Are Trichogramma bourarachae and the perkinsi species group really distinct from Trichogramma buesi and the pintoi group,respectively?

Abstract:  The two Trichogramma species T. bourarachae and T. buesi belonging to two closely related groups, perkinsi and pintoi , were compared. The inter-species crossings did not result in hybrids and, therefore, the two species show complete genetic isolation. Eleven morphometric characteristics (eight from male genitalia and three from male antennae) and seven ratios between the latter characters confirmed the validity of these species. Significant differences (P < 0.01) actually exist for 56% of the measured characters and the calculated ratios. Among the morphometric characters analysed, five contribute to the definition of the perkinsi and pintoi groups and allow for comparisons to be made. However, only two of them (40%) show a difference between the groups (P< 0.01). Such a result, in accordance with those from other studies, has led to the combination of the two groups synonymously, under the name of perkinsi .