Microgastrinae - Apanteles megathymi

Moved

… John Rosenfeld, 13 April, 2020 - 9:21pm

Apanteles megathymi…

After IDing the genus, I had asked Dr. Fernandez-Triana whether he thought this might be A. megathymi, since the host is known, and there is often much specificity in these relationships. Here is his reply:

"Yes, your specimens indeed seem to be Apanteles megathymi. The host matches previous knowledge, and the pterostigma and overall fore wing venation color also matches what we know of megathymi. The ovipositor sheaths are also about the size I would expect to find".

"Your specimens would be a new state record (the species had been found before in a neighboring state (Arizona) and a few other US southern states. You can check the most updated distribution of the species here: https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/39128/".

"Of course, there is always the chance that your specimens represent a new species (related to megathymi), and without examining the specimens is impossible to conclude. But, for now, I think is fairly reasonable to assume it is megathymi and publish the new state record".

"For your friend and you, you do not need to include me, perhaps only mention that I confirmed the species ID. Let me know if I can be of further assistance".

A new species page can be created for these wasps, and the two images of the male and this female can be linked together as well. [Apanteles megathymi, Riley 1881]

See reference here.

… Ross Hill, 13 April, 2020 - 8:02pm

Would like some

I have extra specimens. Would you like me to send them to you??

… John L. Richards, 13 April, 2020 - 9:01pm

Path forward...

Dr. Fernández-Triana mentioned to me via email that he would not be able to inspect your wasps at this time due to the current global pandemic, which has closed his institute in Canada down for some weeks now, and thus excluded him from using the resources at the facility. He suggested storing your wasps in alcohol for now, and at some point in the future, perhaps, when things begin to "normalize", he would consider examining them.

… Ross Hill, 21 April, 2020 - 6:22pm

Moved

Moved from Microgastrinae.

… John Rosenfeld, 13 April, 2020 - 11:24am

Apanteles…

Dr. Fernandez-Triana determined.

See reference here.

… Ross Hill, 13 April, 2020 - 11:01am

Moved

Moved from ID Request.

… John Rosenfeld, 12 April, 2020 - 8:59am

Yes - Microgastrinae…

Will ask Dr. Fernandez-Triana to comment on these images. It's possible that knowing the host and viewing both a male and a female may be helpful in getting these to a genus level.

See reference here.

… Ross Hill, 11 April, 2020 - 11:10am

thanks

Thanks for your help and response.

… John L. Richards, 11 April, 2020 - 12:04pm