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| Montichneumon immortalibestia Chen & Kikuchi, in Chen, Kikuchi et Shiao, 2025 |
Abstract
A new genus and species, Montichneumon Chen & Kikuchi gen. nov. and Montichneumon immortalibestia Chen & Kikuchi gen. et sp. nov., are described from the high mountains of Taiwan. This new genus is identified as belonging to the Amblyteles genus-group (previously known as subtribe Amblytelina, tribe Ichneumonini). The status of the new genus is confirmed based on morphological comparison and a multigene phylogeny using concatenated 28S and COI sequences. Montichneumon can be distinguished from other related genera by its enlarged second segment of maxillary palps, smooth and sparsely punctate postpetiole, weakly convex scutellum without lateral carina, and narrow, elongate gastrocoelus. The new genus is compared with morphologically similar genera Achaius Cameron, 1903, Achaiusoides Tereshkin, 2011, Diphyus Kriechbaumer, 1890, Hepiopelmus Wesmeal, 1845, Limerodops Heinrich, 1949, Serratichneumon Riedel & Sheng, 2023, and Tricholabus Thomson, 1894. A diagnostic key to these morphologically similar genera of the Amblyteles genus-group is provided, and the generic position of this new genus is also discussed.
Keywords: Darwin wasp, generic placement, molecular phylogeny, high-elevation, taxonomy
Montichneumon Chen & Kikuchi gen. nov.
Etymology: The generic name ‘Montichneumon’ is derived from the Latin dative singular noun ‘monti-’ (‘mountain’) plus ‘ichneumon’, reflecting that this new genus was collected from the high-elevation mountain of its type locality in Taiwan. The gender is masculine.
Montichneumon immortalibestia Chen & Kikuchi gen. et sp. nov.
Etymology: The specific name ‘immortalibestia’ is derived from the Latin words ‘immortali-’ (‘immortal’) plus ‘bestia’ (‘beast’), meaning ‘the undying beast’. The name refers to the superhero character ‘Wolverine’ from the Marvel Comics series ‘X-Men’, who has the abilities of regeneration and beast-like retractable metal claws, as the yellow and black color pattern of this species resembles the costume of this character. Specific name is a noun in apposition.
Hsuan-Pu Chen, Namiki Kikuchi and Shiuh-Feng Shiao. 2025. Montichneumon, A New Genus of Ichneumoninae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from the high mountains of Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy, 1007(1); 1–23. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.1007.2997