Xyalaspis Hartig

Ward, D. F., 2014, Overview and key to the New Zealand Cynipoidea (Hymenoptera), Zootaxa 3878 (6), pp. 563-579 : 567

Xyalaspis Hartig

( Figs. 5 , 19, 20 )

Xyalaspis is a new record for New Zealand, which likely represents an adventive species. The identification of Xyalaspis is based on the scutellar spine ( Fergusson 1985). A species level determination has not been made, but it is not X. victoriensis (which has a very elongate scutellar spine), the only Xyalaspis in Australia ( New 1979). The apex of the scutellum in both Anacharis and Xyalaspis is very prominent, however, the two can be separated as Anacharis has an elongate petiole and an internally carinated transverse groove in the mesopleuron. Xyalaspis is uncommonly collected (only 15 specimens in the NZAC) but is widespread. North Island: AK, HB, TO. South Island: MC, NN, SL. The first record is from 1959, and a number of records are associated with orchards (from HB, MC, and NN). Two NZAC records indicate it is a parasitoid of Neuroptera .

Figures

FIGURES 4 – 5. Habitus of Anacharitinae (Figitidae). 4 — Anacharis zealandica, arrow indicates marginal cell. 5 — Xyalaspis. Scale 1 mm.

FIGURES 17 – 20. Scutellum. 17 — Anacharis zealandica, dorsal. 18 — A. zealandica, lateral. 19 — Xyalaspis, dorsal. 20 Xyalaspis, lateral.