Family FIGITIDAE
Compiler and date details
2 July 2012 - Danielle N. Stringer, John T. Jennings & Andrew D. Austin, Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, and the School of Earth and Environmental Science, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Introduction
This family has recently been redefined on phylogenetic grounds to include the previously recognised Charipidae and Eucoilidae, now assigned to the status of subfamilies within a broader definition of Figitidae. Figitids are all relatively small species (1.5–3 mm) that are characterised by having a weak point in the 9th metasomal tergum of females that allows some flexibility in the ovipositor, and the Rs+M vein in the fore wing issuing close to Cu. Figitidae is the largest Cynipoid family in Australia and there are also a significant number of undescribed taxa.
Charipinae, which lack mesosomal sculpturing, are hyperparasitoids of aphid or psylloid (Hemiptera) primary hosts; Figitinae are endoparasitoids of Diptera (flies) and are often associated with dung flies; while Anacharitinae parasitise green and brown lacewings (Neuroptera). The largest subfamily is the Eucoilinae which are easily identified by the presence of a raised, medially depressed plate or 'cup' on the scutellum, and are endoparasitic on various cyclorrhaphan Diptera.
Paretas-Martínez et al. (2013) listed genera and species for Australia, including a number of new records and changed combinations.
Jennings & Austin (2015) list 2 unidentified species from Lord Howe Island in the Australian Museum.
General References
Jennings, J.T. & Austin, A.D. 2015. Synopsis of the hymenopteran fauna of Lord Howe Island with a preliminary checklist of species. Zootaxa 3931(3): 423–432
Paretas-Martínez, J., Forshage, M., Buffington, M., Fisher, N. La Salle, J. & Pujade-Villar, J. 2013. Overview of Australian Cynipoidea (Hymenoptera). Australian Journal of Entomology 52: 73–86 (species list for Australia)
Richie, A.J. 1993. Superfamily Cynipoidea. pp. 521–530 in Goulet, H. & Huber, J.T. (eds). Hymenoptera of the World: An Identification Guide to Families. Ottawa : Research Branch, Agriculture Canada 668 pp.
Ronquist, F. 1999. Phylogeny, classification and evolution of the Cynipoidea. Zoologica Scripta 28: 139–164
History of changes
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23-Mar-2015 | CYNIPOIDEA | 18-Mar-2015 | MODIFIED | |
| 05-Mar-2013 | 05-Mar-2013 | MODIFIED | ||
| 07-Aug-2012 | 25-Jul-2012 | MODIFIED | ||
| 12-Feb-2010 | (import) |