South American Genera

The following key summarizes the classification proposed for the Stephanidae genera occuring

in South America. It disagrees with Townes² and Gauld¹¹, in that Hemistephanus is here

considered a distinct, monophyletic genus. Apomorphies indicated by a plus sign.

Key to South American Genera of Stephanidae

1. Front wing venation complete, cells 1+2R1 and 1M, and vein 2+3M always present. Without post-metapleural bridge (fig.0). Placoid sensilla on antennae absent ................... 2

1'. Front wing venation strongly incomplete, cells 1+2R1 and 1M and vein 2+3M always absent [+]. Always with a large, completely sclerotized post-metapleural bridge [+]. Males with placoid sensilla on antenna [+] ........................................................ Foenatopus Smith

2. Setae on M+Cu subapical to central, far from origin of vein 1M [+]; vein 2-1A reduced or absent, so that cell 2Cu is largely open posteriorly [+]. Vein 2r usually short, much smaller than 4Rs [+]. Metabasitarsus with a row of short conical spines anteriorly [+]. Apical carina on pronotum usually present, wide at least laterally [+]. Small to medium size, never longer than 27mm (excluding ovipositor) ................. Hemistephanus Enderlein

2'. Setae on M+Cu apical, reaching vein 1M. Vein 2-1A complete or almost so, closing cell 2Cu posteriorly. Vein 2r very long, 4Rs not more than 3 times as long as 2r, usually much less. Metabasitarsus without conic spines. Anterior margin of pronotum simple, without apical carina. Medium to very large specimens, except sometimes for small males; females usually larger than 25mm (excluding ovipositor) ..................................... Megischus Brull‚