Boros István (szerk.): A Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum évkönyve 51. (Budapest 1959)

Papp, J.: The Microgaster Latr., Microplitis Först., and Hygroplitis Thoms. species of the Carpathian Basin (Hymenoptera, Braconidae)

Microgaster. subcompleta Nees 1. The specimens collected in the Carpathian Basin may differ frcm the nominate form in the following characters, without assigning any taxonomical names to them : a. Punctation of mesopleura rough ; b. Punctation of mesonotum resembles that of M. tibialis Nees ; c. Cubitus 2. somewhat quadrangular ; d. Tergite 3. slightly and sporadically punctate ; e. Antennae wholly black ; /. Legs, mainly femora 3. and tibia 3., turn obscure ; g. Basis of femora 1. and 2. frequently black; h. Sternites completely dark. 2. Curtis described a new species from Europe as Microgaster annulipes (Brit. Ent. Vol. 7., p. 321, 1830). Motschulsky introduced a new species from Ceylon by the same name (Bull. Soc. Nat. Moscou, 36, p. 34, 1863). As literature has it (S z é p 1 i g e t i 1904 :113, Fahringer 1937 : 362), M. annulipes Curtis is a synonym of M. subcompleta Nees, described four years later (1834). If we have any regard for the principle of priority in the Régles, this synonymization is not wholly to be understood. And Telenga (1955) never mentions M. annulipes Curtis or its fate. Microgaster areolaris Thoms. 1. Hellén distinguishes it definitely (1954 : 109) from M. rufipes Nees. However, he modifies his opinion in a letter of his (1957). He synonymizes M. rufipes Nees with M. globata L. (cf. remark concerning M. globata L.), yet retaining the specific difference between M. areolaris Thoms. and M. globata L. Nixon gave a similar statement in his letter. On the other hand, T e1 e n g a (1955 : 201) draws this species under M. tibialis Nees. From my part, I was either unable to observe the differences established by Fahringer and Hellén (an ovipositor longer even than half of abdomen, hypopygium extending over end of abdomen), or could show gradual transitions between the two specific extremes (epiadrangular or triangular cubitus 2.). 2. The type of Microgaster striatoscutalleris, based on a single female and described by Zilahi — Kiss in 1927, is now deposited in the Collection of the Natural History Museum, and so I had occasion to study it. In essentials, the description distinguishes this species from the nearly related M. areolaris Thoms., on the ground of three features : 1. „Kopf . . . mit schwarzen Haaren bedeckt", 2. „Schildchen mit starken, schrägen Längsrunzeln" (the name was coined after this character), and 3. „Metanotum vorne grob punktiert, hinten glänzend glatt, ohne crenulierte Grube". I was unable to observe these three differences even by the most painstaking examination, indeed, I found that the external morphology of the type is wholly identical with that of M. areolaris Thoms. Consequently, I regard M

. striatoscutellaris Z. — Kiss as a synonym of M. areolaris Thoms. Microgaster globata L. 1. Literature lists three of its varieties : M. gl. var. amentorum Ratz., M. gl.\ar.anthomyarium Bouché, and M. gl. var. rufipes Nees. Their segregation is so cumbersome and uncertain that I desisted from identifying my material