Expanding knowledge of Oriental Aulacidae (Hymenoptera, Evanioidea): An integrative taxonomic approach of the genus Pristaulacus Kieffer from Thailand, with a new record and description of a new species

Abstract

The Thai species of the genus Pristaulacus Kieffer, 1900 are reviewed, and 17 species are recognized. We describe and illustrate a new species, P. chiangmaiensis Turrisi & Ghafouri Moghaddam, sp. nov., using an integrative taxonomic approach. One species, P. vilhelmseni Turrisi & Smith, 2011, is newly recorded from Thailand.

We also provide diagnoses, illustrations, and an illustrated and updated identification key for Thai Pristaulacus species. Additionally, DNA barcoding data are presented for several Thai and other Pristaulacus species viz., P. chiangmaiensis, P. erythrocephalus Cameron, 1905, P. fasciatus (Say, 1829), P. flavicrurus (Bradley, 1901), P. gloriator (Fabricius, 1804), P. intermedius Uchida, 1932, P. cf. rufipes Enderlein, 1912, P. rufitarsis (Cresson, 1864), P. stigmaterus (Cresson, 1864), P. vilhelmseni Turrisi & Smith, 2011, which are included in a phylogenetic analysis for the first time.

A comprehensive distribution map of all known Thai Pristaulacus species is also provided. An updated checklist of Pristaulacus species from the Oriental region is tabulated and briefly discussed.