Platypolynema, Ogloblin, 1960

Huber, John T., Read, Jennifer D. & Triapitsyn, Serguei V., 2024, Illustrated key to the genera and catalogue of Mymaridae (Hymenoptera) in the Neotropical region, Zootaxa 5557 (1), pp. 1-263 : 90

PLATYPOLYNEMA Ogloblin, 1960

( Figs 257–262 )

Platypolynema Ogloblin, 1960a: 7 . Type species: Platypolynema cautum Ogloblin, 1960 , by original designation. Ogloblin, 1967: 192 (further diagnosis); Triapitsyn & Berezovskiy, 2002: 618 (diagnosis), 619 (key).

Diagnosis. Face with subantennal sulcus ventral to each torulus and without pit medially to each torulus ( Fig. 259 ); toruli separated by at least their own height from transverse trabecula ( Fig. 259 ); propleura abutting each other anterior to prosternum; mesosoma depressed ( Fig. 258 ), 1.67× as wide as high (as measured at level of hind wing insertion on one card-mounted specimen); fore wing with distinct narrowing just distal to venation ( Fig. 260 ); venation with parastigma long, so proximal macrochaeta well separated from distal macrochaeta; petiole in dorsal view quadrate ( Fig. 262 ), attached probably to gt 1 (attachment point not clear); ovipositor strongly produced anteriorly ventral to mesosoma and slightly but distinctly exserted beyond apex of gaster ( Fig. 258 ).

Remarks. Platypolynema belongs to the Polynema group of genera. Platypolynema appears to be most similar to Kalopolynema in having distinct subantennal sulci ( Triapitsyn & Berezovskiy 2002). It is also similar to Polynemula in having the ovipositor extending anteriorly ventral to the mesosoma. That may just be a convergence that occurs in unrelated genera with very long ovipositors that often parasitize eggs laid deep in plant tissue, such as in the aerenchyma of water plants. The apparent absence of propodeal carinae ( Fig. 262 ) distinguish Platypolynema from Polynemula . The absence of pits between the toruli also distinguishes Platypolynema from Polynemula .

Neotropical hosts. Unknown. The only known Platypolynema species appears to be associated with plants in or near water.

Important references. Ogloblin (1960), Triapitsyn & Berezovskiy (2002).

Figures

FIGURES 257–262. Platypolynema cautum Ogloblin. 257, habitus, male; 258, habitus, female; 259, head, anterior; 260, fore wing; 261, male genitalia; 262, mesosoma, dorsal.