Systematics of Nearctic and Neotropical Oak Gall Wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini), with a focus on specific genera in the fauna of Mexico

Abstract

[eng] The oak gall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini) are a group of specialized endophytophagous microhymenopterans that induce galls on Fagaceae trees, principally oaks (Quercus L.). The systematics of this tribe are severely outdated in the New World (Nearctic and Neotropics) and the generic limits are still unresolved. In this Thesis, several integrative taxonomic studies are carried out to assess some of the most problematic genera in the New World (Andricus Hartig, 1840, and Disholcaspis Dalla Torre & Kieffer, 1910), predominantly focusing on the Cynipini of Mexico. A total of 155 cynipid species distributed in 13 different genera have been revised. Amongst these, 4 genera have been newly described (Burnettweldia Pujade-Villar, Melika & Nicholls, Disholandricus Melika, Pujade-Villar & Nicholls, Nichollsiella Melika Pujade-Villar & Stone, 2021, and Striatoandricus Pujade-Villar, 2020), and 3 have been re-established into valid genera (Druon Kinsey, 1937, Feron Kinsey, 1937, and Paracraspis Weld, 1952). The studies constituting this Thesis include the description of 34 new species (1 from Canada, 5 from the USA, 27 from Mexico, and 1 from Costa Rica), 9 new junior synonyms, and the transference of 66 species into different genera. All the genus-level revisions have formally described the new species and re-described the already existing studied species. Also, identification keys to allied genera and to species are included. This Thesis has greatly contributed to the knowledge of the fauna of Mexico with the revision of 8 genera included in comprehensive studies for the Nearctic and the Neotropics; and two studies specifically focused on the Mexican fauna of Amphibolips Reinhard, 1865, and Disholcaspis Dalla Torre & Kieffer, 1910. Additionally, a catalog compiling all the known species of Cynipini and their occurrence on each of the Mexico states is provided.