Hemistephanus
Revision of the genus Hemistephanus End.
(Hymenoptera: Stephanidae), with methodological considerations.
Abstract. The genus Hemistephanus Enderlein is revised, with an evaluation of the methodology
and morphology used in taxonomic studies of Stephanidae. Specific terminology for the
Stephanidae is revised and defined for the first time. The monophyly of the genus Hemistephanus
is proposed, and a key to the South American genera of Stephanidae is provided. Over 300
external morphological characters were analyzed, including a detailed biometrical investigation.
Eighty characters were proposed to be used as a new character set to the group. Males of 9
species are described for the first time. Keys for females and males, descriptions, redescriptions,
and distribution maps are provided for 21 species recognized, of which nine are described as
new. Eight new synonyms are proposed, and four species are removed from Hemistephanus.
Illustrations are provided for all valid species.
INTRODUCTION
The Neotropical Hemistephanus was chosen as an introductory genus for the revision of
Stephanidae because of its restricted distribution, small number of species, small number of
synonyms, and close relation to Megischus, a key genus to the systematics of the family.
Hemistephanus cylindricus (Westwood)
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Nearly all of the previously published Hemistephanus species were described from
single specimens, based mostly in characters of low taxonomic value, strongly heterogeneous
character-sets, and little or no attention given to the relative taxonomic importance of male
and female specimens.
The objective of this work was to revise the genus Hemistephanus and investigate its
monophyly, proposing, at the same time, a more consistent methodology for taxonomic work
with Stephanidae.
| MATERIAL & METHODS
| RESULTS & DISCUSSION
| CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS |
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This page last updated: November 23, 1997.
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| Alexandre Pires Aguiar |