Apanteles magicus Slater-Baker, Fagan-Jeffries, Fernandez-Triana, Portmann & Oestmann 2025, sp. nov.
Creators: name: Slater-Baker, Mollie-Rosae
name: Fagan-Jeffries, Erinn P.
name: Oestmann, Katherine J.
name: Portmann, Olivia G.
name: Bament, Tiahni M.
name: Howe, Andy G.
name: Guzik, Michelle T.
name: Bradford, Tessa M.
name: McClelland, Alana R.
name: Woodward, Alice
name: Clarke, Sylvia
name: Ducker, Nathan
name: Fernández-Triana, José
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2025
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hymenoptera
Braconidae
Apanteles
Apanteles magicus

description: Apanteles magicus Slater-Baker, Fagan-Jeffries, Fernández-Triana, Portmann & Oestmann sp. nov.
Fig. 6 A (distribution), Fig. 47 (holotype), Fig. 48 (paratype)
Type material.
Holotype. Australia • ♀; SA, Kangaroo Island, Lot 51 HA just near end of driveway near 3 rd power pole; - 35.9038, 137.551; 13–17 Apr. 2020; R. Glatz leg.; Malaise trap; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 620-23; SAMA: 32-47763. Paratypes. Australia • ♀; ACT, Canberra, Black Mtn Res; - 35.2741, 149.111; 28 Feb. – 19 Mar. 2018; K. M. Bayless leg.; Malaise trap; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 1200-24; ANIC: 32-085548. • ♀; ACT, Namadgi NP Birrigai, track to Mushroom Rock; - 35.458, 148.961; 27 Nov. – 05 Dec. 2018; Evangelista & Rodriguez leg.; Malaise trap; Bush Blitz; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 986-24; ANIC: 32-085549. • ♀; ACT, Tidbinbilla Nat. Res., Birrigai Outdoor School; - 34.4538, 148.959; 27 Nov. – 05 Feb. 2018; Evangelista & Rodriquez leg.; Malaise trap; Bush Blitz; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 1170-24; ANIC: 32-085550. • ♀; NSW, Bendemeer; - 30.819, 151.142; 9–23 Feb. 2020; A. Goodwin & R. Noakes leg.; Malaise trap; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 1006-24; ANIC: 32-085564. • ♀; NSW, Yanununbeyan; Apple Box Flat; Woolcara Ln; - 35.5478, 149.352; 6 Nov. – 03 Dec. 2020; KM Bayless, T Wallenius leg.; Malaise trap over seasonal stream; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 844-23; ANIC: 32-085551. • ♀; NT, Casurina coastal Reserve Darwin; - 12.3617, 130.868; 14 Jun. 2005; Austin / PCD leg.; Sweeping; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 111-18; ANIC: 32-085565. • ♂; QLD, Cape Melville NP, Bathurst Bay, creek upstream from Nookai day-use area; - 14.3994, 144.458; 7–11 Nov. 2019; C. J. Burwell leg.; Malaise trap; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 976-24; QM: T 261178. • ♂; QLD, as previous except: BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 978-24; QM: T 261179. • ♀; QLD, Cape York, Steve Irwin Reserve, Bluebottle Ck.; - 12.3589, 142.237; 24–26 Jul. 2018; C. Lambkin leg.; White pan trap; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 981-24; QM: T 261180. • ♀; QLD, Cliento Conservation Reserve Nambour; - 26.6146, 152.953; 02 Oct. 2020; E. Fagan-Jeffries leg.; Sweeping; BOLD Process ID: OZBOL 410-21; QM: T 261255. • ♀; QLD, Cooktown, Grassy hill lookout; - 15.4604, 145.254; 18 Nov. 2019; E. Fagan-Jeffries & J. B. Dorey leg.; Sweeping vegetation; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 1224-24; QM: T 261256. • ♀; QLD, Cow Bay, Cape Tribulation, Daintree Discovery Centre; - 16.2382, 145.427; 13 Jun. 2015; C. J. Bennett leg.; Malaise trap; BOLD Process ID: GMQQT 456-18; QM: T 261273. • ♀; QLD, Cowra; - 33.8345, 148.683; 12 Dec. 2019; J. B. Dorey leg.; General sweep over tall? Angophora sp. in park right next to river.; Some other floral resources available nearby, Eucalyptus on far side of river. Sunny, warm and quite smokey 30 C; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 1120-24; QM: T 261257. • ♀; QLD, Kuranda; - 16.8135, 145.643; 8 Jan. – 11 Feb. 2020; M. S. Moulds leg.; Malaise trap; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 1194-24; QM: T 261258. • ♀; QLD, Laura; - 15.5594, 144.445; 15 Nov. 2019; J. B. Dorey leg.; General sweep off tree near end of flowering in township.; Hot and sunny ~ 32 C; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 1184-24; QM: T 261259. • ♀; QLD, Noosa National Park; - 26.4008, 153.106; 02 Oct. 2020; E. Fagan-Jeffries leg.; Sweeping; BOLD Process ID: OZBOL 420-21; QM: T 261260. • ♂; as previous except: BOLD Process ID: OZBOL 421-21; QM: T 261261. • ♀; QLD, Plevna Downs, Tompilly Hill base (PD 6 M); - 26.728, 142.651; 16 Sep. – 2 Oct. 2008; Lambkin Mackenzie Starick leg.; Malaise trap; Gidgee; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 114-18; QM: T 208346. • ♀; QLD, Stanthorpe, Mt Marlay Lookout; - 28.6537, 151.946; 27 Nov. 2019; E. Fagan-Jeffries, J. B. Dorey & P. Ruhr leg.; Sweeping vegetation; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 1206-24; QM: T 261262. • ♀; QLD, Townsville, Hermit Park; - 19.2829, 146.801; 01 Jan. 2017; Graeme Cocks leg.; light trap; BOLD Process ID: GCQT 064-17; QM: T 261274. • ♀; QLD, Wide water reserve bush camp near Taroom; - 25.6262, 149.794; 25 Nov. 2019; E. Fagan-Jeffries, J. B. Dorey & P. Ruhr leg.; Sweeping vegetation; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 1068-24; QM: T 261263. • ♂; SA, Adelaide, Sheidow Park, Hamilton Court; - 35.0774, 138.536; 31 Mar. 2020; E. Fagan-Jeffries & R. Ellinger leg.; Sweeping; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 966-24; SAMA: 32-47824. • ♀; SA, Belair N. P. Gate 11; - 35.009, 138.654; 11–24 Nov. 2007; J. T. Jennings leg.; Malaise trap; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 206-18; SAMA: 32-47825. • ♀; as previous except: 08–30 Mar. 2008; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 209-18; SAMA: 32-47826. • ♀; as previous except: BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 211-18; SAMA: 32-47827. • ♀; as previous except: BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 215-18; SAMA: 32-47828. • ♀; as previous except: BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 426-18; SAMA: 32-47836. • ♀; as previous except: BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 216-18; SAMA: 32-47829. • ♀; as previous except: BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 218-18; SAMA: 32-47830. • ♀; as previous except: BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 263-18; SAMA: 32-47831. • ♀; as previous except: BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 265-18; SAMA: 32-47832. • ♀; as previous except: BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 260-18; SAMA: 32-47840. • ♀; as previous except: 1–8 Mar. 2008; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 266-18; SAMA: 32-47833. • ♀; as previous except: BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 267-18; SAMA: 32-47834. • ♀; as previous except: BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 268-18; SAMA: 32-47835. • ♀; as previous except: BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 227-18; SAMA: 32-47838. • ♀; as previous except: 25 Nov. – 1 Dec. 2007; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 461-18; SAMA: 32-47837. • ♀; as previous except: 2–5 Dec. 2006; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 351-18; SAMA: 32-47839. • ♂; SA, Calperum station homestead; - 34.0428, 140.712; 14 Apr. 2021; B. A. Parslow, A. J. Bird leg.; Light sheet (LepiLED); BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 867-23; SAMA: 32-47770. • ♂; as previous except; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 869-23; SAMA: 32-47771. • ♀; SA, Cox Scrub Con. Pk.; - 35.3311, 138.747; 27 Dec. 2003 – 17 Jan. 2004; A. Austin leg.; Malaise trap; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 283-18; SAMA: 32-47841. • ♂; SA, Hiltaba Shearers Quarters; - 32.1608, 135.092; 27 Sep. 2021; E. Fagan-Jeffries leg.; Methane vapour light; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 697-23; WINC: 32-47842. • ♀; SA, Kangaroo Island, Lot 51 HA just near end of driveway near 3 rd power pole; - 35.9038, 137.551; 20–26 Mar. 2021; R. Glatz leg.; Malaise trap; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 921-23; SAMA: 32-47764. • ♀; SA, Mt Barker, 8 km S Bugle Ranges; - 35.113, 138.871; 31 Mar. – 7 Apr. 2008; R. Lavigne leg.; Mallee Scrub; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 009-18; SAMA: 32-47843. • ♀; SA, nr Wistow; - 35.115, 138.912; 01. – 08 Oct. 2001; Malaise Trap; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 270-18; SAMA: 32-47844. • ♀; WA, Albany Highway. Gleneagle State Forest.; - 32.2711, 116.163; 03 Apr. – 7 May. 2005; M. S. Harvey leg.; Malaise trap; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 016-18; WAM: 130569. • ♀; WA, Barrow Island; - 20.8647, 115.407; 6 May. 2006; S. Callan & R. Graham leg.; N 05 SUC; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 032-18; WAM: 130570. • ♀; WA, Gleneagle State Forest; - 32.2711, 116.163; 29 Nov. 2005; M. S. Harvey leg.; Malaise Trap; date assumed trap collection end, unknown start date; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 018-18; WAM: 130571. • ♀; as previous except: BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 284-18; WAM: 130572. • ♂; WA, Kariijini NP, Weano Gorge Rd; - 22.3883, 118.256; 711 m; 25 Apr. – 14 May. 2003; C Lambkin, T Weir leg.; Malaise beside drying pool bank in grassland; ANIC 2054; BOLD Process ID: OZBOL 472-21; ANIC: 32-085552. • ♀; WA, Karikini NP, Juna Downs Rd; - 22.7394, 118.407; 19–25 Apr. 2003; C. Lambkin & T. Weir leg.; Malaise trap; BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 1389-24; ANIC: 32-085553. • ♂; as previous except: BOLD Process ID: AUMIC 1388-24; WAM: 32-085554.
Diagnostic description.
Size: Total body length: 2.6 mm; fore wing length: 2.3 mm. Head: anterior scape colour similar or only very slightly paler than head colour; F 2 L / W ratio: 2.6; F 14 L / W ratio: 1.2. Mesosoma: scutoscutellar sulcus with ten pits; mesoscutellar disc mostly smooth, or with very shallow scattered indentations; propodeal areola complete, or mostly so; propodeum mostly smooth posteriorly, mostly rugose anteriorly; coxae colour (pro, meso, meta): dark all; metafemur colour mostly dark. Wings: centre of pterostigma pigmented to same degree as the outer edges; fore wing r vein length / 2 RS vein length ratio: 1.5. Some infuscation present on the fore wing membrane (not present on all specimens). Metasoma: T 1 shape mostly parallel, T 1 medial length / anterior width between 1–2 × longer than wide; mostly rugose; T 2 mostly smooth; ovipositor sheath length / metatibia length ratio: 0.7 (0.7–1.2 in paratypes).
Apanteles magicus can be separated from most of the other species of Apanteles in Australia by the metafemur and metacoxa dark in colouration, the ovipositor sheath length> 0.6 × metatibia length, the antenna similar length to the body length, the pterostigma not paler in the centre, the metatibia mostly dark, and T 1 with strong rugose sculpturing, and infuscation on the fore wing restricted to the area around r and 1 CUb veins. Apanteles magicus can be difficult to morphologically diagnose against A. hades and A. alatomicans, and some specimens lack the infuscation in the fore wing. This species is morphologically not particularly distinct, and ideally identification should be confirmed with molecular data.
Etymology.
This species name is inspired by EPFJ’s husband, Rob Ellinger, who helped collect one of the specimens during a suburban walk during COVID lockdowns in South Australia. The epithet magicus is the Latin adjective for magical and relates to R. Ellinger’s profession as a magician. The name is also fitting for this species because of its seemingly magical distribution and common collection yet complete lack of reared records and host data ... and perhaps, like a magic trick, the species is not all that it seems as suggested by the complex molecular delimitation and potential for cryptic species.
Distribution.
Apanteles magicus is a very broadly distributed species throughout Australia that appears to be found in an incredibly wide range of habitats.
Molecular information.
The specimens assigned to Apanteles magicus are currently spread across five BINs on BOLD: BOLD: ADG 0556, BOLD: ADY 2399, BOLD: ADW 8360, BOLD: ADL 5561, BOLD: ADG 0556, and BOLD: ADL 5484. Despite this, there is only a maximum of 2.6 % divergence among the COI barcodes of the species, and> 6 % divergence to any other species included in the analysis. There are three wg haplotypes currently assigned to the species, up to 3 bp difference among them.
Remarks.
This species appears to be highly variable, with multiple COI and wg haplotypes and variation amongst paratypes in morphological characters such as the wing infuscation and hind tibia colouration. It is also one of the most commonly collected and widely distributed species of Apanteles in Australia, and would be a good candidate for intensive research to establish the species boundaries more definitively.
description: Published as part of Slater-Baker, Mollie-Rosae, Fagan-Jeffries, Erinn P., Oestmann, Katherine J., Portmann, Olivia G., Bament, Tiahni M., Howe, Andy G., Guzik, Michelle T., Bradford, Tessa M., McClelland, Alana R., Woodward, Alice, Clarke, Sylvia, Ducker, Nathan & Fernández-Triana, José, 2025, DNA barcoding, integrative taxonomy, citizen science, and Bush Blitz surveys combine to reveal 34 new species of Apanteles (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) in Australia, pp. 1-128 in ZooKeys 1227 on pages 1-128, DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1227.130467