First record of subgenus Synaldis Foerster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Alysiinae, Dinotrema Foerster) from Chile, with description of ten new species.

Synaldis is a taxon within the Aspilota group with a contentious taxonomic history, currently classified as a subgenus of the genus Dinotrema. Species of Synaldis were only documented in the Neotropical region in 2017, and until then, the Neotropical fauna of this subgenus was represented by five species from Brazil. In this study, Synaldis is reported for the first time in Chile, with the description and illustration of ten new species, namely: Dinotrema (Synaldis) acarinareolatumsp. nov., D. (S.) brunneumsp. nov., D. (S.) chilensesp. nov., D. (S.) daltonisp. nov., D. (S.) flavumsp. nov., D. (S.) latusdentertiumsp. nov., D. (S.) perisfelipoisp. nov., D. (S.) pilosicaudatumsp. nov., D. (S.) puyehuesp. nov., and D. (S.) veraesp. nov. The studied specimens were collected during expeditions to southern Chile, in the Valdivian temperate rainforest at Parque Nacional de Puyehue. This study also includes a dichotomous identification key for Neotropical species of Synaldis, as well as a discussion of the primary morphological characters used to distinguish species within the Neotropical and Nearctic regions.

Behavioral Modification of Leucauge mariana Induced by an Ichneumonid Spider-Parasitoid, Hymenoepimecis castilloi, in the Colombian Andes.

Hymenoepimecis is a genus of Darwin wasps in the Polysphincta group of genera (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) known as ectoparasitoids of a broad spectrum of spiders. The parasitoid induces production of a web known as cocoon web, which provides shelter and support for the wasp pupa. In this study, we describe for the first time the interaction between Hymenoepimecis castilloi Pádua & Sääksjärvi (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and its host spider Leucauge mariana (Taczanowski) (Araneae: Tetragnathidae) in the Colombian Andes, provide new records of wasp genus distribution, and described the behavioral modifications induced in the spider. Web modifications occurred in the webs of both solitary and aggregated individuals. Adhesive spirals were lacking, and webs were connected to vegetation by multiple threads in all cocoon webs, which was not seen attached to webs of non-parasitized spiders. All parasitoid cocoons were observed hanging on a vertical line in the hub of the cocoon web. As previously described for other species, we believe that this modified web design results in increased web strength and favors parasitoid development during the pupal stage.

Genome, host genome integration, and gene expression in Diadegma fenestrale ichnovirus from the perspective of coevolutionary hosts.

Polydnaviruses (PDVs) exhibit species-specific mutualistic relationships with endoparasitoid wasps. PDVs can be categorized into bracoviruses and ichnoviruses, which have independent evolutionary origins. In our previous study, we identified an ichnovirus of the endoparasitoid Diadegma fenestrale and named it DfIV. Here, DfIV virions from the ovarian calyx of gravid female wasps were characterized. DfIV virion particles were ellipsoidal (246.5 nm × 109.0 nm) with a double-layered envelope. Next-generation sequencing of the DfIV genome revealed 62 non-overlapping circular DNA segments (A1-A5, B1-B9, C1-C15, D1-D23, E1-E7, and F1-F3); the aggregate genome size was approximately 240 kb, and the GC content (43%) was similar to that of other IVs (41%-43%). A total of 123 open reading frames were predicted and included typical IV gene families such as repeat element protein (41 members), cysteine motif (10 members), vankyrin (9 members), polar residue-rich protein (7 members), vinnexin (6 members), and N gene (3 members). Neuromodulin N (2 members) was found to be unique to DfIV, along with 45 hypothetical genes. Among the 62 segments, 54 showed high (76%-98%) sequence similarities to the genome of Diadegma semiclausum ichnovirus (DsIV). Three segments, namely, D22, E3, and F2, contained lepidopteran host genome integration motifs with homologous regions of about 36-46 bp between them (Diadegma fenestrale ichnovirus, DfIV and lepidopteran host, Plutella xylostella). Most of the DfIV genes were expressed in the hymenopteran host and some in the lepidopteran host (P. xylostella), parasitized by D. fenestrale. Five segments (A4, C3, C15, D5, and E4) were differentially expressed at different developmental stages of the parasitized P. xylostella, and two segments (C15 and D14) were highly expressed in the ovaries of D. fenestrale. Comparative analysis between DfIV and DsIV revealed that the genomes differed in the number of segments, composition of sequences, and internal sequence homologies.

Cryptic biodiversity of tropical hesperiid caterpillar-attacking parasitoid wasps: three new species of Creagrura Townes (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cremastinae) from Costa Rica and Perú.

Background: We describe three new species of the previously monotypic genus Creagrura Townes from Central and South America: C.alejandromasisi sp. n. and C.rogerblancoi sp. n. from Costa Rica and C.allpahuaya sp. n. from Peru, all of which emphasise the unknown parasitoid insect diversity yet to be revealed in the tropics. New information: Host relationships of the two Costa Rican species are described in detail. In addition, it is inferred that the Creagrura wasps find and oviposit in the caterpillar when it is exposed at night, rather than when it is concealed during daylight hours.

A new species of the genus Separatatus Chen & Wu (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Alysiinae) from South Korea.

Separatatusmegagnathus sp. nov. is recorded as new to science from South Korea. Due to this record, the genus Separatatus Chen & Wu, 1994 (Braconidae: Alysiinae) is recognized for the first time from South Korea. The genus and species are described and illustrated herein plus an identification key including the Korean new species is provided. In addition, the DNA barcode region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) has been analyzed for the new species.

A new species of the genus Hylcalosia Fischer (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Alysiinae) from South Korea, with a key to the Korean species.

The species of the genus Hylcalosia Fischer, 1967 (Braconidae: Alysiinae) from South Korea are revised. One species, Hylcalosiabicolor sp. nov., is new to science. They are described and illustrated herein and an identification key to the Korean species is added. In addition, the DNA barcode region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) has been analysed for the new species and H.sutchanica is used for genetic comparison.

Venom composition of the endoparasitoid wasp Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and functional characterization of a major venom peptide.

Endoparasitoid wasps use complex biochemical arsenals to suppress the normal humoral and cellular immune responses of their hosts in order to transform them into a suitable environment for development of their eggs and larvae. Venom injected during oviposition is a key component of this arsenal, but the functions of individual venom toxins are still poorly understood. Furthermore, there has been little investigation of the potential biotechnological use of these venom toxins, for example for control of agricultural pests. The endoparasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a biocontrol agent reared in biofactories and released extensively in Brazil to control the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The objectives of this work were to reveal venom components produced by C. flavipes and explore the function of a major venom peptide, Cf4. Using a combined proteomic/transcriptomic approach, we identified 38 putative venom toxins including both linear and disulfide-rich peptides, hydrolases, protease inhibitors, apolipophorins, lipid-binding proteins, and proteins of the odorant binding families. Because of its high abundance in the venom, we selected Cf4, a 33-residue peptide with three disulfide bonds, for synthesis and further characterization. We found that synthetic Cf4 reduced the capacity of D. saccharalis hemocytes to encapsulate foreign bodies without any effect on phenoloxidase activity, consistent with a role in disruption of the cellular host immune response. Feeding leaves coated with Cf4 to neonate D. saccharalis resulted in increased mortality and significantly reduced feeding compared to caterpillars fed untreated leaves, indicating that Cf4 is a potential candidate for insect pest control through ingestion. This study adds to our knowledge of endoparasitoid wasp venoms composition, host regulation mechanisms and their biotechnological potential for pest management.

A review of the spider-attacking Polysphinctadizardi species-group (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae), with descriptions of seven new species from South America.

The Neotropical Polysphinctadizardi species-group is revised. We describe seven new species from South America: P.bonita sp. nov., P.cosnipata sp. nov., P.inca sp. nov., P.macroepomia sp. nov., P.organensis sp. nov., P.pichincha sp. nov., and P.teresa sp. nov. In addition, we provide a diagnosis and an identification key to all species of the group.

A new species of Acrotaphus Townes (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) from the Brazilian Amazon, with notes on its host spider behavioral modification.

Some Ichneumonidae wasps, including the genus Acrotaphus Townes, 1960 (Ephialtini: Pimplinae), induce behavioral modification in their spider hosts. Acrotaphus is a New World parasitoid wasp genus with 26 described species. This genus belongs to the Polysphincta genus group, which are ectoparasitoids of spiders of the Araneidae. In this study, we describe a new species (Acrotaphus wagnerianae sp. n.) found in the Brazilian Amazon. In addition, we discuss for the first time the behavioral modification of spiders of the Wagneriana genus (Araneidae) by wasps of the Polysphincta genus group.

Genomic architecture of endogenous ichnoviruses reveals distinct evolutionary pathways leading to virus domestication in parasitic wasps.

BACKGROUND: Polydnaviruses (PDVs) are mutualistic endogenous viruses inoculated by some lineages of parasitoid wasps into their hosts, where they facilitate successful wasp development. PDVs include the ichnoviruses and bracoviruses that originate from independent viral acquisitions in ichneumonid and braconid wasps respectively. PDV genomes are fully incorporated into the wasp genomes and consist of (1) genes involved in viral particle production, which derive from the viral ancestor and are not encapsidated, and (2) proviral segments harboring virulence genes, which are packaged into the viral particle. To help elucidating the mechanisms that have facilitated viral domestication in ichneumonid wasps, we analyzed the structure of the viral insertions by sequencing the whole genome of two ichnovirus-carrying wasp species, Hyposoter didymator and Campoletis sonorensis. RESULTS: Assemblies with long scaffold sizes allowed us to unravel the organization of the endogenous ichnovirus and revealed considerable dispersion of the viral loci within the wasp genomes. Proviral segments contained species-specific sets of genes and occupied distinct genomic locations in the two ichneumonid wasps. In contrast, viral machinery genes were organized in clusters showing highly conserved gene content and order, with some loci located in collinear wasp genomic regions. This genomic architecture clearly differs from the organization of PDVs in braconid wasps, in which proviral segments are clustered and viral machinery elements are more dispersed. CONCLUSIONS: The contrasting structures of the two types of ichnovirus genomic elements are consistent with their different functions: proviral segments are vehicles for virulence proteins expected to adapt according to different host defense systems, whereas the genes involved in virus particle production in the wasp are likely more stable and may reflect ancestral viral architecture. The distinct genomic architectures seen in ichnoviruses versus bracoviruses reveal different evolutionary trajectories that have led to virus domestication in the two wasp lineages.

Seven new species of spider-attacking Hymenoepimecis Viereck (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae) from Ecuador, French Guiana, and Peru, with an identification key to the world species.

Seven new species of Hymenoepimecis Viereck are described from Peruvian Andes and Amazonia, French Guiana and Ecuador: H. andina Pádua & Sääksjärvi, sp. nov., H. castilloi Pádua & Sääksjärvi, sp. nov., H. dolichocarinata Pádua & Sääksjärvi, sp. nov., H. ecuatoriana Pádua & Sääksjärvi, sp. nov., H. longilobus Pádua & Sääksjärvi, sp. nov., H. pucallpina Pádua & Sääksjärvi, sp. nov., and H. rafaelmartinezi Pádua & Sääksjärvi, sp. nov. In addition, the male of the Hymenoepimecis kleini Pádua & Sobczak, 2015 is described, new faunistic records for the genus provided, as well as an illustrated identification key to all known species of the genus.

The genus Aspicolpus Wesmael, 1838 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Brachistinae) from China, with descriptions of four new species.

The species of the genus Aspicolpus Wesmael, 1838 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Brachistinae) from China are revised. Four new species, namely A. clypeconcavus Yan et Chen, sp. n., A. frontirugatus Yan et Chen sp. n., A. jilinensis Yan et Chen, sp. n., and A. striatus Yan et Chen, sp. n. are described and illustrated. A key to the Chinese species of the genus Aspicolpus is updated.

Review of the New World genus Acrotaphus Townes, 1960 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae), with descriptions of fifteen new species.

Acrotaphus Townes, 1960 is a moderately large New World genus of spider attacking parasitoid wasps. Previously, it comprised 11 species. The present study aims to review the genus, and includes descriptions of 15 new species: A. amajari sp. n., A. amazonicus sp. n., A. bodoquenaensis sp. n., A. cuzconus sp. n., A. dolichopus sp. n., A. homeofranklini sp. n., A. jackiechani sp. n., A. kourou sp. n., A. micrus sp. n., A. monotaenius sp. n., A. nambilloensis sp. n., A. pseudoamazonicus sp. n., A. pseudomexicanus sp. n., A. venezuelanus sp. n. and A. zampieronae sp. n.. In addition, we present new characters for the study of the genus and describe the male genitalia for the first time. An illustrated key and maps to the species of the genus are provided. Acrotaphus franklini Gauld, 1991 and A. pseudoamazonicus sp. n. were recorded from the nests of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) lactitarse Saussure, 1867 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae).

Wing-fanning frequency as a releaser boosting male mating success-High-speed video analysis of courtship behavior in Campoplex capitator, a parasitoid of Lobesia botrana.

Campoplex capitator is an ichneumonid parasitoid with a narrow host range, comprising grapevine moth pests. Despite being considered one of the possible candidates for biocontrol of Lobesia botrana, knowledge about its biology is limited and mass-rearing for commercial purposes is still lacking. This research provides a quantitative analysis of the C. capitator courtship and mating behavior. C. capitator mating sequence was analyzed by high-speed video recordings. Main behavioral parameters, with special reference to male wing fanning and antennal tapping, were quantified and linked with mating success. Furthermore, we analyzed the occurrence of population-level behavioral asymmetries during C. capitator sexual interactions and their impact on male success. Results showed that male wing fanning was crucial to successfully approach the female. Males achieving higher mating success performed wing-fanning at higher frequencies over unsuccessful ones. After wing fanning, most of males palpated the female's body with their antennae, before attempting copulation. The overall mating success was >70%, with a rather long copula duration (254.76 ± 14.21 s). Male wing-fanning was lateralized on the left at population level, while antennal tapping displays were right-biased. Side-biased male displays do not differ in terms of frequency and duration of their main features. This research adds basic knowledge to the C. capitator behavioral ecology. Since rearing protocols for C. capitator are being developed, male wing fanning frequency may represent a useful benchmark for monitoring mate quality over time, tackling mating success reductions due to prolonged mass-rearing.

Two new species of Zatypota (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae) sharing the same host spider in Northeast Brazil.

 Some polysphinctine wasps of the genus Zatypota complete their life cycles upon theridiid host spiders. The host range of these wasps is usually species-specific, although in some less common associations more than one wasp species interacts with the same host spider. Here we describe and illustrate the polysphinctine wasps Zatypota baezae sp. n. and Zatypota mulunguensis sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), both koinobiont ectoparasitoids of the spider Anelosimus baeza (Theridiidae). The two parasitoid wasps show the same development time (12 days) which was longer when compared with other parasitoid wasps Z. anomala Holmgren and Z. riverai Gauld (nine days). As described for other species of Zatypota and Hymenoepimecis, the second larval instar remains attached to the spider by the remains of the chorion and also by a rigid brownish-semitransparent membrane called a saddle.

New records of Ticapimpla Gauld, 1991 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) from Brazil and French Guiana, with taxonomic notes.

BACKGROUND: We report the genus Ticapimpla Gauld, 1991 from French Guiana and the species Ticapimpla amazonica Palacio et al., T. carinata Palacio et al., T. matamatae Palacio et al. and T. soinii Palacio et al. from Brazilian Amazonia. The new discoveries suggest that the genus is widely distributed in Amazonian lowland rain forests. In addition, we diagnose and illustrate the males of T. carinata and T. matamatae for the first time. Short diagnoses and layer-photos for all the Amazonian species are provided. NEW INFORMATION: The genus Ticapimpla is reported for the first time from French Guiana and the species T. amazonica, T. carinata, T. matamatae and T. soinii from Brazilian Amazonia. In addition, the males of T. carinata and T. matamatae are diagnosed and illustrated for the first time.

DNA barcoding and morphological data reveal a new Hyposoter (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Porizontinae) reared from a rare zygaenid moth Artona flavipuncta Hampson, 1900 in Taiwan.

A new species of Hyposoter Foerster, 1869 is discovered based on morphology of adults and cocoons, biology, and DNA barcoding evidence. It is herein described as Hyposoter distriangulum Chen, Huang & Hsu sp. nov. , which is a common parasitoid of a rare zygaenid moth Artona flavipuncta Hampson, 1900. The differences between similar Hyposoter species in Japan and Taiwan are also presented.

Revision of the genus Centistes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Euphorinae: Centistini) of Costa Rica.

This paper provides the first taxonomic revision for the euphorine genus Centistes from a Neotropical country. Twenty-three new species are described: C. achterbergi sp. n., C. acuticaudatus sp. n., C. auricephalus sp. n., C. auristigma sp. n., C. bicaudatus sp. n., C. cabecares sp. n., C. cartagoensis sp. n., C. chorotegus sp. n., C. compactus sp. n., C. curvicaudatus sp. n., C. gauldi sp. n., C. hansoni sp. n., C. hirsutus sp. n., C. janzeni sp. n., C. laticaudatus sp. n., C. longicaudatus sp. n., C. marshi sp. n., C. muertensis sp. n., C. ornamentum sp. n., C. pilosus sp. n., C. puntarenensis sp. n., C. sergeyi sp. n., C. zurquiensis sp. n. A taxonomic key, including the two previously described species, C. epicaeri Muesebeck and C. gasseni Shaw, is presented. As a whole, the Centistes exhibit their highest diversity in the premontane cloud forests.

Effects of self-superparasitism and host age on fitness-correlated traits in the solitary endoparasitoid wasp Meteorus pulchricornis.

The domed fitness functions are suggested to describe developmental patterns of progeny parasitoids in relation to host age at oviposition in solitary koinobint parasitoids that are engaged in single parasitism, but few studies have investigated the applicability of the functions as related to superparasitism. The present study was designed to compare fitness functions between single parasitism and superparasitism by examining developmental patterns of Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael) (Hymneoptera: Braconidae) progeny in relation to the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), either singly parasitized or self-superparasitized as second-fifth instar larvae. Self-superparasitism caused deleterious effects on the fitness-related traits of parasitoid progeny, as demonstrated by a prolonged egg-to-adult emergence time, a smaller body size, and shorter longevity of the emerging adults, and decreased survival to adult emergence. While the domed fitness function was detected for development time, survival, adult body size, and longevity in relation to host larvae that were singly parasitized, the function was observed only for progeny survival in relation to host larvae that were self-superparasitized. This study suggests that developmental fitness functions with self-superparasitism can deviate from those with single parasitism in solitary koinobiont parasitoids.

Lytopylus Förster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Agathidinae) species from Costa Rica, with an emphasis on specimens reared from caterpillars in Area de Conservación Guanacaste.

Twelve species of Costa Rican Lytopylus are treated; these include all species reared from Lepidoptera caterpillars in Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica, over 32 years of caterpillar inventory, as well as two species recorded in the literature as occurring in Costa Rica. Ten new species are described, i.e., Lytopylus bradzlotnicki, Lytopylus colleenhitchcockae, Lytopylus gregburtoni, Lytopylus jessicadimauroae, Lytopylus jessiehillae, Lytopylus mingfangi, Lytopylus rebeccashapleyae, Lytopylus robpringlei, Lytopylus sandraberriosae, Lytopylus vaughntani. The following species are transferred to Lytopylus: Metriosoma flavicalcar Enderlein 1920 to Lytopylus flavicalcarcomb. n.; Bassus macadamiae Briceño and Sharkey 2000 to Lytopylus macadamiaecomb. n.; Metriosoma bicarinatum Enderlein 1920 to Lytopylus bicarinatumcomb. n.; Metriosoma brasiliense Enderlein 1920 to Lytopylus brasiliensecomb. n.; Bassus tayrona Campos 2007 to Lytopylus tayronacomb. n.; Microdus femoratus Cameron 1887 to Lytopylus femoratuscomb. n.; Microdus melanocephalus Cameron 1887 to Lytopylus melanocephaluscomb. n.; Bassus pastranai Blanchard 1952 to Lytopylus pastranaicomb. n.; Agathis nigrobalteata Cameron 1911 to Lytopylus nigrobalteatuscomb. n. Two keys to species of Lytopylus are presented, one interactive and the other static.