposed plane of the mandible and not extending into an incision; (1) on the same plane with mandible and extending into incision on outer surface of mandible (Abul‐Sood et al, 2018: cf. fig.…”

“…82). Antennal scrobes. (0) present and shallow to moderately deep, never carinately margined; (1) present and deep, mostly carinately margined laterally (Abul‐Sood et al, 2018: cf. fig.…”

“…51); (1) defined completely across mesoscutellum. Frenum orientation. (0) frenum sloping to vertical (Abul‐Sood et al, 2018: cf. fig.…”

“…figs 62–65). Size and shape of exposed lateral panel of prepectus. (0) as tall or taller than long, more than half tegula length; (1) longer than tall, more than half tegula length; (2) small, less than half tegula length (Abul‐Sood et al, 2018: cf. fig.…”

“…fig. 7f); (2) raised carina overall; (3) as anchor‐like ornamentation with median carina (Abul‐Sood et al, 2018: cf. fig.…”