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Family MENGENILLIDAE


Compiler and date details

T.R. New, Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia

Introduction

The family Mengenillidae is poorly understood in Australia. Although about 20 species are known from Australia, only two species of Mengenilla Hofeneder have been described from the fauna. The genus is widespread in many parts of the world.

Taxonomically, Mengenillidae are an isolated family; they are the only extant group of Mengenillidia. Males are distinguished from those of all other Strepsiptera by having 5-segmented tarsi with strong claws; although 5-segmented tarsi occur in some Corioxenidae, in that family the tarsal claws are very weak. Antennae are 6-segmented. Females are free-living, with eyes, antennae and legs, in contrast to females of all other Strepsiptera.

No host records are available for Australian mengenillids but elsewhere Mengenillidae are known to parasitise Thysanura.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
12-Feb-2010 (import)