First description of the male of Solenura ania (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), a giant pteromalid parasitoid of Trichoferus campestris (Faldermann), with special reference to its sexual dimorphism

BACKGROUND: The giant pteromalid wasp Solenura ania (Walker) has a distinct sexual dimorphism. The metallic blue female is about 28 mm long and the metallic green male is only about 6 mm in length. This species is an ectoparasitoid of some woodborers, such as Trichoferus campestris (Faldermann), a pest of many live trees and wood furniture and a quarantine pest in many countries. However, the male of this pteromalid was not described prior to this study. NEW INFORMATION: The male of the species is first described, based on newly-collected material. Photographs of habitus, head, mesosoma, metasoma and other structures of both sexes are provided to facilitate recognition of this giant pteromalid. Sexual dimorphism is also compared in the present study.