Revision and phylogenetics of the genus Paraulax Kieffer (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) with biological notes and description of a new tribe, a new genus, and five new species

Abstract

The gall wasp genus Paraulax (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) associated with southern beeches (Nothofagus (Nothofagaceae)) from South America is revised. The genus Paraulax and its type species, P. perplexa, are redescribed and a neotype is designated. Two additional species of Paraulax are described as new: P. queulensis and P. ronquisti. After having been first tentatively placed in the Cynipini and later transferred to the Pediaspidini, this genus is here placed in the newly erected tribe Paraulacini, together with the herein described genus Cecinothofagus and the three species that are described as new: C. gallaecoihue, C. gallaelenga and C. ibarrai. The biology of the members of this new tribe is discussed. Contrary to a prior hypothesis that postulated Paraulax (sensu lato) to be true gall-inducers, as most cynipids, evidence here shows that the three species of the new genus Cecinothofagus are instead parasitoids or lethal inquilines inhabiting galls induced by species of Aditrochus (P