Aulacidea manchuria Nastasi sp. nov., a new herb gall wasp from China (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea: Aulacideini), with commentary on hawkweed (Asteraceae: Hieraciinae) gall wasps

Louis F Nastasi ¹, Andrew R Deans ¹

⁰Frost Entomological Museum; Department of Entomology; The Pennsylvania State University; 501 Agricultural Science and Industries Building; University Park; PA; 16802. user@example.com.

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December 8, 2024

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Summary

A new species of gall wasp, Aulacidea manchuria, was discovered in China. This finding expands the known diversity of Aulacidea wasps and aids in identifying related species.

Area Of Science

Entomology
Zoology
Biodiversity studies

Background

The genus Aulacidea comprises gall wasps known to induce galls on plants within the Asteraceae family.
Several Aulacidea species are found in the Eastern Palearctic region, with ongoing research to clarify their taxonomy.
Accurate identification of gall wasp species is crucial for understanding host-plant interactions and ecological roles.

Purpose Of The Study

To describe a new species of Aulacidea gall wasp from China, Aulacidea manchuria sp. nov.
To provide a tool for the identification of Aulacidea females within the hieracii species group in the Eastern Palearctic.
To discuss the current state of knowledge regarding Aulacidea wasps in China and related taxonomic challenges.

Main Methods

Morphological analysis of specimens to differentiate and describe the new species.
Comparative analysis with existing Aulacidea species descriptions.
Development of an identification key for females of the Aulacidea hieracii group.

Main Results

Aulacidea manchuria Nastasi sp. nov. is described as a new species of herb gall wasp from China.
This represents the second Aulacidea species described from China.
A key to Eastern Palearctic females of the Aulacidea hieracii group is provided, facilitating species identification.

Conclusions

The discovery of Aulacidea manchuria highlights the unexplored biodiversity of gall wasps in China.
The provided identification key will aid researchers in distinguishing between species within the Aulacidea hieracii group.
Further taxonomic research is needed to resolve ambiguities within the Aulacidea genus and its species groups.