Maimetshidae: Rasnitsyn 1975: 73; 1988: 124; Ronquist et al. 1999: 33.

Megalyridae (Dinapsinae): Shaw 1988: 109.

Megalyridae (Dinapsini): Shaw 1990: 578; 2007.

Type genus: Maimetsha Rasnitsyn, 1975 (monobasic).

Diagnosis: Head without ocular carina, without subantennal groove accommodating antennal base. Vertex with (in type genus) or without longitudinal median sulcus. Antenna filiform, with scape not elongate, flagellomeres variable in number (known as at least 14 to 17). Mandible with four teeth (mandibles perhaps rarely asymmetrical, with 4 and 3 teeth). Pronotum short medially, mesoscutum with notauli and medial sulcus, axillae meeting anterior to scutellum or separated by prescutellar impression. Propodeum areolate. Forewing with costal space moderate to wide; vein C and pterostigma present; basal sections of RS and M subequal in length, not continuously aligned (not forming smooth basal vein); marginal cell closed, wide (not triangular), moderately short to moderately long; cells 2rm and/or 3rm closed; cell 1mcu closed, small, distant from 2rm (by at least 0.7× length of 1m—cu); cell 2mcu open (at most delimited by spectral 2mc—u crossvein); 1cm—a antefurcal. Hind wing with no posterobasal lobe; with 4 or 5 distal hamuli; basal cell (1rm) closed; free apex of RS stub-like, short; free apices of M and Cu short or absent, that of A absent. Legs unmodified, with trochantelli, spurs 1-22, tarsomeres 5-5-5, claws with preapical tooth. Metasoma rather short, compact, not much sculptured, attached low on propodeum, with first segment forming small articulatory ring, second segment the longest, apical sternum of female elongate, nearly reaching metasomal apex. Ovipositor external but not long, sheaths shorter than metasoma, not fitting tightly to ovipositor (often preserved loose).

Genera included: Maimetsha Rasnitsyn, 1977 (type genus) from the Santonian of northern Siberia; Andyrossia Rasnitsyn & Jarzembowski, 2000 (= Arossia Rasnitsyn & Jarzembowski, 1998, nom. preocc.) from the Barremian of the Weald Clay (southern England); Guyotemaimetsha Perrichot, Nel & Néradeau, 2004 from the Albian of southwestern France (based on their figures and description), and the three new genera described below from the Turanian of Botswana, all mid- and late Cretaceous in age. The undescribed fossil from the Albian Álava amber in Spain (misidentified as Trigonalidae in Delclòs et al. 2007, fig. 4F) also belongs here. Furthermore, based on the available characters, the incompletely preserved Cretogonalys Rasnitsyn, 1977 from the Cenomanian of northern Siberia (Rasnitsyn 1977) also may be a member of Maimetshidae. Its asymmetrical mandibles with 3 and 4 teeth are more characteristic of Trigonalidae, but the venation as far as is known is more typical of Maimetshidae. Unfortunately, the metasomal base is insufficiently preserved to reveal the presence or absence of a small ring-like basal segment. If a genus of Maimetshidae, Cretogonalys can be distinguished from the other genera in having both 2rm and 3rm cells enclosed (the former not petiolate) and in its slender stature.

Taxonomic position: The small ring-like first metasomal segment limits attribution of the family either to the superfamily Stephanoidea s.l. (including Ceraphronoidea s.str.) or to the infraorder Proctotrupomorpha; this is additionally supported by the low metasomal articulation (excluding Evanioidea), distinct costal space (excluding Ichneumonoidea) and external ovipositor (excluding Aculeata). The wide, but not triangular, marginal cell excludes Proctotrupomorpha, which additionally differs in having either the hind wing with no enclosed cells (all but Mesoserphidae), or a normal (not ringlike) first metasomal segment (Mesoserphidae). In the superfamily Stephanoidea s.l., only the families forming the Ceraphronoidea s.str., viz., extant Ceraphronidae and Megaspilidae and extinct (Cretaceous) Stigmaphronidae (Engel & Grimaldi 2009), are similar in having the first metasomal segment small and ring-like. All of those differ, however, in having the wing venation far more reduced (with no veins preserved beyond R and no enclosed cells), two foretibial spurs, and internal ovipositor. Of the remaining stephanoid families, Maimetshidae is most similar (except in the form of the first metasomal segment) to Trigonalidae (except that the latter has the forewing with cell 2rm close to 1mcu and vein 2m—cu tubular, the ovipositor rudimentary and internalized, and several other modifications related to reproductive biology; see e.g. Carmean & Kimsey 1998) and Megalyridae (particularly to its archaic Mesozoic subfamily Cleistogastrinae, sometimes considered as a separate family, e.g., by Shaw 1988). In comparison with the two subfamilies of Megalyridae, Maimetshidae shares with Cleistogastrinae well developed notauli, more complete venation (forewing with 2rm enclosed and M+Cu tubular, hind wing with enclosed cells) and variable flagellomere number (14–17 or more, in contrast to always 12 in Megalyrinae; 8–19 in Cleistogastrinae). In addition to the form of the first metasomal segment, Maimetshidae differs from all Megalyridae in having the 1cu—a crossvein antefurcal. Although Maimetshidae is generally most similar to Megalyridae and particularly to Cleistogastrinae, all the similarities are of a plesiomorphic nature, while its own putative synapomorphies, and particularly the form of the first metasomal segment, link it to the Ceraphronoidea s.str. That is why we consider Maimetshidae as forming a morphological and possibly phylogenetic transition between Cleistogastrinae and Ceraphronoidea s.str.

Remarks: Shaw (1988, 1990, 2007; see also Grimaldi & Engel 2005) synonymised Maimetshidae (based on Maimetsha only) under Megalyridae: Dinapsini. His only positive arguments were that “Maimetsha is characterized as having a more reduced pattern of forewing venation (Rasnitsyn 1975), which is in fact very similar to that of some modern megalyrids, such as Ettschellsia. In particular, Maimetsha has Rs curving towards the wing margin to form a short radial cell, very similar to the short radial cell that characterizes the Dinapsis+Ettschellsia lineage of dinapsine megalyrids. This indicates that Maimetsha should be classified in the Megalyridae. … In Maimetsha the Rs of the hindwing is reduced to a short stub (Rasnitsyn 1975); therefore, the genus can be assigned to the Dinapsinae [later Dinapsini] on the basis of this character.” (Shaw 1988: 109). Both observations are correct but not very convincing because both characters represent a part of the miniaturization syndrome. This is a set of modifications resulting in the formation of a wide vein-free zone along the outer and posterior margins of the functional wing (joined fore- and hind wings in the case of the hymenopterons) which commonly accompanies evolutionary reduction of body size in winged insects (Rasnitsyn 1980). Both characters emphasised by Shaw (1990) as placing Maimetsha in Dinapsini (his characters 9 and 10) appear to us as possibly wrongly polarised, with the putative derived states involving development of veins otherwise lost; if so, the shared states would be symplesiomorphies. Opposed to these is a set of characters implying a possible sister-group relationship between Maimetshidae and Megalyrinae (= Megalyridae excluding Cleistogastrinae). This set includes a number of synapomorphies of Megalyrinae for characters which are plesiomorphic in Maimetshidae, e.g., the head with sub-ocular groove (absence of the groove demonstrated in Maimetsha (Rasnitsyn 1975, fig. 87a, c, d), in Guyotemaimetsha (Perrichot et al. 2004, fig. 2), and inferred in the new taxa described below), reduced and stabilized number of flagellomeres (12) (variable in Maimetshidae), lost notauli (present in Maimetshidae), forewing with M+Cu lost as a tubular vein and 2r—m and 3r—m both lost (M+Cu tubular, 2r—m and 3r—m present in ground plan and never both lost in Maimetshidae), and hind wing with M+Cu and A lost and no closed cells (M+Cu and A present, and cells rm and cua closed in Maimetshidae). Furthermore, there is a potential synapomorphy of Maimetshidae and Ceraphronoidea s.str. in having the first metasomal segment reduced to a small articulatory ring (best described by Perrichot et al. 2004: 161, and visible in their photo, fig. 1B) (not so modified in Megalyridae s.l.). This makes the proposal by Shaw (1988, 1990) to synonymise Maimetshidae under Dinapsini in Megalyridae s.str. inappropriate. Shaw's (1990) cladistic analysis included only characters relevant to his concept of Megalyridae (incidentally, there are three errors in his coding for Maimetsha, which should be 1007002021 ?12?0??212). If the matrix were expanded in taxa and characters to include Cleistogastrinae and Ceraphronoidea, as well as the other genera now assigned to Maimetshidae, we are confident that the results would differ; such an analysis is beyond the scope of this paper, however. Meanwhile, we prefer to retain Maimetshidae as a family in its own right, for the reasons outlined above.

Etymology: The genus name is derived from a combination of Africa and Orapa, the fossil site. Gender feminine.

Type species: Afrapia globularis sp. n., by present designation.

Diagnosis: Body robust, moderately small (between 3 and 5 mm long). Antenna simple, apparently of 15–20 segments. Head moderate-sized to rather large, with occipital carina apparently nearly complete (possibly except dorsally and ventrally). Pronotum short, broadly arched at hind margin. Notauli subparallel, medial sulcus present, adlateral lines (“parapsides”) sometimes evident. Propodeum areolate or sometimes rugose laterally. Wing venation only slightly reduced as compared with the superfamily ground plan (as preserved in Cleistogaster Rasnitsyn, 1975 and, less closely, in various Trigonalidae), with forewing 2m—cu lost (leaving an indication of its position only in M being angulate between 2r—m and 3r—m) and hindwing with free apex of M lost. Forewing venation additionally modified in having second abscissa of RS+M (between 1m—cu and fork of RS & M) very long (subequal to, or longer than, 1m—cu), and cell 2rm distinctly petiolate anteriorly. RS starting before base of pterostigma by about half length of pterostigma or more. Metasoma short, broadly rounded or truncate basally (probably with first segment reduced and ring-like), rounded or acuminate distally; first visible tergum (probably actually second tergum) moderately long (but distinctly shorter than cell 3r); apical sternum not elongate; ovipositor distinctly extending beyond metasomal apex but fairly short (sheaths shorter than half forewing length), narrow, straight or slightly arching downward. Male similar to female but lacking ovipositor.

Species included: Two new species described below, both from the Turanian of southern Africa.

Etymology: The species name is the Latin adjective for ‘globular’, with reference to the form of each of the head, meso- and metasoma of the holotype.

Description: Ground colour dark (pterostigma and venation slightly less so); legs not distinctly preserved but, by inference, pale. Head rounded, slightly wider than mesonotum, with occipital carina complete or almost so (possibly briefly interrupted above and below). Flagellum at least 15- or 16-segmented, gradually narrowed distad, with segments gradually shortening from almost 3 times as long as wide (first and second) to about 1.5 times so. Pterostigma distinctly shorter than distance between base of RS and 2r—rs; 1RS+M subparallel to 1Cu, starting slightly below midlength of basal vein; cell 3rm subquadrate. Areola small, slightly broader than long. Ovipositor straight, parallelsided from above, sheath about as long as distance from pterostigmal base to apex of cell 3r. Body length as preserved 3.9 mm, forewing length to apex of cell 3r ca. 2.8 mm, ovipositor sheath 1.1 mm. Male unknown.

Holotype: ♀ BP/2/28003-1 & BP/2/28069-1, almost complete, lacking legs (except indistinct traces), most of hind wings and parts of antennae. BOTSWANA: Orapa; Upper Cretaceous, Turonian.

Etymology: The species name is from the Latin for ‘variable antenna’, alluding to the variation observed in the specimens as preserved.

Description:

Female.

Ground colour dark (pterostigma and venation slightly less so); legs not preserved. Head thick in side view, with large, rounded subquadrate eye, temple moderately narrow (about 0.3 times as wide as eye), apparently not swollen. About ten flagellomeres preserved (several basal and apical ones missing), thin, about twice as long as wide, gradually becoming slightly shorter and a little narrower distad. Hind coxa very large, 2.5 times as long as mid coxa. Propodeum with sides rather closely areolate. Pterostigma as long as distance between base of RS and 2r-rs; 1RS+M subparallel to 1Cu, starting slightly above midlength of basal vein; cell 3rm subquadrate. Ovipositor narrow and short (sheath about as long as pterostigma), slightly arching down. Body length as preserved 4.3 mm, forewing length to apex of cell 3r about 2.8 mm, ovipositor sheath 0.6 mm.

Male.

Legs pale as preserved. Antenna with scape globular, flagellum long and fairly narrow (but thickness and proportions varying according to preservation), probably with about 19 flagellomeres, all elongate except apical one, gradually shortening from more than twice (usually) to about 1.5 times as long as wide or even almost quadrate. Pronotum moderately short centrally, with hind margin only slightly concave. Propodeum with coarse areolation of the type best known in Ichneumonidae but also present in many extinct apocritans including Maimetsha; areola broadly rectangular, transverse, area basalis indistinct. Forewing with pterostigma slightly longer than distance between base of 1RS and 2r—rs; 1RS+M slightly oblique or subparallel to 1Cu, starting at about midlength of basal vein or slightly below; cell 3rm about as long as high or slightly longer. Hind wing with no free apex of M and with long distance between RS and M+Cu fork. Body length as preserved 3.1—3.8 mm, forewing length to apex of 3r about 2.2–2.4 mm. Otherwise like female.

Variation: Apart from size and venational differences, the greatest variation is seen in the male antennae (relative width and apparent sizes of flagellomeres) but this may be a reflection of taphonomic influences. The three male specimens are preserved in close proximity on the same block with other unidentifiable fossils (see fig. 3).

Holotype: ♀ BP/2/27215, almost complete, lacking legs and most of hind wings, antennae incomplete (Fig. 2). BOTSWANA: Orapa; Upper Cretaceous, Turonian.

Paratypes: 3♂ (?) BP/2/26666-3 & BP/2/28224-3 (most of legs, hind wings and metasomal apex lacking; head and most of mesosoma not interpretable; forewings incomplete; body length 3.8 mm; Fig. 4); BP/2/ 26666-2 & BP/2/28224-2 (head, antenna, mesosoma and wings incomplete; metasomal apex and most of legs lacking; body length 3.6 mm; Fig. 5); BP/2/26666-1 & BP/2/28224-1 (incomplete; flagellar and thoracic fragments, partial head and metasoma, and most of one fore- and one hind wing preserved; body length 3.1 mm; Fig. 6). BOTSWANA: Orapa; Upper Cretaceous, Turonian.

Etymology: The generic name is derived from Africa and the genus Maimetsha. Gender feminine.

Type species: Afromaimetsha robusta sp. n., by present designation.

Diagnosis: Similar to Afrapia except for notauli distinctly diverging cephalad, first visible metasomal tergum longer (as long as cell 3r), ovipositor slightly longer, and, possibly (not precisely known for Afrapia), propleura longer (may form a short but distinct neck in life). No reliable venational differences are known. The characters relevant to the higher taxonomic levels of Stephanoidea are the head with postgenae widely separated (most probably by the lower tentorial bridge), mesopleuron with complete lateral horizontal furrow and with posterior submedial lamella, and postepisternal lobes apparently forming medial midcoxal articulation. The last character may be taken as an indirect indication of a distal position of the articulatory condyle on the midcoxa, the putative synapomorphy of the stephanoid and evanioid clades (Rasnitsyn 1988).

Species included: Type species only.

Comparison: Similar to Afrapia, except notauli diverging and propleura apparently much longer. Differs from Maimetsha and Guyotemaimetsha in having cells 2rm and 3rm both delimited, from Maimetsha also in having RS starting well before the pterostigma.

Remarks: The horizontal midpleural furrow which is similar to that (although incomplete) in Maimetsha, and which is rare in other Stephanoidea, may support attribution of the present genus, and Afrapia by inference, to Maimetshidae. The broad lower tentorial bridge is unusual for Stephanoidea, generally being replaced by the postgenal bridge there.

Etymology: The species name is Latin for ‘robust’, in reference to the body form.

Description: Ground colour dark (pterostigma and venation slightly less so); legs pale as preserved. Head large. Scape short and broadly cup-like; pedicel short, transverse; flagellum almost uniformly narrow, with 13 flagellomeres preserved, all much longer than wide, longest (3^rd and 4^th) about 4 times as long as wide, distal-most preserved nearly twice as long as wide. Propodeum with coarse areolation, areola almost twice as wide as long, as long as area basalis, petiolar area narrow. Forewing with pterostigma probably as long as or slightly shorter than distance between base of RS and 2r-rs; RS starting basad of pterostigma, probably by almost its length; 1RS+M parallel to 1Cu, apparently starting at about midlength of basal vein; second abscissa of RS+M (distal to 1m—cu) longer than 1m—cu; forewing cells 2rm and 3rm both present, 3rm subquadrate (appearing slightly different in right and left wing). Metasoma with apical sternum only slightly longer than subapical. Ovipositor arching down, with sheath narrow basally, distinctly widening apicad, longer than distance from pterostigmal base to apex of cell 3r. Body length as preserved 4.9 mm, forewing length to apex of cell 3r about 2.5 mm, ovipositor sheath 1.4 mm.

Holotype: ♀ BP/2/27111-1, almost complete but lacking hind wings and most of legs; head and metasoma incomplete. BOTSWANA: Orapa; Upper Cretaceous, Turonian.

Etymology. The generic name is derived from Orapa and the genus Maimetsha. Gender feminine.

Type species: Maimetshorapia africana sp. n., by present designation.

Description: Similar to Afrapia except for RS starting almost at base of pterostigma, with intervening prestigma distinctly incrassate, RS apparently somewhat reduced before 2r—rs unless incompletely preserved, RS+M forking close to 2r—m (cell 2rm relatively short), first visible metasomal tergum as long as cell 3r, and ovipositor sheath probably wide basally and straight, elongately triangular in form. Pronotum, if correctly identified, longer dorsally than in other genera.

Species included: Type species only.

Comparison: Differs from all genera other than Maimetsha in having RS starting at or very close to base of pterostigma, and from Maimetsha in having the prestigma incrassate, 1RS and 1M almost aligned, marginal cell shorter and wider, all remnants of 2m—cu lost, and ovipositor shorter. Apparently (unless due to imperfect preservation) differs from all other genera in having cell 2rm present but short and with 2RS incomplete.

Etymology: The species name is Latin for ‘African’.

Description: Ground colour moderately dark, pterostigma and venation less so; antenna and most probably legs pale. Head transverse, apparently with large eyes; temples moderately narrow, convex. Apical 8 flagellar segments narrow, as long to almost twice as long as wide. Propodeum coarsely areolate dorsally, closely so laterally, areola about twice as wide as long, about as long as area basalis. Forewing with 1RS+M parallel to 1Cu, starting at about midlength of basal vein; cell 3rm shorter than high. Ovipositor sheath straight, probably elongately triangular, about as long as valvifers 1+2 and as cell 3r. Body length as preserved 5.3 mm, forewing length to apex of cell 3r about 2.7 mm, ovipositor sheath 0.75 mm.

Holotype: ♀ BP/2/28222-11; almost complete but lacking hind wings, legs, and most of antennae. BOTSWANA: Orapa; Upper Cretaceous, Turonian.