First host record for the rogadine genus Pholichora van Achterberg (Hymenoptera:Braconidae) with description of a new species and notes on convergent wing venation features

Abstract

• The wasp genus Pholichora is recorded as parasitic on geometrid moth larvae on the basis of a new species, P. subscleroma sp. nov., from South Africa (Natal), reared from Ascotis reciprocaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Ennominae). The discovery of this new species necessitates a reassessment of the characters separating Pholichora from Hemigyroneuron. An association between wing venation features (ovoid cells and scleromes) and nocturnality is discussed.