Rotoita basalis
Rotoita basalis | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Hymenoptera |
Family: | Rotoitidae |
Genus: | Rotoita |
Species: | R. basalis
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Binomial name | |
Rotoita basalis Bouček & Noyes , 1987 |
Rotoita basalis is a small
Unique anatomy
Rotoitids are very near to the base of the chalcidoid family tree, close to the Mymaridae.[1] Unusual characteristics of Rotoita include a 14-segmented antennae in the female with a distinct 6-segmented clava (club-like segments at the end of antennae), a basal vein in the fore wing, a transverse scutellum, extremely reduced and hidden prepectus, and absence of notauli.[2]
Specimens are approximately 1mm in length.[3]
Discovery
The family was established for the new genus and species Rotoita basalis by
Biology
Nothing is actually known about Rotoita biology.
Etymology
A slide-mounted female from St. Arnaud (formally Rotoiti Village[5]) is listed as a paratype used to describe the species.[4] Lake Rotoiti is a large fresh water body and a dominant feature when visiting Saint Arnaud Village: it was inspiration when naming the genus. The Maori name "Rotoiti" translates simply as "Little Lake".
References
- ^ Huber JT, Shih C, Dong R (2019) A new species of Baeomorpha (Hymenoptera, Rotoitidae) from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. Journal of Hymenoptera Research 72: 1-10. https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.72.35502
- ^ Taxonomy and Research Information Network. http://anic.ento.csiro.au/insectfamilies/biota_details.aspx?OrderID=27447&BiotaID=46571&PageID=families
- ^ Noyes, J.S., Valentine, E.W. (1989) Chalcidoidea (Insecta: Hymenoptera) - introduction, and review of genera in smaller families. Fauna of New Zealand 18: 1-91.
- ^ a b Gibson, G.A.P., Huber, J.T. (2000) Review of the family Rotoitidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), with description of a new genus and species from Chile. Journal of Natural History 34: 2293–2314.
- ^ Hunt, Tom (17 May 2007). "TDC gives cautious support to change". The Nelson Mail. Fairfax.