Taxonomy and Biological Aspects of Gonatopus Ljungh (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae): Description of a New Species, Sexual Association and Record of Host from Northeast Brazil.

Abstract

Gonatopus Ljungh is recognized as the third most diverse genus within Dryinidae (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) and exhibits a pronounced sexual dimorphism. Due to its extensive diversity, species recognition for both sexes are challenging without the use of specimens obtained through rearing or the application of molecular techniques such as DNA barcoding. In Brazil, the knowledge of Gonatopus fauna is limited, with the Northeast region being particularly under-studied. The objective of this study was to gather comprehensive information about the biology of Gonatopus through the rearing of parasitized leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). This approach allowed for the recognition and description of a new species, G. cambitos Martins & Celante sp. nov. Furthermore, the study facilitated the association of sexes through the parasitism performed by females of the new species on nymphs of Frequenamia confusa (Linnavuori) (Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae). Additionally, the research provided insights into predation and parasitism behavior, detailing the developmental stages from larva to adult and we provided a discussion about the distribution of Gonatopus in the Northeast Region of Brazil. In addition to these findings, is provided a discussion about the previous of Gonatopus in the Northeast region of Brazil, based on distribution records.