Insights into the systematics of Afrotropical Laelius (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae): combining molecular and morphological data to associate dimorphic species

Abstract

The epyrine genus Laelius Ashmead, consists of a total of 63 valid species recorded from all zoogeographic regions. Two of them, namely L. firmipennis (Cameron) and L. glossinae (Turner & Waterston), have been recorded from the Afrotropical region. In the present study, we revise all species of Laelius from the Afrotropical region by newly collected specimens, based on an integrative taxonomy approach, combining morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. We recognize seven species, one previously described, Laelius firmipennis, and six as new species, which are described and illustrated: Laelius pumbaaisp. nov., Laelius sarabiaesp. nov., Laelius scarisp. nov., Laelius simbaisp. nov., Laelius timonisp. nov. and Laelius ziraesp. nov. Additionally, we propose Laelius glossinae as a junior synonym of Laelius firmipennis based on the morphological characters. Male–female associations of L. firmipennis and L. pumbaai are supported by molecular data, while L. scari by morphological data. We also provide a synopsis of how male–female associations were established in the other species of Laelius. Finally, we present a taxonomic key for all Afrotropical species of Laelius.