Distribution types of the Discoeliinae subfamily with descriptions of two new genera from Argentina (Hymenoptera: Eumenidae)

Abstract

?Distribution types of the Discoeliinae subfamily with descriptions of two new genera from Argentina (Hymenoptera: Eumenidae)?

The subfamily Discoeliinae contains 13 genera in the world classified in two tribes, Discoeliini and Zethini. Most genera (9) are in the more primitive tribe Discoeliini and are restricted to specific zoogeographic regions. Furthermore 66% of the genera are restricted to the southern hemisphere. Neodiscoelius is overall the genus with most primitive characters. 1t is restricted to the temperate beech forests of Argentina and Chile and may be related to Australozethus which predominates in the Bassian faunal province of Australia. The Zethini contains four genera, two restricted to Australia, one to the Antartic Region of southern South America and the very large genus Zethus which is nearly cosmopolitan. Observations on the distribution patterns are presented with special emphasis on the New World forms. Two new genera and one new species are described from Argentina. A key to the genera is provided.