Genus Diaparsis Förster (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Tersilochinae) from Madagascar: a review of the species with interstitial vein 2m-cu

Abstract

Five species of the genus Diaparsis Förster characterized by the fore wing with interstitial vein 2m-cu are found to occur in Madagascar. One species, D. apophis sp. nov., is described as new to science; three species, D. interstitialis Khalaim, 2013, D. inusitata Khalaim, 2013 and D. voluptuosa Khalaim, 2013, are recorded from Madagascar for the first time. Diagnoses, references and general distribution to the five reviewed Madagascar species are given. Partial identification key to the species of Diaparsis occurring in Madagascar is provided.Diaparsis apophis sp. nov. is widely distributed through Madagascar from extreme north to south of the island; it was collected from Diana, Antananarivo, Androy, Analamanga, Vakinankaratra and Vatomandry provinces. The new species is easily distinguished from its Afrotropical congeners by the combination of interstitial vein 2m-cu in the fore wing; first metasomal tergite evenly arcuate in lateral view, round in cross-section centrally and entirely smooth; and black antennal flagellum with 33–37 flagellomeres in female and 30–40 flagellomeres in male. It is a rather large species with body length about 6.8 mm and fore wing length 4.2 mm. The species name derives from Apophis, an Ancient Egyptian god of chaos.