New species of Spathius Nees, 1818 and a key to the species of Europe and Canary Islands (Hym. Ichneumonoidea, Braconidae)

Abstract

In 1943 Nixon revised the Spathiinae of the "Old World", but für Europe he met some difficulties because he could not see the types during the second world war. He tried to give a key to the European species and I think it will be the base for the taxonomical work with Spathius Nees, 1818 in Europe because some of the types has been lost during the war, specially species described by Ratzeburg (see Königsmann 1964). The keys given by Fahringer (1930-34), Marshall (1888-90) and Telenga (1941) are partly or quite unworkable. Fischer (1966) compiled a key and redescribed some species, but he writes that he is not satisfied. Below I have tried to compile a key. To my disposel I have had over 1.000 specimens —mostly reared— from many localities of Europe. To all entomologists who have given me specimens, I am much indebted.Peer reviewe