Stemmatosteres
Timberlake, 1918
Stemmatosteres is a of in the Encyrtidae, established by Timberlake in 1918. The genus is characterized by reduced or absent wings in some , as indicated by the species epithet *apterus* (wingless) in the type species *Stemmatosteres apterus*. The genus belongs to the Encyrtinae, a diverse group of chalcid wasps primarily known as parasitoids of scale insects and other Hemiptera. Records from the UCR Encyrtidae collection indicate at least two species are recognized, with specimens preserved both on points and on slides.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stemmatosteres: /stɛmˌmætoʊˈstɛriz/
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Identification
The can be distinguished from other Encyrtidae by characteristics of the stemmatic region (the area between the and ocelli), though specific diagnostic features require examination of type material. The type *S. apterus* is notable for its (wingless) condition, a trait that separates it from most other encyrtid genera. Accurate identification to species level requires reference to Timberlake's original descriptions and comparison with housed in the UCR collection.
Distribution
Distribution records from GBIF indicate occurrence in Argentina (AR) and Sweden (SE). The UCR Encyrtidae collection contains specimens from undetermined localities, suggesting broader distribution than currently documented.
Ecological Role
As a member of Encyrtidae, in this likely function as , though specific associations remain undocumented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Other apterous Encyrtidae generaSeveral encyrtid include ; distinction requires examination of antennal structure, mesosomal , and stemmatic characters.
- MetaphycusA large of Encyrtidae with some superficially similar , but Metaphycus species are typically fully winged and differ in antennal club structure.
More Details
Type species
The type is *Stemmatosteres apterus* Timberlake, 1918, described from wingless specimens.
Collection holdings
The UCR Entomology Research Museum holds specimens of *S. apterus* and at least one additional undetermined on both pins and slides, representing a significant portion of known material for this .
Taxonomic history
The has remained poorly studied since its original description, with no comprehensive revisions published. The etymology refers to the stemmatic region of the ('stemmato-') and possibly 'steres' (Greek for supporter or bearing), though this was not explicitly defined by Timberlake.