Megischus

Megischus is a genus of crown wasp. It was circumscribed by Gaspard Auguste Brullé in 1846. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, and over ninety species are recognized. subfamily Stephaninae, family Stephanidae; the other genera in this tribe are Hemistephanus and Pseudomegischus. == Description & Etymology ==

Members of the family Stephanidae have a distinct “crown” composed of 5 spike-shaped tubercles on the head. The Megischus genus can be distinguished from other genera in Stephanidae by transversely depressed hind tibia and the absence of setae on the M+Cu1 vein. Adults are typically a black or brown color and can range from approximately 10–30 mm long depending on the species (and excluding the ovipositor), with males slightly larger than females in size. The name “Megischus” is derived from the Greek word suffix mega meaning large and the word ischi for hip joint. == Identification Characteristics ==

Other characteristics to identify Megischus include: • Sub-spherical head with a crown of tubercles • Filiform antennae, not elbowed, typically with numerous divisions (12-44) • Metasoma petiole very long, inserted in a lower area between the hind coxae • Wide and toothed hind femur on its ventral margin • Long ovipositor, typically slightly longer than the body (only present in females) • Anterior wings without a costal cell, or if present, very narrow • At most with 3 cubital cells where the last one (c3) is open • Tarsi without plantar lobes == Natural history ==

Life Cycle & Behavior Specimens of Megischus are significantly more likely to be found during the summer with peak appearances occurring at the 26th week of the year. Habitat The distribution of Megischus largely mimics the distribution of hardwood trees, including oak, pine, mesquite, mangrove, and a variety of other groups that host wood-bearing Coleopteran families. Historic & Current Distribution There are over 90 species globally distributed throughout the Neotropical, Paleartic, Afrotropical, Oriental, and Australasian and Oceanian zoogeographical regions. The majority of species of Megischus can be found in the Neotropical and Oriental regions. Conservation status Megischus is not considered endangered or at risk. However, more research is necessary to assess the conservation status of all species, given the global distribution and large diversity of the genus. ==References==