Platystethynium (Platypatasson) fransseni ( Ogloblin, 1946 )

Huber, John T. & Read, Jennifer, 2021, A new, remarkable species of Platystethynium (Platypatasson) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) from New Zealand, Zootaxa 5052 (2), pp. 215-232 : 225

Platystethynium (Platypatasson) fransseni ( Ogloblin, 1946)

( Figs 18–26 )

Platypatasson fransseni Ogloblin, 1946: 293 ; holotype ♀ (USNM). Type locality: Indonesia, Java, Bogor. Subba Rao, 1970: 664 (distribution, male description).

Remarks. Subba Rao (1970) briefly described and illustrated the male of this species, identified by him as Platypatasson fransseni , and his species identification is confirmed here. Subba Rao mentioned that he had remounted the 70 specimens, including 2 males, from Canada balsam into chloral hydrate but he did not state how many slides he had made. We borrowed the only two slides that could so far be found. Careful examination by both N. Dale-Skey (NHMUK) and J. Huber failed to locate either of the two male specimens on these slides. There should therefore be at least one other slide with these males. Twenty-two females on one slide (NHMUK), labelled: “New Guinea, Manaus.- 1932, J.L. Froggatt, ex eggs of locustid.” and “ Platypatasson fransseni A. Ogloblin B.R. Subba det. 1969” were examined. The mounting medium of the second slide, somewhat similarly labelled, was completely dark brown so almost nothing could be seen.

The head in dorsal view ( Fig. 22 ), a pair of wings ( Fig. 21 ) and two sets of antennae ( Figs 18–20 ) from specimens on the first slide are illustrated for comparison with the wings and antennae of a paratype of P. fransseni in the CNC ( Figs 23, 24 ). The short lateral seta on the vertex between the median ocellus and transverse trabecula is apparently absent. The fore wings are almost identical, with two distinct rows of microtrichia in the basal half beyond the apex of the venation, but the antennae vary slightly. Measurements are: clava length/width 2.12–2.60 (the two Papua New Guinea specimens) compared to 2.86 (the paratype). Simple inspection of the funicle segments, especially the apical segment, shows that length/width differs, in this case mainly because of apparently different orientation (dorsal versus lateral, especially the scape and pedicel) of each pair of antennae.

Distribution. Indonesia, Papua New Guinea.

Figures

FIGURES 18–21. Platystethynium (Platypatasson) fransseni (Ogloblin) from Papua New Guinea. 18, left antenna, with scape dorsal; 19, right antenna, with scape dorsolateral; 20, antennae, lateral; 21, wings. Scale bars: 18–20 = 50 μm; 21 = 100 μm.

FIGURES 22–24. Platystethynium (Platypatasson) fransseni (Ogloblin), paratype female. 22, head, dorsal; 23, antenna, lateral; 24. Wings. Scale bars: 22, 23 = 100 μm; 24 = 200 μm.

FIGURES 25, 26. Platystethynium (Platypatasson) fransseni (Ogloblin),paratype female.25, mesosoma,dorsal;26a, metasoma, dorsal; 26b, genitalia (seen through metasoma). Scale bars = 100 μm.