Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #136912
Title: REVIEW OF THE GENUS EUTOMOSTETHUS ENSLIN (HYMENOPTERA: TENTHREDINIDAE: BLENNOCAMPINAE) FROM INDIA, WITH NEW SPECIES AND A KEY TO SPECIES

Author
item SAINI, MALKIAT - PUNJABI UNIVERSITY
item VASU, V - PUNJABI UNIVERSITY
item Smith, David

Submitted to: Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/3/2004
Publication Date: 4/3/2005
Citation: Saini, M.S., Vasu, V., Smith, D.R. 2005. Review of the genus Eutomostethus Enslin (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae: Blennocampinae) from India, with new species and a key to species. Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 52:139-152

Interpretive Summary: The caterpillarlike larvae of sawflies are part of the plant-feeding complex of insects that can cause extensive damage to agricultural crops, forests, and ornamental plants. Some are beneficial if feeding on invasive or unwanted weeds. One genus, Eutomostethus, which is most diverse in southeastern Asia is associated with grasses, sedges, rushes, and bamboo. Two of the species of the genus are invasive insects in North America. This study differentiates 45 species of this genus known in India by giving a key for identification and describing ten species new to science. Clarification of the taxonomy of this genus and knowledge of its great diversity will help prevent further invasive species in the United States. The study will be of interest to anyone involved with studies on plant-feeding insects and to action agencies such as APHIS to help prevent accidental introductions of harmful insects.

Technical Abstract: Ten new species of Eutomostethus from India are described: E. sulcatus, E. unciformis, E. clypeiambus, E. sinuatus, E. circularis, E. canaliculus, E. bifidus, E. emarginatus, E. protrudus, and E. flagellaris. Several generic characters are reevaluated because of variation in some of the additional species. A key is provided for the 45 species now known in India including a summary of the previous literature on the genus. Eutomostethus weii is proposed as a new name for E. distinctus Wei 1997, preoccupied by E. distincta Saini and Vasu 1996.