From a study on parasitoid-host interactions within the Hymenoptera, carried out in Soria (Spain) since 1999, we collected data on 2 species of Chrysididae and 2 species of Mutillidae that act as parasitoids of a species of Crabronidae. The following host/parasitoid combinations were found: Bembix bidentata Vander Linden, 1829 (host)/ parasitoids: (a) Chrysididae: Chrysidea disclusa (Linsenmaier, 1959) and Chrysura hybrida (Lepeletier, 1806); (b) Mutillidae: Smicromyrme rufipes (Fabricius, 1787) and Nemka viduata (Pallas, 1773). Additionally, we obtained the mature larvae of the host and of the 4 parasitoid species.

The Crabronidae (sensu Melo 1999) form a broad family of Hymenoptera Aculeata in which the Bembicinae, with more than 1700 species (Pulawski 2007), represent one of the most numerous subfamilies. Although several authors (among them Evans & Lin 1956; and Evans 1959; 1964, 1987 are relevant) have studied the preimaginal stages of this subfamily, the number of species for which the mature larva has been described is very low, with larvae of a fair number of genera remaining unknown.

Bembix Fabricius includes around 350 species (Pulawski 2007), more than 50 being present in the Palearctic Region (Asís et al. 1992). Nevertheless, studies on larval morphology are scarce, and descriptions of the mature larva have been provided only for 24 species, of which 9 are Palearctic (Grandi 1926a, b, 1928; Evans & Lin 1956; Evans 1959; 1964; Iida 1979; Asís et al. 1989, 1992, 1997). In this paper we describe the morphology of the last instar of B. bidentata. This instar is illustrated and compared with the previously described mature larvae of European species of this genus.

“Cuckoo wasps” (Chrysididae) are very common parasitoids or kleptoparasites of many fossorial Hymenoptera. Of this family, which includes about 2430 species (Kimsey & Bohart 1990), the mature larvae of 25 species have been described appropriately (Tormos et al. 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007), of which 2 belong to the genus Chrysura Dahlbom (Tormos et al. 2001). The larval morphology of Chrysidea Bischoff was unknown. In the present work the mature larvae of C. disclusa and Ch. hybrida are described, illustrated, and compared with the previously described mature larvae of the closest taxa.

The Mutillidae are ectoparasitoids of larval instars and they usually attack the postdefecated larvae or pupae of other insects, generally aculeate Hymenoptera (Brothers et al. 2000). Although the family includes more than 9000 species (Pitts & Matthews 2000), few studies have addressed its preimaginal stages and biology. Thus, with respect to their larval phases, only the mature larvae of 7 species or subspecies have been described accurately enough to be used for comparative purposes (Tormos et al. 2003). In this paper, we report the morphological character states corresponding to the postdefecating mature larva of S. rufipes that are essential for assessing the greater or lesser affinity of this genus with the closest genera. The prepupa of this species had been described by Grandi (1961). A description of the mature larva of N. viduata, of which specimens were also obtained in the present study, has been given in Tormos et al. (2003).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mature larvae of B. bidentata and of its parasitoids C. disclusa, Ch. hybrida, and S. rufipes were obtained at Rabanera del Campo (Soria, Spain) in Jun, 2003 (larvae of Ch. hybrida); Sep, 2003 (prepupae of S. rufipes); Jun, 2004 (larvae of C. disclusa), and Jun, 2006 (larvae of B. bidentata). The material for morphological studies was fixed and preserved in 70% EtOH. The remaining larvae and cocoons were placed in terrariums with a sandy bed and with cells similar to the original ones from which they had been obtained. In the terrariums, kept under environmental conditions of temperature, RH and photoperiod, we obtained adults to determine the species. The method employed for preparing the larval specimens and the terminology of larval morphology and format used in the descriptions follow those of Asís et al. (1997) and Tormos et al. (2001). The following abbreviations are used: d = diameter, h = height, 1 = length, and w = width. The descriptions are based on 2 mature larva (Bembix bidentata) and 1 mature larva (one each of the species of Chrysididae and Mutillidae). Voucher specimens are deposited at the “Torres-Sala” Entomological Foundation (Valencia, Spain).

RESULTS

Descriptions of Larvae
Bembix bidentata Vender Linden, 1829,
(Figs. 1–5)

General Aspect (Fig. 1). Fusiform body (1 = 2.20 cm, w (maximum) = 1 cm), thinner towards the anterior end. Anus terminal, as a transverse slit, with the supra-anal lobe slightly larger than infra-anal one. Pleural lobes well developed. Integument with scanty and disperse setae (1 = 25 µm) and microspinules (1 = 5 µm). Spiracles (Fig. 2) (d = 170–180 µm, n= 12) with atrium walls lined with concentric rows of asperities; the prothoracic ones slightly larger than the others. Opening to subatrium with branched spinules. Cranium (Fig. 3) (w = 1.4 mm, h (from the apex of clypeus) = 1.5 mm) with scattered, small setae (1 = 10 µm); placoid sensilla close to the insertion of the mandibles. Coronal suture very conspicuous; parietal bands absent. Antennal orbits circular (d = 95 µm); antennal papillae (1 = 32 × 30 µm) well developed, with 3 apical sensilla. Clypeus with setae (1 = 10 µm) and sensilla (d = 5–10 µm). Labrum (Fig. 4a) (w = 650 µm; h = 190 µm) slightly emarginate, with around 28 setae (1 = 20–30 µm) and 38 placoid (w = 20 µm) and 10–12 cupuliform (15 × 20 µm) sensilla, the latter located on the apical margin. Epipharynx (Fig. 4b) spinulose (1 of spinules = 20 µm), with 2 central sensory areas, one on each side, without spinules and pigmented, with 6 placoid sensilla; 4 sensilla in the central anterior region. Mouthparts. Mandibles (Fig. 3) (1 = 600 µm, w at the base = 400 µm) tri-quadridentate, without setae. Maxillae (Fig. 5b) (1 = 380 × 60 ×) with a very spinulose lacinial area, and a setose (1 of setae = 25 µm) external side. Galeae (170 × 35 µm) horn-shaped, slightly smaller than maxillary palpi (1 = 175, w = 60 µm). Maxillary palpus with 5 sensilla at apex, 4 cupuliform and one placoid. Labium (Fig. 5a) (w = 340 µm) spinulose on oral face, and with setae on lower part. Labial palpi (1 = 140, w = 40 µm) shorter than salivary orifice (1 = 160 µm), with 5 sensilla at apex, 4 cupuliform and one placoid.

Chrysidea disclusa (Linsenmaier, 1959),
(Figs. 6–13)

General Aspect (Figs. 6, 10): Body robust (1 = 0.5 cm, w = 0.2 cm; abdominal segments divided into 2 annulets by a transverse crease. Anus terminal, as a transverse slit. Pleural lobes developed. Integument with scattered setae (1 = 9 µm). Spiracles (Figs. 7, 11, 12): (d first pair = 60 µm, rest = 40–55 µm, (rest) = 52 µm, n = 12) with peritreme; atrium and opening into subatrium simple, naked; subatrium with 9–15 swellings. Cranium (Figs. 8, 13): (w = 650 µm, h = 500 µm) with scarce setae (1 = 10–15 µm) arranged symmetrically. Coronal suture very well developed, parietal bands absent. Antennal orbits inconspicuous; antennal papillae (Fig. 13a) (1 = 50 µm, w = 10 µm) long, below middle of cranium, with three apical sensilla. Clypeus with 10 setae (1 = 10–20 µm) and 2 sensilla (w = 5 µm). Labrum (Figs. 9a, 13b) (w = 400 µm; h = 170 µm) emarginate, with around 26 setae (1 = 10–20 µm). Epipharynx (Fig. 9b) with 12 sensilla (d = 5 µm). Mouthparts: Mandible (Fig. 8) (1 = 450 µm, w = 200 µm) quadridentate, with teeth on different planes. Maxilla (1 = 270 µm, w = 100 µm) with 3 setae (1 = 15 µm) on external part. Maxillary palpus (12 × 8 µm) with 2 sensilla at apex, 1 of them larger; galeae differentiated (10 × 25 µm). Labium (w = 180 µm) with 2 setae (1 = 12 µm) behind palpi; labial palpus (14 × 12 µm) with 4 sensilla at apex, one of them larger; salivary orifice (Fig. 13c) as a transverse slit (w = 85 µm).

Figs. 1–5,

Mature larva of Bembix bidentata: (1) general aspect; (2) prothoracic spiracle (atrium, opening to sub-atrium, and tracheal trunk); (3) cranium (frontal view); (4a) labrum; (4b) epipharynx; (5a) labium; (5b) maxilla.

Chrysura hybrida (Lepeletier, 1806),
(Figs. 14–19, 21–26)

General Aspect (Fig. 14): Body robust (1 = 0.8 cm, w = 0.3 cm); abdominal segments divided into 2 annulets by a transverse crease. Anus terminal, as a transverse slit. Pleural lobes (Figs. 20, 21) developed, with a seta on apex. Integument (Figs. 21, 22) with setae on each segment, arranged in a transversal row (1 = 3–4 µm). Spiracles (Figs. 15, 23): (d first pair = 60 µm, rest = 43–58 µm, (rest) = 51.9 µm, n = 12) with peritreme; atrium simple, naked. Cranium with sparse setae (1 = 8 µm). Coronal suture scarcely developed, parietal bands absent. Antennal orbits (Fig. 16) (d =16 µm) circular, with 3 sensilla at centre. Clypeus (Fig. 24a) differentiated, with 22 setae (1 = 7 µm) regularly distributed. Labrum (Figs. 17a, 23, 24b) (w = 350 µm; h = 120 µm) emarginate, with around 28 setae (1 = 7 µm). Epipharynx (Fig. 17b) with 6 sensilla. Mouthparts: Mandible (Fig. 18) (1 = 260 µm, w = 140 µm) tridentate. Maxilla (Fig. 19a) (w = 120 µm) with setae (1 = 14 µm) on external part. Maxillary palpus (Fig. 25) (20 × 40 µm) with 4 sensilla at apex; galeae (10 × 10 µm). Labium (Fig. 19b) (h = 280 µm, w = 160 µm) with 4 setae (1 = 12 µm) behind palpi; labial palpus (Fig. 26) (40 × 40 µm) with 4 sensilla at apex; salivary orifice (Figs. 23, 24c) as a transverse slit (w = 90 µm).

Figs. 6–9,

Mature larva of Chrysidea disclusa: (6) general aspect: lateral view; (7) 2nd left spiracle (atrium, sub-atrium, and tracheal trunk); (8) cranium (frontal view); (9a) labrum and tegumental differentiations of the clypeus. In this illustration the setae and sensilla of the clypeus are shown surrounded by a circle; (9b) epipharynx.

Smicromyrme rufipes (Fabricius, 1787),
(Fig. 20)

The description agrees with that offered by Grandi (1961), to which the following aspects should be added:

General Aspect: Integument with scattered spinules (1 of spinules = 12 µm) and setae (1 = 20–30 µm). Abdominal and metathoracic spiracles with the atrium lined with ridges; opening into sub-atrium large and unarmed; subatrium long and expanded (d = 80 µm), with 6 swellings (Fig. 20).

DISCUSSION

The larval morphology of the European species belonging to the genus Bembix has been studied by Asís et al. (1989, 1992, 1997) and Grandi (1926a, b; 1928). On the basis of the body chaeto-taxy, Asís et al. (1997) separated the 8 European species of this genus, of which the mature larvae were known, into 2 fairly well defined groups: (1) a first group characterized by showing well-developed setae (1 > 65 µm) and numerous spinules on the integument (Bembix flavescens bolivari Handlirsch, 1893, B. oculata Panzer, 1801, and B. rostrata (Linnaeus, 1758)), and (2) a second group in which the setae of the integument are much smaller (<40 µm) and the spinules are either absent or very scanty (Bembix merceti Parker, 1929, B. olivacea Fabricius, 1778, B. sinuata Panzer, 1804, B. tarsata Latreille, 1809, and B. zonata Klug, 1835). This second group would include B. bidentata, the species described here.

Regarding other character states that could be used in the separation of the mature larvae of European species of Bembix (Asís et al. 1992; 1997), it should be mentioned that in the larvae of B. bidentata described here a certain variability was observed in the number of teeth on the mandibles, and the number of cupuliform sensilla on the margin of the labrum. In contrast, the ratio length of the antennal papilla: width of the antennal orbit is constant (without variability). Despite this, since only 2 mature larvae were studied, it would be advisable to study a greater number of specimens of this and other species of the genus to determine whether this character state can be used to differentiate the final larval instar of Bembix species.

Figs. 10–13,

Mature larva of Chrysidea disclusa: (10) general aspect: ventral view; (11) 1st left spiracle; (12) 2^nd left spiracle (detail); (13) head (frontal view) showing the antennal papilla (a), labrum emarginate (b), and salivary orifice (c).

The biology of the Chrysididae is poorly known. Most information refers only to host identity, and even this is scanty (Evans 1966; Krombein 1967; Kimsey & Bohart 1990). It is therefore not surprising that to date all known hosts of Chrysura have been bees of the family Megachilidae (Hicks 1934; Kimsey & Bohart 1990). Here, we expand the range of hosts into the Crabronidae.

The description of the mature larvae of 2 Chrysidini (1 of them belonging to a genus whose final larval stage morphology was unknown), provides new information that underscores the importance of larval characters when establishing the phylogenetic relationships of the Chrysididae.

Figs. 14–20.

Mature larva of Chrysura hybrida: (14) general aspect; (15) 2nd left spiracle (atrium, subatrium, and tracheal trunk); (16) antennal orbit; (17a) labrum; (17b) epipharynx; (18) mandible; (19a) maxilla; (19b) labium.; Mature larva of Smicromyrme rufipes: (20) abdominal spiracle (atrium, subatrium, and tracheal trunk).

The mature larvae of C. disclusa and Ch. hybrida share the character states that define the last instar of Chrysididae, Chrysidinae, and Chrysidini. The family Chrysididae is defined by displaying the labrum with sensilla, and a well developed peritreme. The subfamily Chrysidinae can be characterized by the following autapomorphies: (1) an integument with setae, and (2) a labrum with more than 2 setae. The mature larvae of the tribe Chrysidini are defined by showing abdominal segments divided into 2 annulets, and having cranium with 5 or more pairs of setae.

Figs. 21–23.

Mature larva of Chrysura hybrida: (21) swelling showing a seta on apex; (22) setae of the integument; (23) 1st left spiracle (detail);.

Following the analysis in the larvae already studied of the 15 characters that seem to be important to clarify the phylogeny of the group (Tormos et al. 2001; 2006), we observe that there are no autapomorphies within the Chrysidini that characterize the genus Chrysidea (Table 1). Accordingly, this taxon can be characterized by a combination of the 2 characters (Table 1), as follows: (1) an atrium without asperities or weak lines on the circumference (a character state shared with the genera Chrysis Linnaeus, Chrysura, Stilbum Spinola, and Trichrysis Lichtestein), and (2) antennal papillae longer than broader (a character state shared with the genus Caenochrysis Kimsey & Bohart). Chrysura hybrida is characterized, within its genus, by displaying the autapomorphy “maxillary palpus with 4 sensilla at apex” (Table 1).

Figs. 24–26.

Mature larva of Chrysura hybrida: (24) clypeus (a) showing the setae (see arrow), and detail of labrum (b) and salivary orifice (c); maxillary palpus (25) and lapial palpus (26) showing the sensilla on apex.

Bearing in mind the character states provided in this study, the mature larva of S. rufipes, unlike other species of Smicromyrmini described, exhibits the fallowings traits (Table 2): (1) head without parietal bands, (2) frontoclypeal suture distinct, and (3) labium with more than 8 apical setae, and without apical papillae. Although there is no autoapomorphy that allows the mature larva of Smicromyrme Thomson to be characterized, within the set of the family Mutillidae, it may be affirmed that the mature larva of this genus is characterized within the Mutillinae, by displaying more than 8 apical setae and no apical papillae on labium.