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Centistidea nyeringensis Ranjith & Priyadarsanan 2023, sp. nov.

Author: Ranjith A. P.
Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan
Achterberg Cornelis Van
Publication venue
Publication date: 21/07/2023
Field of study

Centistidea nyeringensis Ranjith & Priyadarsanan sp. nov. (Figures 11–12) urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 336BAD51-A3E8-472C-8AD1-B6B58783FF9D Material examined. Holotype. &female; INDIA: Arunachal Pradesh, Nyering, 28°95.784′ N, 94°98.847′ E, 777 m. a.s.l., 20.x.2022, yellow pan trap, coll. A.P. Ranjith (AIMB). Paratype, 1 female same data as holotype. Description. Female Body measurements. Length of body 1.9 mm, length of fore wing 1.9 mm. Head. Antenna with 14 antennomeres, all antennomeres longer than wide (Fig. 11A). First flagellomere 1.3 × as long as second flagellomere. First, second and penultimate flagellomeres 5.5, 4.0 and 2.8 × as long as wide. Maxillary palp with four segments (Figs 11B, D), fourth segment 1.3 × as long as third segment. Face distinctly convex medially (Fig. 11B), 1.8 × as wide as long, smooth, setose. Clypeus 2.6 × wider ventrally than medially high with straight posterior margin (Fig. 11B). Malar suture distinct (Figs 11B, D). Length of malar space 0.8 × basal width of mandible. Mandible distinctly twisted (Fig. 11B), inner tooth distinctly shorter than outer tooth. Frons smooth, moderately convex medially, sparsely setose laterally (Fig. 11C). Vertex smooth, sparsely setose, setose laterally (Fig. 11C). OOL: transverse diameter of posterior ocellus: POL= 3.3: 1.0: 1.6. Length of eye 1.9 × as long as temple in dorsal view. Mesosoma. Mesosoma 1.4 × as long as high. Pronotum and propleuron smooth laterally, lateral pronotum indistinctly crenulate medially (Fig. 11D). Mesoscutum punctate in anterior half smooth posteriorly, setose, without carinae laterally (Fig. 11E). Notauli only impressed anteriorly (Fig. 11E). Scutellar sulcus represented only by a transverse groove, not crenulated (Fig. 11E). Scutellum evenly setose, smooth (Fig. 11E), with a pair of large crenulated pits medio-posteriorly separated by a carina, sides of scutellum irregularly sculptured (Fig. 11F). Mesopleuron smooth, glabrous, setose ventrally (Fig. 11D). Metapleuron with a deep small pit antero-dorsally, with deep shallow longitudinal depressed line, glabrous (Fig. 11D). Propodeum with a distinct and complete medio-longitudinal carina extended behind costula, dorsal part of midlongitudinal carina associated with irregular sculpture, sparsely setose, antero-lateral part with shallow declivity, postero-lateral part faintly crenulated, posterior part well differentiated from dorsal part, posterior transverse carina distinct (Fig. 11F). Wings. Fore wing: Vein r distinct, 0.2 × as long as 2RS (Fig. 12C). R1 indistinct (Fig. 12C). Vein (RS+M)b 0.6 × as long as 1m-cu. Vein 1-M 1.7 × as long as m-cu. Vein (RS+M)a 2.7 × (RS+M)b. Vein 1CUa thickened, 0.6 × as long as 1CUb (Fig. 12C). Hind wing: Vein cu-a straight. Veins M+CU: 1M: 1r-m= 2.1: 2.7: 1.0. Legs. Hind coxa smooth, setose (Figs 11A, 12A). Tarsal claws without basal lobe. Hind femur, tibia and basitarsus 3.6, 8.1 and 5.2 × as long as wide respectively. Metasoma. First tergite smooth, narrow medially, widening subapically, weakly narrowing apically, distinctly narrowing basally, 3.1 × as long as its maximum width (Fig. 12B). Second tergite longitudinally striate, smooth medially, setose, medial length 0.5 × as long as third tergite (Fig. 12B). Third tergite longitudinally striate, setose (Fig. 12B). Ovipositor straight. Ovipositor sheath 0.09 × as long as fore wing, slightly narrowing apically with long setae apically (Figs 12A, B). Colour. Body reddish brown except head, maxillary and labial palps, propleuron, legs, pterostigma, metasomal tergites 1–3, metasomal sternites, ovipositor sheath except apically yellow. Male. Unknown. Etymology. The species is named after the village, Nyering in which the specimens were collected. Biology. Unknown. Distribution. India (Arunachal Pradesh). Comparative diagnosis. The new species comes close to C. taiwana (Papp & Chou, 1996) in having scape and pedicel yellow, first flagellomere 1.3 × as long as second flagellomere, dorsal length of eye 1.8 × as long as temple. However, the new species can be distinguished from C. taiwana in having the following characters; face and clypeus yellow (brown in C. taiwana), clypeus 2.6 × as wide as long medially (2.0 × in C. taiwana), first flagellomere 5.5 × as long as wide (6.5 × in C. taiwana) and medioposterior pits on scutellum separated by a thin carina (separated by 0.25 × diameter of the pit in C. taiwana).Published as part of Ranjith, A. P., Achterberg, Cornelis Van & Priyadarsanan, Dharma Rajan, 2023, A new genus in the braconid subfamily Miracinae from the Oriental region, with descriptions of seven new species from India and Sri Lanka, pp. 451-473 in Zootaxa 5318 (4) on pages 468-470, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5318.4.1, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/8181447">http://zenodo.org/record/8181447</a&gt

ZENODO

Centistidea flavostigmata Ranjith & Priyadarsanan 2023, sp. nov.

Author: Ranjith A. P.
Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan
Achterberg Cornelis Van
Publication venue
Publication date: 21/07/2023
Field of study

Centistidea flavostigmata Ranjith & Priyadarsanan, sp. nov. (Figures 5–6) urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 1C0C03B8-81F0-429F-BFFA-D3E83AE2A58E Material examined. Holotype. &female; INDIA: Karnataka, Chamarajanagar, Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve, Gombekallu, 11°54.363′ N, 77°11.235′ E, evergreen forest, Malaise trap, 14.ii–26.iii.2006, coll. Priyadarsanan, D. R. (AIMB). Paratypes: 3 males with same label data (AIMB). Description. Female Body measurements. Length of body 2.8 mm, length of fore wing 2.7 mm. Head. Antenna with 14 antennomeres, all antennomeres longer than wide (Figs 5A, 6E). First flagellomere 1.2 × as long as second flagellomere. First, second and penultimate flagellomeres 4.8, 4.2 and 2.6 × as long as wide. Maxillary palp with four segments (Figs 5B, D), fourth segment 1.4 × as long as third segment. Face distinctly convex medially (Fig. 5B), 1.8× as wide as long, smooth, setose. Clypeus 1.5 × wider ventrally than medially high with convex posterior margin (Fig. 5B). Malar suture distinct (Figs 5B, D). Length of malar space 1.1 × basal width of mandible. Mandible distinctly twisted (Fig. 5B), inner tooth distinctly shorter than outer tooth. Frons smooth, convex medially, setose laterally, glabrous medially (Fig. 5C). Vertex smooth, glabrous medially, setose laterally (Fig. 5C). OOL: transverse diameter of posterior ocellus: POL= 1.8: 1.0: 1.0. Length of eye 2.0 × as long as temple in dorsal view. Mesosoma. Mesosoma 1.6 × as long as high. Pronotum and propleuron smooth laterally (Fig. 5D). Mesoscutum punctate in anterior half smooth posteriorly, setose, without carinae laterally (Fig. 5E). Notauli only impressed anteriorly, faintly crenulated (Fig. 5E). Scutellar sulcus represented only by a transverse groove, not crenulated (Fig. 5E). Scutellum evenly setose, smooth (Fig. 5E), with a pair of large pits medio-posteriorly separated by less than diameter of a pit and rugose between large pits, sides of scutellum irregularly sculptured (Fig. 5F). Mesopleuron smooth, glabrous, setose ventrally (Fig. 5D). Metapleuron with a deep small pit antero-dorsally, with deep shallow longitudinal depressed line, glabrous (Fig. 5D). Propodeum with a distinct and complete medio-longitudinal carina absent behind costula, dorsal part of midlongitudinal carina associated with irregular sculpture, sparsely setose, antero-lateral part with shallow declivity, postero-lateral part faintly crenulated, posterior part well differentiated from dorsal part, posterior transverse carina distinct (Fig. 5F). Wings. Fore wing: Vein r distinct, 0.2 × as long as 2RS (Fig. 6D). R1 indistinct (Fig. 6D). Vein (RS+M)b 0.7 × as long as 1m-cu. Vein 1-M 1.5 × as long as m-cu. Vein (RS+M)a 2.4 × (RS+M)b. Vein 1CUa thickened, 0.8 × as long as 1CUb (Fig. 6D). Hind wing: Vein cu-a straight. Veins M+CU: 1M: 1r-m= 2.3: 3.2: 1.0. Legs. Hind coxa smooth, setose (Figs 5A, 6A). Tarsal claws without basal lobe. Hind femur, tibia and basitarsus 3.2, 5.7 and 4.0 × as long as wide respectively. Metasoma. First tergite smooth, widening medially, weakly narrowing apically, distinctly narrowing basally, 2.4 × as long as its maximum width (Figs 6B, C). Second tergite longitudinally striate, setose, medial length 0.65 × as long as third tergite (Figs 6B, C). Third tergite longitudinally striate, setose (Fig. 6C). Ovipositor straight. Ovipositor sheath 0.04 × as long as fore wing, slightly narrowing apically with long setae apically (Fig. 6A). Colour. Body reddish brown except head, maxillary and labial palps, mesoscutum medially, scutellum, pterostigma, legs, metasoma except second tergite dorsally yellow. Male. Unknown. Etymology. The species is named after its yellow pterostigma; “ flavus ” is yellow in Latin. Biology. Unknown. Distribution. India (Karnataka). Comparative diagnosis. The new species comes close to C. procarinator Ranjith & van Achterberg, 2018, sharing the posterior pits of scutellum separated by 0.5 × diameter of pit. But the new species can be separated from C. procarinator by the following differences: transverse posterior carina of propodeum arched and close to an additional transverse carina (transverse posterior carina rounded medially and without additional transverse carina in C. procarinator), shorter malar space than in C. procarinator; lateral depressions of metanotum smooth (crenulate in C. procarinator), first flagellomere 4.8 × as long as wide (4.1 × in C. procarinator), hind basitarsus 4.0 × as long as wide (4.5 × in C. procarinator) and OOL 1.8 × POL (2.2 × in C. procarinator). Based on the character of midlongitudinal carina of propodeum bifurcated posteriorly, the new species comes close to C. tihamica Ghramh & Ahmad, 2019 described from Saudi Arabia. However, the new species can be distinguished from the latter in having mesoscutum yellowish (blackish brown in C. tihamica), dorsal length of eye 2.0 × as long as temple (1.5 × in C. tihamica), scutellar sulcus without crenulae (with crenulae in C. tihamica), hind tibia 5.7 × as long as wide (7.0 × in C. tihamica) and first metasomal tergite 2.4 × as long as maximum width (4.0 × in C. tihamica).Published as part of Ranjith, A. P., Achterberg, Cornelis Van & Priyadarsanan, Dharma Rajan, 2023, A new genus in the braconid subfamily Miracinae from the Oriental region, with descriptions of seven new species from India and Sri Lanka, pp. 451-473 in Zootaxa 5318 (4) on pages 460-462, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5318.4.1, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/8181447">http://zenodo.org/record/8181447</a&gt

ZENODO

Chelonus (Parachelonus) komsingensis Ranjith & Priyadarsanan 2023, sp. nov.

Author: Ranjith A. P.
Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan
Publication venue
Publication date: 08/05/2023
Field of study

Chelonus (Parachelonus) komsingensis sp. nov. (Figures 21–22) urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: CECEB3F1-A1AB-468F-98A1-C5AB974B7834 Material examined. Holotype, female, INDIA: Arunachal Pradesh, Komsing, 28°25’3592 N, 95°00’0628 E, 1208 m.a.s.l., 2.v.2022, coll. A.P. Ranjith (AIMB). Description. Holotype, female, length of body 3.7 mm, of fore wing 3.2 mm. Head. Antenna with 31 antennomeres, apical antennomeres not broadened, shorter than basal antennomeres (Fig. 21A); third antennomere 1.1 × longer than fourth; third, fourth and terminal antennomeres 4.0 ×, 3.5 × and 2.4 × longer than wide, respectively; head transverse (Fig. 21B), in dorsal view roundly contracted behind eyes (Fig. 21C); OOL: OD: POL= 3.0: 1.0: 1.3; longitudinal diameter of eye 0.9 × height of temples; vertex transversely striate (Fig. 21C); frons distinctly concave, striate medially with a complete midlongitudinal carina (Fig. 21C); occiput transversely striate (Fig. 21C); temple longitudinally striate (Fig. 21A); face transversely striate, densely setose in lateral view (Fig. 21B); clypeus flat and densely punctate, smooth and shining (Fig. 21B); length of malar space 1.8 × basal width of mandible. Mesosoma. Length of mesosoma 1.5 × its height; pronotum rugose laterally (Fig. 21D); mesoscutum areolate-rugose, without longitudinal depressions medially (Fig. 21E); notauli impressed as large pits (Fig. 21E); transverse suture distinct, deep (Fig. 21E); scutellar sulcus divided by five carinae (Fig. 21E); scutellum punctate medially with longitudinal rugae, sparsely setose, with crenulate groove laterally (Fig. 21E); mesopleuron evenly convex, coarsely reticulate-rugose, setose (Fig. 21D); metanotum crenulate with distinct midlongitudinal carina (Fig. 21F); propodeum with medial and lateral tubercles, coarsely reticulate-rugose, with irregular areola delineated by carina medially, transverse carina distinct, complete (Fig. 21F). Wings. Fore wing infuscate subbasally and subapically (Fig. 22D); length of fore wing 2.7 × its width; length of marginal cell 1.2 × pterostigma; vein 2-Rl present (Fig. 22D); vein r slightly longer than 3-SR (Fig. 22D); r: 3-SR: SRl = 1.1: 1.0: 4.3; SRl more or less curved (Fig. 22D); parastigma distinctly swollen (Fig. 22D); 1-CU1: 2-CU1= 1.0: 2.8; vein CUlb present (Fig. 22D). Legs. Hind coxa punctate, densely short setose (Fig. 22A); hind femur robust (Fig. 22A); length of hind femur, tibia and basitarsus 2.8 ×, 4.5 × and 3.3 × their maximum width, respectively; mid and hind tibia with numerous short, pointed spines apical half (Fig. 22A). Metasoma. Metasomal carapace elongate-oval in dorsal view, coarsely reticulate-rugose, with a pair of midlongitudinal carinae basally (Fig. 22B); length of carapace 1.9 × its maximum width in dorsal view; carapace without undulating lamella laterally (Figs 22A, C); ventral cavity closed apically (Figs 22A, C); ovipositor long, slender (Fig. 22C) and the ovipositor sheath 0.06 × as long as fore wing, 0.2 × as long as hind tibia. Colour. Black except eyes grey, antenna, ocelli, tegula, wing venation, pterostigma, tarsi, mid tibia apically, hind coxa basally brown, maxillary and labial palps, fore leg except tarsus, mid leg except tarsus, hind leg except coxa basally, femur apical 2/3 rd, tibia basally and apical half and tarsus, carapace basally yellow. Male. Same as female. Biology. Unknown. Distribution. India (Arunachal Pradesh). Etymology. The species is named after the type locality. Comparative diagnosis. This new species comes close to C. (P.) gravenhorstii (Nees) in having body length less than 5 mm and yellowish legs. It differs from the latter by the following differences, 31 antennomeres and longer than body (29 antennomeres, as long as body in C. (P.) gravenhorstii), carapace slightly narrowed apically (distinctly narrowed apically in C. (P.) gravenhorstii).Published as part of Ranjith, A. P. & Priyadarsanan, Dharma Rajan, 2023, New subgeneric reports of the genus Chelonus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from India and Sri Lanka with description of nine species, pp. 461-492 in Zootaxa 5278 (3) on pages 489-492, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5278.3.3, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/7906532">http://zenodo.org/record/7906532</a&gt

ZENODO

Chelonus (Parachelonus) expeditious Ranjith & Priyadarsanan 2023, sp. nov.

Author: Ranjith A. P.
Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan
Publication venue
Publication date: 08/05/2023
Field of study

Chelonus (Parachelonus) expeditious sp. nov. (Figures 19–20) urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 5D2C650F-892C-42C8-816D-A114C02040C2 Material examined. Holotype, female, INDIA: Arunachal Pradesh, Yingku, 28°45’95 N, 94°88’471 E, 2756 m.a.s.l., 7.v.2022, coll. A.P. Ranjith (AIMB). Paratypes, 1 male with same data as holotype. Description. Holotype, female, length of body 3.6 mm, of fore wing 3.1 mm. Head. Antenna with 23 remaining antennomeres, apical antennomeres not broadened, shorter than basal antennomeres (Fig. 19A); third antennomere as long as fourth; third and fourth antennomeres 2.8 ×, 3.1 × longer than wide, respectively; head transverse (Fig. 19B), in dorsal view roundly contracted behind eyes (Fig. 19C); OOL: OD: POL= 1.7: 1.5: 1.0; longitudinal diameter of eye 1.2 × height of temples; vertex transversely striate (Fig. 19C); frons distinctly concave, smooth medially with a complete midlongitudinal carina (Fig. 19C); occiput transversely striate (Fig. 19C); temple longitudinally striate (Fig. 19D); face transversely striate, densely setose in lateral view (Fig. 19B); clypeus flat and densely punctate, smooth and shining (Fig. 19B); length of malar space 2.6 × basal width of mandible. Mesosoma. Length of mesosoma 1.5 × its height; lateral pronotum rugose anteriorly, smooth posteriorly (Figs 19D–E); mesoscutum areolate-rugose, without longitudinal depressions medially (Fig. 19F); notauli impressed as large pits (Fig. 19F); transverse suture distinct, deep (Fig. 19F); scutellar sulcus divided by seven carinae (Fig. 19F); scutellum punctate medially without longitudinal rugae, sparsely setose, with crenulate groove laterally (Fig. 19F); mesopleuron evenly convex, coarsely reticulate-rugose, setose (Fig. 19E); metanotum crenulate with distinct midlongitudinal carina (Fig. 20A); propodeum with medial and lateral tubercles, coarsely reticulate-rugose, with large pentagonal areola delineated by carina medially, area near to median areola smooth, transverse carina distinct, complete (Fig. 20A). Wings. Fore wing infuscate subbasally and subapically (Fig. 20E); length of fore wing 2.7 × its width; length of marginal cell 1.3 × pterostigma; vein 2-Rl present (Fig. 20E); vein r 1.5 × as long as 3-SR (Fig. 20E); r: 3-SR: SRl = 1.5: 1.0: 6.6; SRl more or less curved (Fig. 20E); parastigma distinctly swollen (Fig. 20E); 1-CU1: 2-CU1= 1.0: 3.0; vein CUlb present (Fig. 20E). Legs. Hind coxa smooth, densely short setose (Fig. 20B); hind femur robust (Fig. 20B); length of hind femur, tibia and basitarsus 3.1 ×, 4.6 × and 5.1 × their maximum width, respectively; mid and hind tibia with numerous short, pointed spines apical half (Fig. 19A). Metasoma. Metasomal carapace elongate-oval in dorsal view, coarsely reticulate-rugose, with a pair of midlongitudinal carinae basally, with median longitudinal carina running half-length of propodeum (Fig. 20C); length of carapace 2.2 × its maximum width in dorsal view; carapace without undulating lamella laterally (Fig. 20B); ventral cavity closed apically (Fig. 20D); ovipositor long, slender (Fig. 20D) and the ovipositor sheath 0.07 × as long as fore wing, 0.2 × as long as hind tibia. Colour. Black except eyes brownish red, antennomeres, pterostigma, hind femur apical half, mid and hind tibia basally and apical 1/3 rd, ovipositor sheath brown, scape and pedicel, maxillary and labial palps, tegula, fore leg, hind leg except tibia apical 1/3 rd, hind leg except femur apical half, tibia apical 1/3 rd, metasomal carapace basal half yellow. Male. Same as female. Biology. Unknown. Distribution. India (Arunachal Pradesh). Etymology. The species is named after the Siang expedition, a reassessment of biodiversity exploration held in 2022 in the Siang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. Comparative diagnosis. This new species comes close to C. (P.) komsingensis sp. nov. in having body colouration sculpture. However, this new species can be distinguished from C. (P.) komsingensis sp. nov. by the following characters; lateral pronotum smooth posteriorly (rugose in C. (P.) komsingensis sp. nov.), propodeum with pentagonal areola medially (with irregular areola medially in C. (P.) komsingensis sp. nov.), area near to median areola smooth (rugose in C. (P.) komsingensis sp. nov.), third antennomere 2.8 × as long as wide (4.0 × in C. (P.) komsingensis sp. nov.) and hind basitarsus long, 5.1 × as long as wide (3.3 × in C. (P.) komsingensis sp. nov.).Published as part of Ranjith, A. P. & Priyadarsanan, Dharma Rajan, 2023, New subgeneric reports of the genus Chelonus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from India and Sri Lanka with description of nine species, pp. 461-492 in Zootaxa 5278 (3) on page 487, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5278.3.3, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/7906532">http://zenodo.org/record/7906532</a&gt

ZENODO

Microplitis narendrani Ranjith & Nasser, sp. nov.

Author: Ranjith A. P.
Nasser M.
Rajesh K. M.
Publication venue
Publication date: 31/12/2015
Field of study

Microplitis narendrani Ranjith & Nasser sp. nov. Holotype, female (&female;), body length 5.2 mm, fore wing 3.9 mm, ovipositor 0.2 mm, antenna 5.9 mm. Material examined. Holotype, female (&female;), “ India, Kerala, Palakkad, Pattambi, 10 ° 48 ’ 77.2 ” N, 76 ° 11 ’ 80.6 ” E, 16.ii. 2014, emerged from Psalis pennatula Fab., Coll. Ranjith, A.P. ”. Paratypes: 1 &female; with same collection data, 1 &male; “ India, Kerala, Palakkad, Pattambi, 10 ° 48 ’ 77.2 ” N, 76 ° 11 ’ 80.6 ” E, 23.ii. 2014, emerged from Psalis pennatula Fab., Coll. Ranjith, A.P. ”, 2 &male;&male; “ India, Kerala, Malappuram, Chelari, 11 ° 11 ’ 21.2 ” N, 75 ° 89 ’ 0.3 ” E, 19.x. 2014, emerged from Psalis pennatula Fab., Coll. Rajesh, K.M. ”., 1 &male; “ India, Kerala, Malappuram, Chelari, 11 ° 11 ’ 21.2 ” N, 75 ° 89 ’ 0.3 ” E, 19.x. 2014, emerged from Psalis pennatula Fab., Coll. Rajesh, K.M. ”. 5 &male;&male; “ India, Kerala, Malappuram, Calicut University, 11 ° 25 ’ 10.2 ” N, 75 ° 78 ’ 86 ” E, 29.x. 2014, emerged from Psalis pennatula Fab., Coll. Ranjith, A.P. ”. All type specimens are deposited in DZUC. Head: Sub circular in anterior view (Fig. 3 -B); lateral temples hidden behind eyes in anterior view; width of face (at widest) 0.5 × width of head; face 1.5 × as wide as long, rugose-punctate, pilose with medial carina, convex with medial protuberance below antennal sockets (Fig. 3 -B); clypeus strongly convex, punctate and pilose; length of clypeus 0.4 × its width; tentorial pit deep; maxillary palp four segmented; length of maxillary palp 1.1–1.3 × height of head in dorsal view; height of clypeus: inter tentorial distance: tentorio-ocular distance 7: 17.5: 3.5; length of eye 3.7 × length of malar space; length of malar space 1.2 × basal width of mandible; vertex, temples and frons punctate, setose with medial longitudinal carina extending from medial ocellus to middle of antennal sockets, anterior frons with raised area in dorsal view; in lateral view medial temples 0.6 × width of eye; eyes pilose (Fig. 3 - B); in dorsal view width of head 2.4 × its length; ocelli normal size forming obtuse triangle; POL 2 × OOL; occiput smooth; length of antennae 1.1 × length of body; scape and pedicel 0.8, 0.3 × as long as wide; length of first flagellomere 1.2 × second flagellomere; length of first, second and penultimate flagellomere 2.8, 2.4 and 2.9 × as long as wide respectively; terminal flagellomere acute, 3.9 × as long as its maximum width. Mesosoma: Mesosoma 1.3 × as long as high; mesoscutum punctate with pilosity; lateral lobes of mesoscutum rugose with prominent medial groove extending from anterior to posterior (Fig. 3 -C); notauli impressed, rugulose, crenulate, meeting posteriorly in broad strigose-rugulose field, which is divided medially by prominent longitudinal carina (Fig. 3 -C); scutellar lunules wide medially divided by nine carinae; anterior scutellum areolate rugose, posterior half punctuate and pilose; posterior margin with two large laterally diverging, crenulate, short furrows which form carinate margin to posterior half of dorsal scutellum, these furrows partly extending on to and merging with rugosity of medial posterior band (Fig. 3 -C); propodeum with percurrent medial longitudinal carina surrounded by coarse rugosity with a well developed branched transverse carina extending to the spiracles (Fig. 3 - D); lateral pronotum with oblique crenulate furrow, rugulose dorsally and posteriorly; mesopleuron finely punctate, pilose in dorsal and anterior parts, the rest smooth, shining and glabrous; epicnemal furrow crenulate, reaching to anterior margin of mesopleuron; precoxal groove almost reaching epicnemal furrow; mesosternum sparsely pilose; hind coxa punctate, pilose without striate basally; length of hind femur 3 × its width; length of hind tibia 4 × its width; length of basitarsus 5 × its width; length of hind tibial spurs 0.47, 0.4 × hind basitarsus; hind tarsal claw normal size. Wings: Fore wing 2.8 × as long as wide (Fig. 3 -F); pterostigma 2.4 × as long as wide (Fig. 3 -F); 1 -R 1 short, 0.38 × distance from pterostigma to SR 1; 1 -M straight; areolet quadrangular; 1 -CU 1 0.2 × as long as 2 CU 1; angle between C+SC+R and 1 -SR 83 ° hind wing 2 -SC+R short but present; first submarginal cell elongate. Metasoma: T 1 1.7 × as long as wide, with broad shallow medial longitudinal depression, rugulose laterally; T 1 narrowing in anterior 1 / 3, widest medially, slightly narrowing in posterior 1 / 3, apical surface with shallow depression (Fig. 3 -E); T 2 in medial line 0.8 × as long as T 3; T 2 smooth basally, sparsely pilose apically with oval medial field (Fig. 3 -E); T 3 –T 5 smooth, sparsely pilose posteriorly; T 6 and T 7 faintly punctate with pilosity; ovipositor sheath rounded apically, setose. Colour: Head and mesosoma black, metasoma orange brown, T 1 dark brown, palps yellow, clypeus brown, ocelli yellow, antennae brownish black, fore, mid tibiae and tarsi yellow to brown, hind tibia apically black, rest yellowish brown, hind tarsus black except basitarsus, hind tibial spur yellow, wings hyaline without infuscation, tegulae black, venation brown, pterostigma yellow on proximal 1 / 3, rest black (Fig. 3 -F). Male: Same as female except body length 3.3 mm. Distribution. India (Kerala). Host. Psalis pennatula Fab. (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). Etymology. Microplitis narendrani is named in honor of late Dr T.C. Narendran, Kerala, India, in recognition of his four decades of extraordinary work on parasitic Hymenoptera. Variation. Number of carinae dividing the scutellar lunules varies from eight–nine. Discussion. This new species is closely related to M. carinicollis in its large body size, T 1 sub-parallel sided, with medial longitudinal groove. It differs in the following characters, mesoscutum with medial furrow (mesoscutum without medial furrow in M. carinicollis), scutellum rugose (in M. carinicollis scutellum rugulose) and presence of a longitudinal carina between antennal sockets (in M. carinicollis longitudinal carina absent). This species is also related to M. pennatulae sp. nov. in having the mesosoma 1.3 × as long as high, T 1 1.7 × as long as wide, presence of longitudinal carina between antennal sockets and T 2 with distinct median field. It differs in the following characters, mesoscutum with medial furrow (in M. pennatulae sp. nov. medial furrow on mesoscutum indistinct), lateral temples hidden behind eyes in anterior view (in M. pennatulae sp. nov. lateral temples slightly visible in anterior view), length of malar space 1.2 × basal width of mandible (in M. pennatulae sp. nov. malar space 1.9 × basal width of mandible), scutellar lunules divided by eight–nine carinae (in M. pennatulae sp. nov. scutellar lunules divided by six–seven carinae).Published as part of Ranjith, A. P., Rajesh, K. M. & Nasser, M., 2015, Taxonomic studies on Oriental Microplitis Foerster (Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Microgastrinae) with description of two new species from South India, pp. 369-415 in Zootaxa 3963 (3) on pages 377-379, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3963.3.4, http://zenodo.org/record/23526

ZENODO

Nedinoschiza indica Ranjith 2021, sp. nov.

Author: Ranjith A. P.
Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan
Publication venue
Publication date: 22/06/2021
Field of study

Nedinoschiza indica Ranjith sp. nov. (Figs 1–3) urn:lsid:zoobank act: BB8CAC14-455D-4AF6-A180-006B96EFC184 Material examined. Holotype, female, (&female;) “ INDIA: Kerala, Kozhikode, Janakikkadu, 4.iii.2020, coll. Ranjith, A.P. ”. Paratype 1 female “ INDIA: Kerala, Kannur, Aralam, 11.i.2020, coll. Alfred Daniel ” (AIMB). Description. Holotype, female, length of body 6.83 mm, fore wing 5.42 mm, ovipositor 7.64 mm. Head. Antenna with 38 antennomeres (Fig. 2F). Length of first flagellomere 1.3 × second. First and second flagellomere 2.2, 1.7 × as long as wide respectively. Head 1.13, 1.40 × as wide as long in anterior and dorsal view respectively. Face 1.15 × as wide as long, smooth, shiny, setose, glabrous medially with a short mid longitudinal groove anteriorly (Fig. 1B). Height of clypeus: inter tentorial distance: tentorio ocular distance= 9: 18: 22. Clypeus separated from face with a shallow smooth transverse groove (Fig. 1B). Tentorial pit deep (Fig. 1B). Malar suture absent (Fig. 1D). Malar space 0.83 × basal width of mandible. Length of eye 1.5 × as long as temple in dorsal view, sparsely setose, not emarginated beyond antennal sockets (Fig. 1C). Frons distinctly impressed, punctate, setose anteriorly with a complete, distinct mid longitudinal carina (Fig. 1C). POL: diameter of ocellus: OOL= 7: 9: 27. Vertex smooth, sparsely punctate (Fig. 1C). Occiput smooth, sparsely setose (Fig. 1C). Mesosoma. Mesosoma 1.6 × as long as high. Pronotum smooth laterally, setose (Fig. 1E). Mesoscutum smooth, setose, glabrous laterally (Fig. 1F). Notauli distinct, shallow (Fig. 1F). Scutellar sulcus wide medially divided by 11 carinae (Fig. 1F). Scutellum smooth, setose (Fig. 1F). Mesopleuron smooth, setose, glabrous antero-medially (Fig. 1E). Precoxal sulcus shallow, impressed not crenulated (Fig. 1E). Metapleuron smooth, setose (Fig. 1E). Medial area of metanotum without mid longitudinal carina anteriorly (Fig. 1F). Propodeum smooth, setose (Fig. 2A). Wings. Fore wing (Fig. 3A): Angle between vein C+SC+R and 1RS 50°. Vein (RS+M)a curved. Ratio of length of veins r-rs: 3RSa: 3RSb= 1: 4.5: 7.6 and 2RS: 3RSa: rs-m= 1.4: 2.6: 1. Second submarginal cell parallel sided (Fig. 2E). Vein 1cu-a slightly postfurcal (Fig. 2E). Hind wing (Fig. 3B): Apex of vein C+SC+R with one hamule. Vein R longitudinal. Vein cu-a straight. Vein 1r-m 3.5 × R. Legs. Ratio of lengths of fore femur: tibia: tarsus = 1: 1: 2.1. Fore tibia with stout spines (Fig. 2E). Hind femur, tibia and basitarsus 3.5, 8.5 and 5 × as long as wide respectively. Hind coxa punctate, setose (Fig. 1E). Tarsal claw without pointed basal lobe. Metasoma. First metasomal tergite 1.2 × as long as wide apically, distinctly rugose with a midlongitudinal carina and a pair of lateral smooth longitudinal groove (Fig. 2B). Second metasomal tergite 1.3 × as long as third tergite, 2.00 × as wide as long, rugose with a large triangular midbasal, longitudinally striate area, with a pair of smooth sublateral areas and lateral shallow, crenulated grooves, midbasal area 0.38 × as long as tergite not connected with second metasomal suture by a short longitudinal carina, lateral sides of midbasal area crenulated (Fig. 2C). Second metasomal suture sinuate wide medially, crenulate (Fig. 2C). Metasomal tergite 3 2.85 × as wide as long (Fig. 2C). Metasomal tergites 3–4 longitudinally strongly striate with distinct antero-lateral area (Figs 2B, C). Metasomal tergite 5 transversely striate (Fig. 2C). Hypopygium large, acute apically (Fig. 2D). Ovipositor sheath setose (Fig. 1A). Ovipositor with distinct dorsal nodus and ventral serrations (Fig. 2G). Colour. Body black (Fig. 1A) except face, lateral temples, frons antero-medially, occiput ventrally, labial and maxillary palps, fore coxa, trochanter, femur apical half mid femur apically, pterostigma basally, metasomal sternite, ovipositor except apex yellow. Male. Unknown. Distribution. India (Kerala). Host. Unknown. Etymology. Named after the country where the specimen was collected. Comparative diagnosis. The new species is similar to N. speciosa in having the longitudinally striated mid basal area of second metasomal tergite and sculptured third metasomal tergite. Apart from the differences stated in the key this new species differs from N. speciosa by the following characters; length of eye 1.5 × as long as temple in dorsal view (vs length of eye as long as temple in N. speciosa), fore wing vein 3RSb 1.7 × as long as 3RSa (vs 1.25 × in N. speciosa), antenna with 38 antennomeres (vs 64 antennomeres in N. speciosa), head dorsally black (vs yellow in N. speciosa) and scutellum black (vs reddish yellow in N. speciosa).Published as part of Ranjith, A. P. & Priyadarsanan, Dharma Rajan, 2021, First record of the genus Nedinoschiza Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from the Indian subcontinent with the description of a new species from the Western Ghats, pp. 542-552 in Zootaxa 4990 (3) on pages 544-547, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4990.3.5, http://zenodo.org/record/502717

ZENODO

Centistidea burwelli Ranjith & Priyadarsanan 2023, sp. nov.

Author: Ranjith A. P.
Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan
Achterberg Cornelis Van
Publication venue
Publication date: 21/07/2023
Field of study

Centistidea burwelli Ranjith & Priyadarsanan, sp. nov. (Figures 3–4) urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 4FD49EDF-4241-4858-B23A-88E98D92E3DD Material examined. Holotype. &female; SRI LANKA: Sigiriya, 7°57’ N, 80°46’ E, 20.iii.1999, coll. C.J. Burwell. Paratype, 1 male same data as holotype. Description. Female Body measurements. Length of body 2.2 mm, length of fore wing 2.0mm. Head. Antenna with 14 antennomeres, all antennomeres longer than wide (Fig. 3A). First flagellomere 1.1 × as long as second flagellomere. First, second and penultimate flagellomeres 5.3, 5.0 and 2.0 × as long as wide. Maxillary palp with four segments (Fig. 3D), fourth segment 1.2 × as long as third segment. Face distinctly convex medially (Fig. 3B), 1.6 × as wide as long, smooth, setose. Clypeus 2.0 × wider ventrally than medially high with convex posterior margin (Fig. 3B). Malar suture distinct (Figs 3B, D). Length of malar space 1.2 × basal width of mandible. Mandible distinctly twisted (Fig. 3B), inner tooth distinctly shorter than outer tooth. Frons smooth, moderately convex medially, sparsely setose laterally (Fig. 3C). Vertex smooth, sparsely setose, setose laterally (Fig. 3C). OOL: transverse diameter of posterior ocellus: POL= 2.5: 1.25: 1.0. Length of eye 1.6 × as long as temple in dorsal view. Mesosoma. Mesosoma 1.5 × as long as high. Pronotum and propleuron smooth laterally, lateral pronotum shallowly impressed medially (Fig. 3D). Mesoscutum punctate, setose, with carinae laterally (Fig. 3E). Notauli only impressed anteriorly (Fig. 5E). Scutellar sulcus represented only by a transverse groove, not crenulated (Fig. 3E). Scutellum evenly setose, smooth (Fig. 3E), with a pair of large pits medio-posteriorly separated by a carina, sides of scutellum irregularly sculptured (Fig. 3F). Mesopleuron smooth, glabrous, sparsely setose ventrally (Fig. 3D). Metapleuron with a deep small pit antero-dorsally, with deep shallow longitudinal depressed line, glabrous (Fig. 3D). Propodeum with a distinct and complete medio-longitudinal carina absent behind costula, dorsal part of midlongitudinal carina associated with irregular sculpture, faintly crenulated near costula, sparsely setose, antero-lateral part with shallow declivity, postero-lateral part faintly crenulated, posterior part well differentiated from dorsal part, posterior transverse carina distinct (Fig. 3F). Wings. Fore wing: Vein r distinct, 0.2 × as long as 2RS (Fig. 4C). R1 indistinct (Fig. 4C). Vein (RS+M)b 0.6 × as long as 1m-cu. Vein 1-M 1.5 × as long as m-cu. Vein (RS+M)a 2.9 × (RS+M)b. Vein 1CUa thickened, 0.9 × as long as 1CUb (Fig. 4C). Hind wing: Vein cu-a straight. Veins M+CU: 1M: 1r-m= 2.3: 2.4: 1.0. Legs. Hind coxa smooth, setose (Fig. 4A). Tarsal claws without basal lobe. Hind femur, tibia and basitarsus 3.5, 6.8 and 3.8 × as long as wide respectively. Metasoma. First tergite smooth, narrow medially, widening subapically, weakly narrowing apically, distinctly narrowing basally, 3.5 × as long as its maximum width (Fig. 4B). Second tergite longitudinally striate, smooth medially, setose, medial length 0.7 × as long as third tergite (Fig. 4B). Third tergite longitudinally striate, setose (Fig. 4B). Ovipositor straight. Ovipositor sheath 0.09 × as long as fore wing, slightly narrowing apically with long, sparse setae apically (Fig. 4A). Colour. Body reddish brown except head except ocellar region and apex of mandibles, maxillary and labial palps, propleuron, mesoscutum postero-laterally, scutellum medially, mesopleuron, metapleuron, legs, pterostigma, latero-tergites of first metasomal segment, metasomal sternites yellow. Male. Same as female. Etymology. The species is named after the collector Dr Chris J. Burwell, Senior Curator of Insects, Queensland Museum, Australia. Biology. Unknown. Distribution. Sri Lanka (Central Province, Sigiriya). Comparative diagnosis. The new species comes close to C. cosmopteryxi Ahmad & Pandey in having colouration of the body, first flagellomere 1.1 × as long as second flagellomere, yellow head, fore wing vein R1 distinctly vein like. However, the new species differs from the latter in having the following characters, propodeum sculptured medially near midlongitudinal carina (smooth in C. cosmopteryxi), penultimate flagellomere 2.0 × as long as wide (2.5–3.0 × in C. cosmopteryxi), hind basitarsus 3.8 × as long as wide (4.5 × in C. cosmopteryxi) and mesopleuron metapleuron yellow (brown in C. cosmopteryxi).Published as part of Ranjith, A. P., Achterberg, Cornelis Van & Priyadarsanan, Dharma Rajan, 2023, A new genus in the braconid subfamily Miracinae from the Oriental region, with descriptions of seven new species from India and Sri Lanka, pp. 451-473 in Zootaxa 5318 (4) on pages 457-459, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5318.4.1, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/8181447">http://zenodo.org/record/8181447</a&gt

ZENODO

Chelonus (Carinichelonus) siangensis Ranjith & Priyadarsanan 2023, sp. nov.

Author: Ranjith A. P.
Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan
Publication venue
Publication date: 08/05/2023
Field of study

Chelonus (Carinichelonus) siangensis sp. nov. (Figures 3–4) urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: D5E25598-C528-4791-95FE-E62CFA621996 Material examined. Holotype, female, INDIA: Arunachal Pradesh, Komsing, 28°25’3592 N, 95°00’0628 E, 1208 m.a.s.l., 2.v.2022, coll. A. P. Ranjith (AIMB). Paratypes, 1 male, INDIA: Arunachal Pradesh, Pangin, 28°19’2627 N, 95°02’1793 E, 1259 m.a.s.l., 1.iv.2022, coll. A.P. Ranjith (AIMB). Description. Holotype, female, length of body 5.2 mm, fore wing 3.5 mm. Head.Antenna with 16antennomeres, subapical antennomeres broadened, shorter than basal antennomeres, apical antennomeres narrow (Fig. 3A); third antennomere 1.2 × longer than fourth; third, fourth and terminal antennomeres 4.3 ×, 3.7 × and 3.6 × longer than wide, respectively; head transverse (Fig. 3B), in dorsal view roundly contracted behind eyes (Fig. 3D); OOL: OD: POL= 4.7: 1.0: 2.9; longitudinal diameter of eye 1.4 × height of temples; vertex coarsely longitudinally striate (Fig. 3D); frons distinctly concave, longitudinally striate, smooth posteriorly with mid and lateral longitudinal carinae (Figs 3C–D); occiput longitudinally striate (Fig. 3D); temple longitudinally striate (Fig. 3E); face coarsely reticulate-rugose with longitudinal short medio-posterior groove (Fig. 3B); clypeus flat and densely punctate, smooth and shining (Fig. 3B); length of malar space 2.7 × basal width of mandible. Mesosoma. Length of mesosoma 1.4 × its height; pronotum rugose-reticulate laterally (Figs 3E–F); mesoscutum areolate-rugose (Fig. 4A); middle lobe of mesoscutum smooth and punctate medially (Fig. 4A); notauli impressed as large pits (Fig. 4A); lateral lobes of mesoscutum rugose posteriorly (Fig. 4A); transverse suture distinct, deep (Fig. 4A); scutellar sulcus divided by three carinae (Fig. 4A); scutellum irregularly punctate, sparsely setose, with crenulate groove laterally (Fig. 4A); mesopleuron evenly convex, coarsely reticulate-rugose, setose (Fig. 3F); metanotum crenulate with distinct midlongitudinal carina (Fig. 4B); propodeum with medial and lateral tubercles, coarsely reticulate-rugose, with basal areola and two pairs of areolae medially, transverse carina distinct and complete (Fig. 4B). Wings. Fore wing infuscate apical half (Fig. 4F); length of fore wing 2.5 × its width; length of marginal cell 1.3 × pterostigma; vein 2-Rl present, short (Fig. 4F); vein r shorter than 3-SR (Fig. 4F); r: 3-SR: SRl = 1.0: 2.3: 5.8; SRl straight (Fig. 4F); parastigma distinctly swollen; 1-CU1: 2-CU1= 1.0: 6.8; vein CUlb present (Fig. 4F). Legs. Hind coxa smooth, densely short setose (Figs 4C, E); hind femur robust; length of hind femur, tibia and basitarsus 3.4 ×, 4.0 × and 4.0 × their maximum width, respectively; mid and hind tibia with numerous short, pointed spines apical half (Figs 4C, E). Metasoma. Metasomal carapace elongate-oval in dorsal view, coarsely reticulate-rugose, longitudinally striate antero-medially with a pair of parallel sided midlongitudinal carinae basally (Fig. 4D); length of carapace 2.3 × its maximum width in dorsal view; carapace without undulating lamella laterally (Figs 4C, E); ventral cavity closed apically, bordered with crenulate lamellae (Fig. 4E); ovipositor long, slender (Fig. 4E) and the ovipositor sheath 0.07 × as long as fore wing, 0.2 × as long as hind tibia. Colour. Black except eyes, ocelli grey, maxillary and labial palps, antenna, tegula, wing veins, pterostigma dark brown, fore femur apically, hind tibial spurs, carapace subbasally, ventral lamella yellow. Male (Fig. 5). Similar to female except the size, body length 4.9 mm; metasomal carapace with a pair of yellow spots near basal midlongitudinal carinae and baso-lateral yellow area; carapace with a pair of reddish yellow circular spot above apex of ventral opening. Biology. Unknown. Distribution. India (Arunachal Pradesh) Etymology. The species is named after the Siang Valley, which is part of the Eastern Himalayas Biodiversity Hotspot, where the type locality is situated. Comparative diagnosis. The new species comes closer to C. (C.) tabonus, however it can be distinguished from the latter in having frons with irregular sculpture medially (smooth in C. (C.) tabonus), fore and mid tarsi brownish black (yellowish red in C. (C.) tabonus), hind tibia without white ring apically (with white ring in C. (C.) tabonus), hind tibia 4.0 × as long as wide (4.3 × in C. (C.) tabonus)Published as part of Ranjith, A. P. & Priyadarsanan, Dharma Rajan, 2023, New subgeneric reports of the genus Chelonus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from India and Sri Lanka with description of nine species, pp. 461-492 in Zootaxa 5278 (3) on pages 466-470, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5278.3.3, http://zenodo.org/record/790653

ZENODO

Stephanobracon Ranjith & Quicke, gen. nov.

Author: Ranjith A. P.
Rajmohana K.
Nasser M.
Quicke D. L. J.
Publication venue
Publication date: 31/12/2016
Field of study

Stephanobracon Ranjith & Quicke gen. nov. (Figs 1–3) Type species. Stephanobracon narendrani Ranjith & Quicke sp. nov. Description. female. Head. Scapus longer ventrally than dorsally, distinctly laterally compressed and rather flaring towards apex. Face slightly rugose and bulging, with sublateral vertical ridges extended from to the upper level of clypeus to base of antennal toruli (Figs 1 B, C, 2B). Dorsally each ridge forms a pointed teeth, behind which is a weakly excavated area, another ridge runs dorsally from antero-lateral area of frons which forms a second tooth on the anterior margin of a laterally-raised, transversely striated protuberance, which laterally slightly overlaps the dorsal margin of the eye and extends backwards up to the level of median ocellus forming a slightly raised carina (Figs 1 C, D, 2A, B). Raised area sparsely setose. Eyes glabrous, weakly emarginated opposite antennal sockets and bulged (Fig. 1 B). Mandibles twisted, their tips distinctly turned downwards with only a single tooth visible in frontal aspect (Figs 1 B, 2A). Mesosoma. Mesosoma 1.4× longer than high (Fig. 3 A); mesoscutum smooth, shiny, sparsely setose, middle lobe rounded anteriorly (Fig. 2 D). Notauli smooth, only distinct anteriorly, running parallel to scutellar sulcus. Pronotum setose anteriorly. Scutellar lunules not wide, divided by eight carinae (Fig. 2 D). Scutellum smooth; metanotum largely smooth medially, without longitudinal carina. Mesopleuron completely smooth. Propodeum smooth and shiny, setose laterally, with pair of anteriorly diverging rugae arising from mid-posterior margin (Figs 2 D, E). Legs. Claws with pointed basal lobes (Fig. 3 C). Wings. Evenly setose. Fore wing. Vein r-rs arising at 0.4× of distance from base to apex of pterostigma. Second submarginal cell moderately elongate and distinctly narrowing distally (Fig. 3 B). Vein (RS+M) slightly curved posteriorly (Fig. 3 B). Vein 3-M long and largely tubular most of the way to the wing margin (Fig. 3 B). Vein 2CUa almost perpendicular to 1CUb, posteriorly forming a smooth curve with 2CUb. Second subdiscal cell slightly wider distally than basally (Fig.3 B). Hind wing. Vein 1r-m slightly curved, distally running parallel to but free from SC+R. Metasoma. Elongate, approximately 1.7 × longer than the mesosoma. Tergite 1 with laterally flattened areas from base to middle of the lateral margin (Fig. 2 E). Tergites 1–3 largely coarsely sculptured. Tergites 4 and 5 smooth medially and laterally (Fig. 2 F). Tergite 2 with elongate smooth, almost parallel-sided medial area (Fig. 2 F). Tergites 3–5 with subposterior, crenulated transverse grooves (Fig. 2 F). Ovipositor sheath evenly setose. Ovipositor slightly (1.25×) longer than the body (Fig. 2 C), with a pre-apical dorsal nodus and four apico-ventral serrations, having a small nodus before the inner serration (same as the pre-apical nodus) (Fig. 3 D). Etymology. The name is based on the parasitic wasp family Stephanidae because of the four sharp points on the head reminiscent (though not in the same place) of the ‘crown of thorns’ formation in members of the family Stephanidae, and the generic name Bracon. Gender masculine. Comments. The new genus would run to couplet 111 in Quicke’s (1987) key to the Old World genera of Braconinae, and then, with a little difficulty, to a group of genera with merinotoid metasomas including Cratobracon Cameron, Gronaulax Cameron, Merinotus Szépligeti, Shelfordia Cameron and various other genera of large-bodied wasps that parasitise wood-boring Coleoptera. The tooth-like protuberances of the antennal socket and region lateral to the socket distinguish it from all genera of the subfamily.Published as part of Ranjith, A. P., Nasser, M., Rajmohana, K. & Quicke, D. L. J., 2016, A new genus of Braconinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from India with remarkable head ornamentation, pp. 173-180 in Zootaxa 4061 (2) on page 174, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4061.2.7, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/256470">http://zenodo.org/record/256470</a&gt

ZENODO

Chelonus (Mirachelonus) melanogastrus Ranjith & Priyadarsanan 2023, sp. nov.

Author: Ranjith A. P.
Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan
Publication venue
Publication date: 08/05/2023
Field of study

Chelonus (Mirachelonus) melanogastrus sp. nov. (Figures 16–17) urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 05808E2F-01E7-4340-8CD6-F3E365A8CF07 Material examined. Holotype, male, INDIA: Kerala, Kozhikode, Ambalappara, 11°32’46 N, 75°55’24 E, 726 m. a.s.l., 30.xii.2015, coll. A.P. Ranjith (AIMB). Paratypes, 2 males with same data as holotype (AIMB). Description. Holotype, male, length of body 3.0 mm, of fore wing 2.2 mm. Head. Antenna with 25 antennomeres, apical antennomeres not broadened, shorter than basal antennomeres; third antennomere 1.2 × longer than fourth; third, fourth and terminal antennomeres 2.3 ×, 1.9 × and 1.8 × longer than wide, respectively; head transverse (Fig. 16B), in dorsal view roundly contracted behind eyes (Fig. 16C); OOL: OD: POL= 2.3: 1.0: 1.4; longitudinal diameter of eye 1.5 × height of temples; vertex transversely striate (Fig. 16C); frons distinctly concave, striate with a complete midlongitudinal carina (Fig. 16C); occiput transversely striate (Fig. 16C); temple longitudinally striate (Fig. 16D); face longitudinally striate laterally, transversely striate anteriorly and posteriorly, rugose medially, densely setose in lateral view (Fig. 16B); clypeus flat and sparsely punctate, smooth and shining (Fig. 16B); length of malar space 2.3 × basal width of mandible. Mesosoma. Length of mesosoma 1.3 × its height; pronotum rugose laterally (Figs 16D–E); mesoscutum areolate-rugose, without longitudinal depressions medially (Fig. 16F); notauli impressed as large pits (Fig. 16F); transverse suture distinct, deep (Fig. 16F); scutellar sulcus divided by three carinae (Fig. 16F); scutellum reticulate-rugose with a midlongitudinal carina, sparsely setose, with crenulate groove laterally (Fig. 16F); mesopleuron evenly convex, coarsely reticulate-rugose, setose (Fig. 16E); metanotum crenulate with distinct midlongitudinal carina (Fig. 17A); propodeum with medial and lateral tubercles, coarsely reticulate-rugose, transverse carina indistinct, but complete (Fig. 17A). Wings. Fore wing infuscate subapically (Fig. 17E); length of fore wing 2.5 × its width; length of marginal cell 1.3 × pterostigma; vein 2-Rl present (Fig. 17E); vein r shorter than 3-SR (Fig. 17E); r: 3-SR: SRl = 1.0: 1.5: 6.1; SRl more or less curved (Fig. 17E); parastigma distinctly swollen (Fig. 17E); 1-CU1: 2-CU1= 1.0: 3.2; vein CUlb present (Fig. 17E). Legs. Hind coxa with transverse wrinkles, densely short setose (Fig. 17B); hind femur robust (Fig. 17B); length of hind femur, tibia and basitarsus 3.2 ×, 3.5 × and 4.0 × their maximum width, respectively; mid and hind tibia with numerous short, pointed spines apical half Metasoma. Metasomal carapace elongate-oval in dorsal view, coarsely reticulate-rugose, with a pair of midlongitudinal carinae basally (Fig. 17C); length of carapace 3.1 × its maximum width in dorsal view; carapace with lamella laterally (Fig. 17B); ventral cavity closed apically (Fig. 17D); carapace truncate apically with a rather small round aperture and narrow in dorsal view (Fig. 17D), apex of carapace deeply incurved ventrally in lateral view (Fig. 17B). Colour. Black except eyes grey, antenna, ocelli, mandible, maxillary and labial palps, venation, pterostigma, legs brownish yellow to dark brown. Female. Unknown. Biology. Unknown. Distribution. India (Kerala). Etymology. The species is named after the black coloured metasoma. Comparative diagnosis. This is the first distribution record of the subgenus from India. The new species differs from the type species of the subgenus (C. (M.) miraventris) in having carapace without yellow spot (with yellow spot in C. (M.) miraventris), face irregularly sculptured medially (striate-rugose in C. (M.) miraventris), third and fourth antennomeres 2.3, 1.9 × as long as wide respectively (3.2 × in C. (M.) miraventris), OOL 1.6 × POL (1.1 in C. (M.) miraventris), longitudinal diameter of eye 1.5 × height of temples (2.3 × in C. (M.) miraventris), hind tibia 3.5 × as long as wide (4.5 × in C. (M.) miraventris).Published as part of Ranjith, A. P. & Priyadarsanan, Dharma Rajan, 2023, New subgeneric reports of the genus Chelonus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from India and Sri Lanka with description of nine species, pp. 461-492 in Zootaxa 5278 (3) on pages 483-485, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5278.3.3, http://zenodo.org/record/790653

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