Terga1 and inter–tergal metasomal glands of male braconine wasps (Insecta, Hymenoptera, Braconidae)

The distribution of cxocrine tergal and inter–tergal glands among males of more than sixty genera of Braconinac has been surveyed. The morphology of the glands and their reservoirs is described. Two gland types were found. Large, sac–like inter–tergal glands, usually most prominent between the 7th and 8th abdominal tergites, were found in all members of the Braconini, Adeshini, Aphrastobraconini, Glyptomorphini and the Atanycolus and Merinotus groups of genera. Inter–tergal glands were generally considerably smaller in members of the Bathyaulacini, Coeloidini. Euurobraconini and Iphiaulacini. Small pore–plate, vase–like or tubular tergal glands opening on the medio–lateral or antero–lateral selerotized parts of the 8th metasomal tergite were found in many genera, but were largely absent from members of the Braconini, Euurobraconini and Iphiaulacini ss. The phylogenetic implications of these findings are discussed.