A Grouping by Larval Characters of some Species of the Genus Apanteles (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Abstract

The larval characters of 33 species (largely Palaearctic) of the genus Apanteles have been examined and studied in relation to the division of the species of the genus into four major groups on the characters of the adults. Ingeneral, the larval characters indicate a grouping of the species which is very similar to the grouping of the adults. Groups S and U contrast sharply with groups A and F on the form of the mandible. The form of the mandible also allows group A to be distinguishedfrom group F. The relationships of four aberrant and some other species are discussed.I wish to thank Mr. J. F. Perkins of the British Museum (Natural History) and Professor G. C. Varley of the Hope Department of Entomology, Oxford, for permission to study material. Mr. G. E. J. Nixon's advice on the relationships indicated by the characters of the adults of the species of the genus Apanteles has been invaluable.