ABT. 3 WASPS OF SUBFAMILY BRAOHYCISTIINAE — MALi,OCH 13 



BRACHYCISTIS (BRACHYCISTIS) BREVIS Fox 



This species is sometimes distinguishable from eremi by the vena- 

 tional character cited by Bradley, consisting of the comparative 

 length of the first and second submarginal cells, but not invariably so, 

 as the second is sometimes nearly as long as first in both species. 

 I have found however that the differences in the carinae surrounding 

 the gular orifice present a reliable means for the separation of the 

 species as cited in the key. The propodeal distinction cited by Brad- 

 ley is not dependable, as both species show considerable variation in 

 the degree of puncturation. The genitalia are strikingly similar, 

 both having the same general habitus. There are minute distinc- 

 tions however as shown in figures 87-39. 



Length, 7-9 mm. 



Originally described from California and recorded by Bradley 

 from Calexico, Calif. I have before me 10 specimens from Higley 

 and ArHngton, Ariz., June 16 and July 7, mostly taken at light (A. 

 Wetmore, and G, Holt). 



GAUDU group 



In Bradley's key there are three species linked with gaudii on the 

 same character used in my key to groups. Of these three I have 

 relegated elegantula Cockerell to another group because of the pres- 

 ence of only two mandibular teeth. Bradley does not make any 

 mention of indiscreta Fox in his text, but on the basis of an examina- 

 tion of a specimen in the National Museum labeled " type" I con- 

 sider this species does not belong to this group, thus we have left 

 only two species, petiolata Fox, and gaudii Cockerell, the former of 

 which I have not seen. 



In the two species before me the gular carina is slightly outwardly 

 deflected at its anterior extremity, the deflected part rounded in out- 

 line and widely separated from condyle of mandible. Both species 

 have a small round tubercle in middle of clypeus and beyond that the 

 margin is beveled off anteriorly. The propodeum is shghtly rough- 

 ened or sharpened and the first abdominal segment is about twice as 

 long as its apical width. Hypopygium of gaudii as in atrata Blake. 



DIAGNOSIS OF SPECIES 



Black species; posterior ocelli separated from eye by a space at least 1.5 as 

 great as their own transverse diameter; space between eye and antennal 

 socket about as wide as socket gaudii Cockerell. 



Brownish orange species, the head castaneous above; posterior ocelli separated 

 from eye by a space hardly greater than their own transverse diameter; space 

 between eye and antennal socket about half as wide as socket. 



parva, new species. 



BRACHYCISTIS (BRACHYCISTIS) GAUDH Cockerell 



Resembles a small specimen of atrata Blake, but quite different 

 in* venation of fore wing (figs. 6, 17), and in the wider space between 

 eyes and posterior ocelli. 

 54291— 26t 3 



