AnimaliaHymenopteraFigitidaevan NoortSimonBuffingtonMatthew L.ForshageMattiasAfrotropical Cynipoidea (Hymenoptera)Zookeys1420152015493117610.3897/zookeys.493.6353 Figites Latreille, 1802Remarks.

This is a rare genus in the region. The Afrotropical representatives of the genus were recently revised and four of Benoit’s species described in 1956 were sunk into synonymy with Figites aciculatus (van Noort et al. 2014). On a global scale, it is a poorly circumscribed genus versus several smaller genera, and many of its nominal species are of doubtful identity.

Diagnosis.

Large figitines with reduced pubescence on wings (often completely hairless) and more or less striate mesosomal sides. Easily separated from Xyalophora and Neralsia by the rounded scutellum (no indication of a spine in outline in dorsal view). Stiff, stout hairs present across most of body, distally bifurcate.

Figites aciculatus (Holotype, Democratic Republic of Congo). A habitus lateral view B head and mesosoma dorsal view C head, anterior view.

Distribution.

Probably worldwide, but to date no records from the Oriental and Oceanic regions have been published. Afrotropical records: Democratic Republic of Congo (Benoit 1956d), Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Yemen (van Noort et al. 2014).

Biology.

Parasitoids of calyptrate Brachycera larvae in decomposing substrates (Hennig 1976, James 1928, Thomas and Morgan 1972).

Species richness.

Figites aciculatus (Benoit, 1956d) (Xyalophora) (Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Yemen)

syn Figites effossus Benoit, 1956d (Democratic Republic of Congo)

syn Figites favonius Benoit, 1956d (Democratic Republic of Congo)

syn Figites furvus Benoit, 1956d (Democratic Republic of Congo)

syn Figites fraudator Benoit, 1956d (Democratic Republic of Congo)

van NoortSBuffingtonMLForshageM (2014) Review of Afrotropical Figitinae (Figitidae, Cynipoidea, Hymenoptera) with the first record of Neralsia and Lonchidia for the region.ZooKeys453: 37–69. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.453.8511BenoitPLG (1956d) Figitinae nouveaux du Congo Belge (Cynip.-Figitidae).Revue de Zoologie et de Botanique Africaines53: 377–384.HennigW (1976) 63a. Anthomyiidae, T 3. In: LindnerE (Ed.) Die Fliegen der palearktischen Region. Stuttgart, 681–974.JamesHC (1928) On the life-histories and economic status of certain Cynipid parasites of Dipterous larvae, with descriptions of some new larval forms.Annals of Applied Biology15: 287–316. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-7348.1928.tb07052.xThomasGMorganC (1972) Parasites of the horn fly in Missouri.Journal of Economic Entomology65: 169–174.