Structural and Genetic Investigation of the Egg and First-Instar Larva of an Egg-Laying Population of Blaesoxipha plinthopyga (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), a Species of Forensic Importance.

Flies in the family Sarcophagidae incubate their eggs and are known to be ovoviviparous (i.e., ovolarviparous), but a laboratory-maintained colony of Blaesoxipha plinthopyga (Wiedemann) deposited clutches of viable eggs over 10 generations. A description of the egg and first-instar larva of this species is provided along with genetic data (genome size and cytochrome oxidase I sequences). The egg is similar to previously described eggs of other Sarcophagidae but differs in the configuration of the micropyle. In the first-instar larva, the oral ridges are much more developed than has been described for other species. B. plinthopyga has forensic importance, and the present descriptive information is critical for proper case management.

A new opiine (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) from Australia with discussion of Diachasma Foerster.

A new species of Opiinae, Diachasma dentatum Shirley, Restuccia & Ly, is described from Australia. This species is similar to several other Australian opiines previously described or included in the genus Diachasma, but the mandibles are unusually broad, nearly exodont. Notable differences between Australian and Palaearctic Diachasma are discussed. Diachasma tasmaniae Fischer, 1995, originally described from Tasmania and New South Wales, is newly recorded from Victoria. Diachasma rufipes Szépligeti, 1905 is transferred to Notiopambolus, new combination.

An opiine Braconidae (Hymenoptera) reared from Richardiidae (Diptera) and recognition of a new species group of Opius s. l.

A new species of opiine Braconidae, Opius rojam Daniels & Wharton, is described from Trinidad. The description is based in part on two individuals reared from Sepsisoma erythrocephalum infesting shoots of the grass Paspalum fasciculatum. This is the first record of members of the Opiinae attacking species in the dipteran family Richardiidae. The Opius ingenticornis species group is proposed and delineated to accommodate this and several putatively related species formerly included in Opius (Merotrachys), Opius (Pendopius), and Opius (Ilicopius). A key to the species of this group is provided. Descriptions and diagnoses are referenced to the Hymenoptera Anatomy Ontology.