Polistes (Fuscopolistes) metricus Say

Paramere (Fig. 36A): (1) about two and half times longer than wide at the middle; (2) lateral groove deep; (3) parameral spine medium (about 1/6 the total length of paramere), pointed apically with short and dense bristles, mainly on spine base; (4) paramere lobe weakly developed and rounded; (5) inferior portion of paramere wide, about 0,8 the width at the middle portion. Aedeagus (Fig. 36B, C): robust; (1) apical portion with prominent denticulation, with small teeth intercalated among the large teeth, extended to the penis valve to the end of median expansion, lateral margin curved; (2) penis valve dilated and with a strong central entrance, bilobed (about 1/3 of the total length of apical portion); (3) median expansion developed and pointed apex; (4) lateral apodeme directed forward and shorter than the ventral process, (5) ventral process very rounded; (6) inferior portion of aedeagus curved, in lateral view; (7) ventral teeth in two more or less distinct rows, teeth of outer row broader but all long, about 30 in number. Digitus (Fig. 36D): robust; (1) apical process very reduced; (3) anteroventral lobe long and pointed apically; (4) punctation strong, over the entire digitus base; (5) short and dense bristles, mainly on lateral margin. Cuspis (Fig. 36E): robust, triangular-shape; (1) apex weakly pointed and tapering gradually to the end; (2) short and sparse bristles on cuspis; (3) punctation restricted on the lateral lobe; (4) lower part developed and more membranous aspect, with short bristles.

Remarks. Richards (1978: 461) commented about the genitalia: “with aedeagus broad, ventral teeth in two more or less distinct rows, teeth of outer row broader but all long, about 30 in all; digitus with basal portion very large, inside view broad to posterior end, distal process very short”. Buck et al. (2012) presented illustrations of the paramere (Fig. 18), digitus (Fig. 26) and aedeagus (Figs. 43, 51, 59), which match our description.