Norbanus Walker

Norbanus Walker View in CoL

Norbanus Walker, 1843: 158 View in CoL ; type species Norbanus dysaules Walker, 1843 View in CoL , by subsequent designation of Ashmead (1904): 320.

Arthrolysis Förster, 1856: 52 View in CoL ; type species Pteromalus scabriculus Nees, 1834 View in CoL , by subsequent designation of Ashmead (1904): 276; synonymy by Peck (1963): 740.

Dimachus (Picroscytus) Thomson, 1878: 58 ; type species Pteromalus scabriculus Nees, 1834 View in CoL by monotypy; synonymy by Graham (1969): 437 –438.

Picroscytus Thomson, 1878 View in CoL ; new status for Dimachus Thomson View in CoL by Masi (1922): 148; synonymy by Peck (1951): 565.

Stylophorella Ashmead, 1904: 275 View in CoL ; type species Stylophorella perplexa Ashmead, 1904 View in CoL , by monotypy; synonymy by Peck (1951): 565.

Amicromelus Girault, 1913: 91 View in CoL ; type species Amicromelus cyaneus Girault, 1913 View in CoL , by original designation and monotypy; synonymy by Bouček (1988): 408.

Apirene Girault, 1914: 54 View in CoL ; type species Apirene longifasciata Girault, 1914 View in CoL , by original designation and monotypy; synonymy by Bouček (1988): 408.

Epicaudonia Girault, 1914: 396 View in CoL ; type species Epicaudonia scelestus Girault, 1914 View in CoL , by original designation and monotypy; synonymy by Bouček (1988): 408.

Neocaudonia Girault & Dodd, 1915 View in CoL (in Girault 1915: 209); type species Neocaudonia spinosiclava Girault & Dodd, 1915 View in CoL , by original designation; synonymy by Bouček (1988): 409.

Picroscytoides Masi, 1922: 151 View in CoL ; type species Picroscytoides obscurus Masi, 1922 View in CoL , by original designation; synonymy by Bouček (1991): 204.

Picroscytus View in CoL ( Masioscytus Szelényi, 1941 ); Szelényi (1941): 123; type species Picroscytus modiglianii Masi, 1927 View in CoL , by original designation.

Norbanus View in CoL ( Norbanus Walker View in CoL ); Dzhanokmen (1999): 953.

Norbanus View in CoL ( Picroscytus Thomson View in CoL ); Herting (1976): 68.

Norbanus View in CoL ( Picroscytoides Masi View in CoL ); Dzhanokmen (1999): 952 –953, syn. nov.

Diagnosis. Clypeal margin usually slightly emarginate ( Fig. 140 View FIGURES 137–144 ), rarely deeply emarginate ( Fig. 96 View FIGURES 93–98 ) or slightly produced ( Fig. 53 View FIGURES 51–56 ). Female antenna 11263, with a more or less well-defined spicula (e.g. Figs 2 View FIGURES 1–6 , 26 View FIGURES 23–28 , 47 View FIGURES 43–50 , 60 View FIGURES 57–62 , 112 View FIGURES 109–114 , 119 View FIGURES 115–120 , 141 View FIGURES 137–144 , 162 View FIGURES 159–166 , 177 View FIGURES 173–178 ); male antenna with funicular segments either bearing whorls of long setae (e.g. Figs 22 View FIGURES 19–22 , 70 View FIGURES 63–70 , 158 View FIGURES 151–158 ), or covered with dense short pilosity (e.g. Figs 81 View FIGURES 77–82 , 124 View FIGURES 121–124 , 204, 208 View FIGURES 201–208 , 218 View FIGURES 215–218 ), clava sometimes not well defined. Pronotum short, from virtually as wide as mesoscutum to slightly narrower, with collar rounded off (e.g. Figs 3 View FIGURES 1–6 , 14 View FIGURES 13–18 , 30 View FIGURES 29–36 , 52 View FIGURES 51–56 , 64 View FIGURES 63–70 , 100 View FIGURES 99–104 , 122 View FIGURES 121–124 , 138 View FIGURES 137–144 , 174 View FIGURES 173–178 ). Prepectus very small, sometimes almost invisible, clearly shorter than tegula ( Fig. 1 View FIGURES 1–6 ). Propodeum without plicae or median carina, with two basal depressions and with ( Figs 5 View FIGURES 1–6 , 91 View FIGURES 89–92 ) or without ( Figs 11 View FIGURES 7–12 , 164 View FIGURES 159–166 ) spiracular sulci.

Comments. Norbanus can be confused especially with Homoporus Thomson , Propicroscytus Szelényi and Oxysychus Delucchi. Homoporus is separated from Norbanus mainly by a larger prepectus and generally narrower pronotum (if about as wide as mesoscutum, then longer than in Norbanus ). Propicroscytus is separated from Norbanus mainly by a narrower pronotum and the clava lacking distinct spicula. Oxysychus is separated from Norbanus mainly by a larger prepectus and the clava lacking a spicula. A small prepectus is also present in Lysirina Heydon , but many other characters are different, i.e. the shape of the clypeus, the presence of a median propodeal carina, the presence of three anelli, etc.

The subgeneric division of Norbanus i.e. Norbanus (Norbanus) and Norbanus (Picroscytoides) , proposed by Dzhanokmen (1999), is rejected based on the examined material. The two subgenera were previously separated only by the shape of the posterior margin of gt1 (entire or double-incised). This division works well for the Palaearctic material ( Rizzo & Mitroiu, 2010), but in the examined Afrotropical material, which is much more diverse than the Palaearctic, a great diversity of character states were observed. The posterior margin of gt1 varies from entire (straight to conspicuously sinuous) to deeply double-incised, sometimes even in the case of a single species. Thus, the subgenus Picroscytoides Masi is placed in synonymy with Norbanus s.s., syn. nov.

The only species of Norbanus that seems to be present in both the Palaearctic and Afrotropical regions is N. tenuicornis Bouček. Besides this species, all the other Palaearctic species have a more or less pilose basal cell, contrary to virtually all the Afrotropical species, in which the basal cell is glabrous.

It is highly possible that additional Afrotropical species of Norbanus will be discovered in the future. Thus, in order to avoid any misidentifications, the species descriptions and images should be carefully consulted in addition to the characters given in the key.

Key to Afrotropical species of Norbanus View in CoL

1 Females ............................................................................................ 2

- Males (males of N. aequus View in CoL sp. nov., N. breviclava View in CoL sp. nov., N. gracilis View in CoL sp. nov., N. ingens View in CoL sp. nov., N. longissimus View in CoL sp. nov., N. maliarphae View in CoL sp. nov., N. pilosus View in CoL sp. nov., and N. rotundus View in CoL sp. nov. are unknown).................................. 30

2 (1) Head with distinct elevation between eye and posterior ocellus ( Fig. 53 View FIGURES 51–56 ); toruli well above lower margins of eyes, scape well exceeding level of vertex ( Fig. 53 View FIGURES 51–56 ); clypeal margin slightly produced ( Fig. 53 View FIGURES 51–56 ); second anellus quadrate ( Fig. 54 View FIGURES 51–56 )................................................................................................ N. draco View in CoL sp. nov.

- Head without distinct elevation between eye and posterior ocellus (e.g. Figs 9 View FIGURES 7–12 , 25 View FIGURES 23–28 , 59 View FIGURES 57–62 , 73 View FIGURES 71–76 , 133 View FIGURES 131–136 , 161 View FIGURES 159–166 , 189 View FIGURES 187–194 , 197 View FIGURES 195–200 ); toruli rarely as high, scape usually not or only slightly exceeding level of vertex (e.g. Figs 9 View FIGURES 7–12 , 25 View FIGURES 23–28 , 45 View FIGURES 43–50 , 85 View FIGURES 83–88 , 101,127, 175); clypeal margin straight (e.g. Fig. 85 View FIGURES 83–88 ) or emarginate (e.g. Fig. 140 View FIGURES 137–144 ); second anellus transverse or quadrate (e.g. Figs 41 View FIGURES 37–42 , 60 View FIGURES 57–62 , 87 View FIGURES 83–88 , 128 View FIGURES 125–130 , 135 View FIGURES 131–136 , 154 View FIGURES 151–158 ).... 3

3 (2) Spiracular sulcus present as more or less deep groove separating propodeal median area from callus ( Fig. 103 View FIGURES 99–104 ); if sometimes shallow (some small specimens of N. gibber View in CoL ), at least a conspicuous oval depression posterior to each spiracle present ( Fig. 91 View FIGURES 89–92 ); posterior margin of gt1 slightly to conspicuously double-incised ( Figs 89, 90 View FIGURES 89–92 , 105 View FIGURES 105–108 , 132 View FIGURES 131–136 ), or if sometimes entire, scutellum very convex, globose ( Fig. 83 View FIGURES 83–88 ).......................................................................... 4

- Spiracular sulcus absent, including any depression posterior to each spiracle ( Figs 11 View FIGURES 7–12 , 164 View FIGURES 159–166 ); hind margin of gt1 straight to conspicuously sinuous, but never double-incised ( Figs 19 View FIGURES 19–22 , 35 View FIGURES 29–36 , 58 View FIGURES 57–62 , 150 View FIGURES 145–150 , 185 View FIGURES 179–186 ); scutellum at most moderately convex, not globose (e.g. Figs 7 View FIGURES 7–12 , 43 View FIGURES 43–50 , 71 View FIGURES 71–76 , 99 View FIGURES 99–104 , 137 View FIGURES 137–144 , 145 View FIGURES 145–150 )....................................................................... 10

4 (3) Scutellum strongly convex, globose ( Fig. 83 View FIGURES 83–88 ); second anellus quadrate to longer than wide, distinctly longer than the first ( Fig. 87 View FIGURES 83–88 ); anterior area of metapleuron with very shallow sculpture, hence shiny ( Fig. 86 View FIGURES 83–88 ); clypeal margin virtually straight ( Fig. 85 View FIGURES 83–88 ); head and mesosoma black, metasoma dorsally at least partly reddish, with black margins ( Fig. 84 View FIGURES 83–88 ); clava lighter than funicular segments ( Fig. 87 View FIGURES 83–88 )...................................................................... N. gibber View in CoL sp. nov.

- Scutellum at most moderately convex, never globose (e.g. Figs 7 View FIGURES 7–12 , 43 View FIGURES 43–50 , 71 View FIGURES 71–76 , 99 View FIGURES 99–104 , 137 View FIGURES 137–144 , 145 View FIGURES 145–150 ); second anellus transverse to quadrate (e.g. Figs 41 View FIGURES 37–42 , 60 View FIGURES 57–62 , 87 View FIGURES 83–88 , 128 View FIGURES 125–130 , 135 View FIGURES 131–136 , 154 View FIGURES 151–158 ); metapleuron usually uniformly reticulate, without any shiny area ( Figs 113 View FIGURES 109–114 , 163 View FIGURES 159–166 ); clypeal margin emarginate (e.g. Fig. 140 View FIGURES 137–144 ); head and mesosoma often with metallic reflections, metasoma never with such colour pattern; clava rarely lighter than funicular segments........................................................... 5

5 (4) Basal cell of fore wing glabrous, rarely with at most 6 setae distally (e.g. Figs 12 View FIGURES 7–12 , 18 View FIGURES 13–18 , 34 View FIGURES 29–36 , 55 View FIGURES 51–56 , 165 View FIGURES 159–166 , 178 View FIGURES 173–178 ); mainly Afrotropical species............................................................................................ 6

- Basal cell of fore wing uniformly and completely pilose ( Figs 203, 207 View FIGURES 201–208 ); extralimital species (North Africa)............ 9

6 (5) Metasoma very long and narrow, more than 4× as long as wide and about twice as long as head plus mesosoma ( Fig. 209 View FIGURES 209–214 ); head and mesosoma olive green, metasoma extensively reddish-brown, legs uniformly reddish-brown ( Figs 209–212 View FIGURES 209–214 ); body size larger (more than 10 mm); extralimital species (North Africa).............................. N. guyoni (Giraud) View in CoL

- Metasoma shorter and wider, at most about 2.4× as long as wide and at most slightly longer than head plus mesosoma ( Figs 99 View FIGURES 99–104 , 131 View FIGURES 131–136 , 187 View FIGURES 187–194 ); colour pattern different; body size smaller (less than 7 mm); Afrotropical species......................... 7

7 (6) Vertex and area surrounding ocelli dull, coarsely reticulate ( Fig. 100 View FIGURES 99–104 ); marginal vein about 3.2–3.5× as long as stigmal vein ( Fig. 104 View FIGURES 99–104 ); metasoma usually extensively yellow, only occasionally darker, and then mostly reddish-brown ( Figs 99, 100 View FIGURES 99–104 )....................................................................................... N. incombo View in CoL sp. nov.

- Vertex and area surrounding ocelli shiny, smooth or almost smooth ( Figs 134 View FIGURES 131–136 , 190 View FIGURES 187–194 ); marginal vein about 2.3–2.4× as long as stigmal vein ( Figs 136 View FIGURES 131–136 , 192 View FIGURES 187–194 ); metasoma dark brown to black, at most anteriorly reddish-brown ( Figs 132 View FIGURES 131–136 , 188 View FIGURES 187–194 )........... 8

8 (7) Metapleuron uniformly reticulate, without any shiny area (cf. Fig. 113 View FIGURES 109–114 ); vertex and area surrounding ocelli virtually smooth, sculpture mostly indistinct ( Fig. 134 View FIGURES 131–136 ); head and mesosoma green ( Figs 131–134 View FIGURES 131–136 ); all tibiae entirely pale yellow ( Fig. 131 View FIGURES 131–136 ); body pilosity short ( Figs 131–134 View FIGURES 131–136 )..................................................... N. maliarphae View in CoL sp. nov.

- Anterior edge of metapleuron with very shallow sculpture, shiny (cf. Fig. 86 View FIGURES 83–88 ); vertex and area surrounding ocelli almost smooth, coriaceous ( Fig. 190 View FIGURES 187–194 ); head and mesosoma blackish, with distinct golden bronze reflections dorsally ( Figs 187–190 View FIGURES 187–194 ); only hind tibiae entirely pale ( Fig. 187 View FIGURES 187–194 ); body pilosity longer ( Figs 187–190 View FIGURES 187–194 )..................... N. sunabron View in CoL sp. nov.

9 (5) Antennal spicula well developed ( Fig. 205 View FIGURES 201–208 ); proximal part of flagellum hardly as wide as pedicel ( Fig. 206 View FIGURES 201–208 ); head about 1.9× as wide as long in dorsal view ( Fig. 206 View FIGURES 201–208 ) and slightly higher than wide in frontal view; vertex coarsely reticulate, dull ( Fig. 206 View FIGURES 201–208 ); head and mesosoma from coppery-green to blackish; antenna yellowish, darker towards pedicel; eyes brownish; metasoma brownish, without any reddish-orange part ( Figs 205, 206 View FIGURES 201–208 ).................................... N. obscurus (Masi) View in CoL

- Antennal spicula extremely short, almost absent ( Fig. 202 View FIGURES 201–208 ); proximal part of flagellum wider than pedicel ( Fig. 202 View FIGURES 201–208 ); head about 2.1–2.2× as wide as long in dorsal view ( Fig. 202 View FIGURES 201–208 ) and slightly wider than high in frontal view; vertex with shallow reticulation, shiny ( Fig. 202 View FIGURES 201–208 ); head bluish-black; antenna dark; eyes reddish, mesosoma bluish, metasoma uniformly dark or with up to basal half orange ( Figs 201, 202 View FIGURES 201–208 ).................................................... N. cerasiops (Masi) View in CoL

10 (3) Propodeum virtually horizontal ( Fig. 7 View FIGURES 7–12 ); metasoma much longer than head plus mesosoma ( Figs 7, 8 View FIGURES 7–12 ); fore wing length about 2.8–2.9× width ( Fig. 12 View FIGURES 7–12 ); POL about 1.0–1.2× OOL ( Fig. 8 View FIGURES 7–12 ); head and mesosoma blackish, with olive green reflections ( Figs 7–9, 11 View FIGURES 7–12 ).............................................................................. N. aequus View in CoL sp. nov.

- Propodeum more or less inclined (e.g. Figs 29 View FIGURES 29–36 , 57 View FIGURES 57–62 , 71 View FIGURES 71–76 , 93 View FIGURES 93–98 , 116 View FIGURES 115–120 , 137 View FIGURES 137–144 ); metasoma usually shorter (e.g. Figs 13 View FIGURES 13–18 , 29 View FIGURES 29–36 , 37 View FIGURES 37–42 , 63 View FIGURES 63–70 , 93 View FIGURES 93–98 , 167 View FIGURES 167–172 ); fore wing length at most about 2.6–2.8× width, usually less (e.g. Figs 27 View FIGURES 23–28 , 42 View FIGURES 37–42 , 61 View FIGURES 57–62 , 120 View FIGURES 115–120 , 171 View FIGURES 167–172 ); POL usually relatively longer (e.g. Figs 16 View FIGURES 13–18 , 32 View FIGURES 29–36 , 40 View FIGURES 37–42 , 134 View FIGURES 131–136 , 176 View FIGURES 173–178 ); head and mesosoma with or without metallic reflections........................ 11

11 (10) Upper mesepimeron entirely reticulate ( Fig. 155 View FIGURES 151–158 ); antennae inserted slightly but distinctly above lower margins of eyes ( Fig. 153 View FIGURES 151–158 ); head dark blue-green, vertex and occiput almost black, mesosoma bluish, with slight violet reflections ( Figs 151–153 View FIGURES 151–158 ); metasoma longer than head plus mesosoma, reddish-brown, apex dorsally pale ( Figs 151, 152 View FIGURES 151–158 )....... N. pleuralis View in CoL sp. nov.

- Upper mesepimeron at least partly smooth ( Figs 113 View FIGURES 109–114 , 163 View FIGURES 159–166 ); antennae inserted from slightly below to distinctly above lower margins of eyes; colour pattern different; metasoma usually shorter............................................ 12

12 (11) Speculum absent or very small, extending at most behind submarginal vein, pilosity dense behind marginal vein, although in smaller specimens tending to be less dense behind proximal part of marginal vein ( Figs 75 View FIGURES 71–76 , 114 View FIGURES 109–114 , 120 View FIGURES 115–120 , 165 View FIGURES 159–166 ); fore wing disc densely pilose ( Figs 75 View FIGURES 71–76 , 114 View FIGURES 109–114 , 120 View FIGURES 115–120 , 165 View FIGURES 159–166 ); antenna usually filiform, clava (if not collapsed) not or slightly wider than distal funicular segments, spicula always short ( Figs 112 View FIGURES 109–114 , 119 View FIGURES 115–120 , 162 View FIGURES 159–166 ); body robust, mostly large (up to 10.5 mm)................. 13

- Speculum larger, reaching at least to proximal end of marginal vein ( Figs 34 View FIGURES 29–36 , 68 View FIGURES 63–70 ) and usually larger, sometimes extending as far as stigmal vein (e.g. Figs 18 View FIGURES 13–18 , 48 View FIGURES 43–50 , 98 View FIGURES 93–98 , 104 View FIGURES 99–104 , 171 View FIGURES 167–172 ); fore wing disc densely pilose or not; antenna usually clavate, clava at least slightly wider than distal funicular segments, spicula usually longer ( Figs 33 View FIGURES 29–36 , 41 View FIGURES 37–42 , 67 View FIGURES 63–70 , 97 View FIGURES 93–98 , 128 View FIGURES 125–130 , 141 View FIGURES 137–144 , 177 View FIGURES 173–178 ); body usually more slender, never so large............................................................................... 16

13 (12) Metasoma at least partially reddish ( Figs 109, 110 View FIGURES 109–114 , 159, 160 View FIGURES 159–166 ); head and mesosoma with distinct metallic reflections ( Figs 109– 111 View FIGURES 109–114 ), even if sometimes dark ( Figs 163 View FIGURES 159–166 ); eyes bright to dark red ( Figs 111 View FIGURES 109–114 , 161 View FIGURES 159–166 ).................................. 14 - Metasoma dark brown to black ( Figs 71, 72 View FIGURES 71–76 , 116, 117 View FIGURES 115–120 ); head and mesosoma black, at most with faint metallic reflections ( Figs 71–73 View FIGURES 71–76 , 115–118 View FIGURES 115–120 ); eyes brown to black ( Figs 73 View FIGURES 71–76 , 118 View FIGURES 115–120 )....................................................... 15

14 (13) Lateral surface of propodeum less coarsely reticulate than metapleuron ( Fig. 113 View FIGURES 109–114 ); sculpture on gastral tergites mostly reticulate, alveolae mostly isodiametric (cf. Fig. 69 View FIGURES 63–70 ); eye length fully as long as malar space; metasoma uniformly reddish ( Figs 109, 110 View FIGURES 109–114 ); head and mesosoma mainly bright blue ( Figs 109–111 View FIGURES 109–114 ); tibiae pale yellow ( Fig. 109 View FIGURES 109–114 ); flagellum except claval tip uniformly dark brown ( Fig. 112 View FIGURES 109–114 ).............................................................. N. ingens View in CoL sp. nov.

- Lateral surface of propodeum about as coarsely reticulate as metapleuron ( Fig. 163 View FIGURES 159–166 ); sculpture on gastral tergites mostly reticulate-imbricate, alveolae much wider than long (cf. Figs 35 View FIGURES 29–36 , 90 View FIGURES 89–92 ); eye length at least slightly greater than malar space; metasoma with apex slightly to conspicuously lighter than remainder ( Figs 159, 160 View FIGURES 159–166 ); head and mesosoma with dark bronze, violet and bluish reflections ( Figs 163, 164 View FIGURES 159–166 ); tibiae medially dark ( Fig. 159 View FIGURES 159–166 ); flagellum with fu1–4 brown, fu5–6 and clava except tip dark brown ( Fig. 162 View FIGURES 159–166 )................................................................. N. polaszeki View in CoL sp. nov.

15 (13) Eye small, height about 1.2–1.4× length of malar space; POL slightly shorter than OOL (cf. Fig. 122 View FIGURES 121–124 ); temple about 0.4–0.5× as long as eye in dorsal view; mesosoma strongly arched dorsally, length about 1.1–1.3× width and 1.2–1.3× height ( Figs 115, 116 View FIGURES 115–120 ); metasoma wide, length at most about twice width ( Fig. 117 View FIGURES 115–120 ); head and mesosoma black, without any metallic reflections ( Figs 115–118 View FIGURES 115–120 ); flagellum except distal part of clava uniformly dark brown ( Fig. 119 View FIGURES 115–120 ); body length 6–7 mm ............................................................................................... N. kitegaensis (Risbec) View in CoL

- Eye larger, height about 1.5–1.8× length of malar space; POL slightly longer than OOL ( Fig. 72 View FIGURES 71–76 ); temple about 0.2–0.3× as long as eye in dorsal view; mesosoma less strongly arched dorsally, length about 1.3–1.4× width and 1.3–1.4× height ( Fig. 71 View FIGURES 71–76 ); metasoma narrower, length about 2.1–2.4× width ( Fig. 72 View FIGURES 71–76 ); head and mesosoma usually with at least some slight metallic reflections ( Figs 71–73 View FIGURES 71–76 ); flagellum variable, usually with fu5, fu6 and clava slightly to conspicuously darker than rest of the segments, which are reddish-brown to dark brown ( Fig. 74 View FIGURES 71–76 ); body length 3.00– 5.75 mm ............. N. garouae (Risbec) View in CoL

16 (12) Body blackish, at most with very faint metallic reflections ( Figs 29–32 View FIGURES 29–36 , 63–66 View FIGURES 63–70 ); temple short, about 0.1–0.2× as long as eye in dorsal view, posteriorly round and strongly convergent ( Figs 32 View FIGURES 29–36 , 66 View FIGURES 63–70 ); fore wing disc densely pilose and speculum small ( Figs 34 View FIGURES 29–36 , 68 View FIGURES 63–70 ); funicle usually with both fu5 and fu6 darker than other funicular segments ( Figs 33 View FIGURES 29–36 , 67 View FIGURES 63–70 ); hind tibia medially dark ( Figs 29,63 View FIGURES 63–70 View FIGURES 29–36 ) ................................................ ............ .................... ............ 17

- Body either with distinct metallic reflections (e.g. Figs 23 View FIGURES 23–28 , 37 View FIGURES 37–42 , 137 View FIGURES 137–144 , 167 View FIGURES 167–172 , 179 View FIGURES 179–186 ), or temple longer, posteriorly more angulate and less strongly convergent (e.g. Fig. 126 View FIGURES 125–130 ), or fore wing disc less densely pilose and speculum large (e.g. Figs 48 View FIGURES 43–50 , 61 View FIGURES 57–62 , 98 View FIGURES 93–98 , 178 View FIGURES 173–178 ); funicle usually with at most fu6 darker than other funicular segments (e.g. Figs 47 View FIGURES 43–50 , 128 View FIGURES 125–130 , 148 View FIGURES 145–150 ); hind tibia medially dark or not ..................... .. .. ......................... .. .. .......... .................................. 18

17 (16) Clava, including spicula, short, length about 2.6× width; micropilosity area occupying about 1/3 length of claval body ( Fig. 33 View FIGURES 29–36 ); fu1 not wider than pedicel ( Fig. 33 View FIGURES 29–36 ); speculum separated from proximal part of marginal vein by a patch of sparse pilosity ( Fig. 34 View FIGURES 29–36 ); metasoma brown and gastral tergites mostly reticulate-imbricate, alveolae much wider than long ( Fig. 35 View FIGURES 29–36 ); Madagascar and Mauritius................................................................. N. brevicephalus View in CoL sp. nov.

- Clava, including spicula, longer, length about 3× width; micropilosity area occupying almost half length of claval body ( Fig. 67 View FIGURES 63–70 ); fu1 slightly wider than pedicel ( Fig. 67 View FIGURES 63–70 ); speculum not separated from proximal part of marginal vein, but effaced on ventral surface of the wing by several rows of admarginal setae ( Fig. 68 View FIGURES 63–70 ); metasoma blackish and gastral tergites reticulate, cells mostly isodiametric ( Fig. 69 View FIGURES 63–70 ); continental Africa.......................................... N. foritempus View in CoL sp. nov.

18 (16) Eye with anterior and posterior margins sinuous ( Figs 93, 95 View FIGURES 93–98 ); in frontal view eyes converging in lower part of the head ( Fig. 95 View FIGURES 93–98 ); clypeal margin deeply emarginate, almost bidentate ( Fig. 96 View FIGURES 93–98 ); marginal vein about 3.8–4.0× as long as stigmal vein ( Fig. 98 View FIGURES 93–98 ); metasoma light yellow ( Figs 93, 94 View FIGURES 93–98 )................................................... N. gracilis View in CoL sp. nov.

- Eye margins not sinuous (e.g. Figs 57, 59 View FIGURES 57–62 , 137, 139 View FIGURES 137–144 , 179, 181 View FIGURES 179–186 ); in frontal view eyes not converging in lower part of the head (e.g. Figs 15 View FIGURES 13–18 , 39 View FIGURES 37–42 , 59 View FIGURES 57–62 , 139 View FIGURES 137–144 , 181 View FIGURES 179–186 ); clypeal margin at most shallowly emarginate ( Fig. 140 View FIGURES 137–144 ); marginal vein at most about 2.5× as long as stigmal vein (e.g. Figs 18 View FIGURES 13–18 , 27 View FIGURES 23–28 , 42 View FIGURES 37–42 , 142 View FIGURES 137–144 , 199 View FIGURES 195–200 ); metasoma brown to black (e.g. Figs 14 View FIGURES 13–18 , 24 View FIGURES 23–28 , 138 View FIGURES 137–144 , 196 View FIGURES 195–200 ), rarely dark yellow ( Fig. 38 View FIGURES 37–42 )........................................................................................... 19

19 (18) Mesoscutum long, width about 1.2–1.5× length ( Figs 180 View FIGURES 179–186 , 196 View FIGURES 195–200 ); posterior margin of gt1 straight to slightly sinuous (cf. Fig 58 View FIGURES 57–62 ; Figs 185 View FIGURES 179–186 , 196 View FIGURES 195–200 ); antennae inserted slightly to distinctly above lower margins of eyes ( Figs 181 View FIGURES 179–186 , 197 View FIGURES 195–200 ).................. 20

- Mesoscutum shorter, width about 1.7–2.1× length (e.g. Figs 14 View FIGURES 13–18 , 24 View FIGURES 23–28 , 58 View FIGURES 57–62 , 138 View FIGURES 137–144 , 146 View FIGURES 145–150 ); posterior margin of gt1 usually more conspicuously sinuous (e.g. Figs 44 View FIGURES 43–50 , 138 View FIGURES 137–144 , 150 View FIGURES 145–150 ), rarely straight ( Fig. 58 View FIGURES 57–62 ); antennae rarely inserted above lower margins of eyes 21

20 (19)Eye large, height about 1.5–1.7× length of malar space ( Fig. 181 View FIGURES 179–186 ); temple about 0.2–0.3× as long as eye in dorsal view; fore wing narrow, length about 2.5–2.8× width ( Fig. 184 View FIGURES 179–186 ); marginal vein about 2.4–2.7× stigmal vein ( Fig. 184 View FIGURES 179–186 ); all tibiae uniformly yellow ( Fig. 179 View FIGURES 179–186 ); metasoma with metallic reflections usually not present or slight, confined mainly to apex and sides ( Fig. 185 View FIGURES 179–186 )............................................................................ N. seyrigi (Risbec) View in CoL

- Eye smaller, height about 1.2–1.4× length of malar space ( Fig. 197 View FIGURES 195–200 ); temple about 0.3–0.4× as long as eye in dorsal view; fore wing wider, length about 2.2–2.5× width ( Fig. 199 View FIGURES 195–200 ); marginal vein about 2.0–2.4× stigmal vein ( Fig. 199 View FIGURES 195–200 ); mid and hind tibiae medially dark ( Fig. 195 View FIGURES 195–200 ); metasoma usually with conspicuous metallic reflections ( Fig. 196 View FIGURES 195–200 )....... N. tenuicornis Bouček View in CoL

21 (19) Antennae inserted distinctly above lower margins of eyes ( Fig. 59 View FIGURES 57–62 ); scape distinctly exceeding level of vertex ( Fig. 59 View FIGURES 57–62 ); clypeal margin virtually straight ( Fig. 59 View FIGURES 57–62 ); posterior margin of gt1 virtually straight ( Fig 58 View FIGURES 57–62 ); eye almost round, height about 1.2–1.3× length ( Fig. 57 View FIGURES 57–62 ); head and mesosoma dorsally mostly blackish, propodeum lighter than scutellum ( Fig. 58 View FIGURES 57–62 ); flagellum uniformly yellow to brown ( Fig. 60 View FIGURES 57–62 ); hind femora light orange ( Fig. 57 View FIGURES 57–62 ).............................. N. erebus View in CoL sp. nov.

- Antennae inserted at most level with lower margins of eyes (e.g. Figs 15 View FIGURES 13–18 , 25 View FIGURES 23–28 , 139 View FIGURES 137–144 , 147 View FIGURES 145–150 , 169 View FIGURES 167–172 , 175 View FIGURES 173–178 ); scape rarely exceeding level of vertex (e.g. Figs 25 View FIGURES 23–28 , 127 View FIGURES 125–130 ), usually shorter (e.g. Figs 15 View FIGURES 13–18 , 39 View FIGURES 37–42 , 169 View FIGURES 167–172 , 175 View FIGURES 173–178 ); clypeal margin at least slightly emarginate (e.g. Fig. 140 View FIGURES 137–144 ); posterior margin of gt1 at least slightly sinuous (e.g. Figs 44 View FIGURES 43–50 , 138 View FIGURES 137–144 , 150 View FIGURES 145–150 ); eye usually more elongate, height about 1.4– 1.5× length (e.g. Figs 13 View FIGURES 13–18 , 23 View FIGURES 23–28 , 125 View FIGURES 125–130 , 167 View FIGURES 167–172 , 173 View FIGURES 173–178 ), rarely shorter; colour pattern different............................... 22 22 (21) Metasoma long and acuminate, length usually about 2.6–3.6× width ( Figs 125 View FIGURES 125–130 , 137, 138 View FIGURES 137–144 ), rarely about 2.5× in specimens with a dorsally collapsed metasoma; scape usually slightly exceeding level of vertex ( Fig. 127 View FIGURES 125–130 ); fu6 usually at least slightly darker than fu5 ( Figs 128 View FIGURES 125–130 , 141 View FIGURES 137–144 ).............................................................................. 23

- Metasoma shorter and wider, length rarely as much as 2.5× width, usually about 2.0–2.3× (e.g. Figs 14 View FIGURES 13–18 , 23 View FIGURES 23–28 , 37 View FIGURES 37–42 , 145 View FIGURES 145–150 , 167 View FIGURES 167–172 , 173 View FIGURES 173–178 ); scape usually at most reaching level of vertex (e.g. Figs 15 View FIGURES 13–18 , 45 View FIGURES 43–50 , 169 View FIGURES 167–172 , 175 View FIGURES 173–178 ), if rarely exceeding it ( Fig. 25 View FIGURES 23–28 ), metasoma length less than 2.5× width; fu6 usually not darker than fu5 (e.g. Figs 26 View FIGURES 23–28 , 41 View FIGURES 37–42 , 148 View FIGURES 145–150 , 177 View FIGURES 173–178 )..................................... 24

23 (22) Metasoma acuminate, length about 3.3–3.6× width, usually light brown ( Figs 125, 126 View FIGURES 125–130 ); gt6 longer than wide, length about 1.2–1.4× width ( Fig. 130 View FIGURES 125–130 ); marginal vein about 2.5–3.0× as long as stigmal vein ( Fig. 129 View FIGURES 125–130 ); head and mesosoma usually dark bluish ( Figs 125–127 View FIGURES 125–130 ); hind tibia entirely pale ( Fig. 125 View FIGURES 125–130 )................................... N. longissimus View in CoL sp. nov.

- Metasoma less acuminate, length about 2.5–3.0× width, dark brown ( Figs 137, 138 View FIGURES 137–144 ); gt6 at least slightly wider than long, width usually about 1.2× length ( Fig. 143 View FIGURES 137–144 ); marginal vein about 2.2–2.5× as long as stigmal vein ( Fig. 142 View FIGURES 137–144 ); head and mesosoma usually with distinct coppery reflections ( Figs 137–140 View FIGURES 137–144 ); hind tibia usually at least slightly dark medially ( Figs 137, 138 View FIGURES 137–144 ).......................................................................................... N. mustatai View in CoL sp. nov.

24 (22) Posterior margin of gt1 strongly sinuous, median part strongly produced posteriorly ( Figs 150 View FIGURES 145–150 , 168 View FIGURES 167–172 ); posterior margins of gt2 and gt3 also sinuous, although less strongly so ( Fig. 150 View FIGURES 145–150 ); fore wing disc pilosity very short, mostly reduced to dots ( Figs 149 View FIGURES 145–150 , 171 View FIGURES 167–172 ); fringe on apical margin of fore wing absent ( Fig. 149 View FIGURES 145–150 ) or very short ( Fig. 171 View FIGURES 167–172 ).............................. 25

- Posterior margin of gt1 at most slightly sinuous, median part not strongly produced posteriorly; posterior margins of gt2 and gt3 virtually straight (e.g. Figs 44 View FIGURES 43–50 , 138 View FIGURES 137–144 ); fore wing disc pilosity not unusually short; fringe on apical margin of fore wing present and usually not very short (e.g. Figs 18 View FIGURES 13–18 , 27 View FIGURES 23–28 )........................................................... 26

25 (24) Postmarginal vein about as long as stigmal vein ( Fig. 149 View FIGURES 145–150 ); marginal fringe absent ( Fig. 149 View FIGURES 145–150 ); setae on head and mesosoma dense, thick and long ( Figs 145–147 View FIGURES 145–150 )...................................................... N. pilosus View in CoL sp. nov.

- Postmarginal vein about 1.7× as long as stigmal vein ( Fig. 171 View FIGURES 167–172 ); marginal fringe present, but very short on apical margin ( Fig. 171 View FIGURES 167–172 ); setae on head and mesosoma less dense, thick and long ( Figs 167–169 View FIGURES 167–172 )...................... N. prinslooi View in CoL sp. nov.

26 (24) POL about 2.5× OOL ( Fig. 176 View FIGURES 173–178 ); eye narrow, height about 1.7× length ( Fig. 173 View FIGURES 173–178 ); head almost round in frontal view, width about 1.1× height ( Fig. 175 View FIGURES 173–178 ); hind tibia entirely yellow ( Fig. 173 View FIGURES 173–178 )............................... N. rotundus View in CoL sp. nov.

- POL at most about 2.1× OOL ( Figs 16 View FIGURES 13–18 , 24 View FIGURES 23–28 , 38 View FIGURES 37–42 , 44 View FIGURES 43–50 ); eye wider, height at most about 1.5× length ( Figs 13 View FIGURES 13–18 , 23 View FIGURES 23–28 , 37 View FIGURES 37–42 , 43 View FIGURES 43–50 ); head distinctly wider than high in frontal view, width at least about 1.2× height (e.g. Figs 15 View FIGURES 13–18 , 25 View FIGURES 23–28 , 45 View FIGURES 43–50 ); hind tibia sometimes dark medially ( Fig. 43 View FIGURES 43–50 )....................................................................................... 27

27 (26) Scape about 1.1× as long as eye height, distinctly exceeding level of vertex ( Fig. 25 View FIGURES 23–28 ); length of pedicel plus flagellum greater than head width; fu6 longer than wide ( Fig. 26 View FIGURES 23–28 ); clypeal striation usually reaching to lower margins of toruli ( Fig. 25 View FIGURES 23–28 ); marginal vein about 2.0–2.2× as long as stigmal vein ( Fig. 27 View FIGURES 23–28 ); scape yellow ( Fig. 25 View FIGURES 23–28 ); metasoma yellow to brown, ovipositor sheaths always blackish ( Figs 23, 24 View FIGURES 23–28 )......................................................... N. awi View in CoL sp. nov.

- Scape at most about as long as eye height, if a little longer than at most slightly exceeding level of vertex ( Figs 15 View FIGURES 13–18 , 39 View FIGURES 37–42 , 45 View FIGURES 43–50 ); other characters not in the above combination............................................................. 28

28 (27) Clava yellow and short, length at most 2.2× width ( Fig. 41 View FIGURES 37–42 ); fu6 transverse to quadrate, appearing as part of clava ( Fig. 41 View FIGURES 37–42 ); POL about 2.1–2.2× as long as OOL ( Fig. 38 View FIGURES 37–42 ); marginal vein about 2.0–2.3× as long as stigmal vein ( Fig. 42 View FIGURES 37–42 ); metasoma yellow to brown, without metallic reflections; ovipositor sheaths black ( Figs 37, 38 View FIGURES 37–42 ); last metasomal tergite always at least slightly darker than the rest of tergites ( Figs 37, 38 View FIGURES 37–42 ).......................................... N. breviclava View in CoL sp. nov.

- Clava darker and longer, length at least about 2.4× width ( Figs 17 View FIGURES 13–18 , 47 View FIGURES 43–50 ); fu6 usually longer than wide, not appearing as part of clava ( Figs 17 View FIGURES 13–18 , 47 View FIGURES 43–50 ); POL about 1.4–2.1× as long as OOL ( Figs 16 View FIGURES 13–18 , 46 View FIGURES 43–50 ); marginal vein about 1.6–2.8× as long as stigmal vein ( Figs 18 View FIGURES 13–18 , 48 View FIGURES 43–50 ); metasoma usually dark, often with metallic reflections, but sometimes brownish; ovipositor sheaths the same colour as the rest of metasoma ( Figs 13, 14 View FIGURES 13–18 , 43, 44 View FIGURES 43–50 ); last metasomal tergite not conspicuously darker than the rest of tergites ( Figs 14 View FIGURES 13–18 , 44 View FIGURES 43–50 )....................................................................................... 29

29 (28) POL about 1.7–2.1× as long as OOL ( Fig. 46 View FIGURES 43–50 ); temples short and convergent ( Fig. 46 View FIGURES 43–50 ); clava more acute before spicula ( Fig. 47 View FIGURES 43–50 ); marginal vein about 1.6–2.0× as long as stigmal vein ( Fig. 48 View FIGURES 43–50 ); all tibiae brownish medially ( Fig. 43 View FIGURES 43–50 ); stigmal vein usually from slightly to conspicuously lighter than the rest of venation.............................. N. caloramans View in CoL sp. nov.

- POL about 1.4–1.7× as long as OOL ( Fig. 16 View FIGURES 13–18 ); temples longer and less convergent ( Fig. 16 View FIGURES 13–18 ); clava less acute before spicula ( Fig. 17 View FIGURES 13–18 ); marginal vein about 1.8–2.8× as long as stigmal vein ( Fig. 18 View FIGURES 13–18 ); mid and hind tibiae whitish to yellow, hind tibia rarely slightly dark medially ( Fig. 13 View FIGURES 13–18 ); stigmal vein usually not conspicuously lighter than the rest of venation............................................................................................ N. africanus Subba Rao View in CoL

30 (1) Head with distinct elevation between eye and posterior ocellus ( Fig. 56 View FIGURES 51–56 , cf. Fig. 53 View FIGURES 51–56 ); clypeal margin slightly produced (cf. Fig. 53 View FIGURES 51–56 ); each funicular segment widened at both ends, with two whorls of long setae, separated from each other by thin tubular connections ( Fig. 56 View FIGURES 51–56 ).................................................................... N. draco View in CoL sp. nov.

- Head without distinct elevation between eye and posterior ocellus (e.g. Figs 21 View FIGURES 19–22 , 50 View FIGURES 43–50 , 79 View FIGURES 77–82 , 107 View FIGURES 105–108 , 123 View FIGURES 121–124 ); clypeal margin straight (cf. Fig. 85 View FIGURES 83–88 ) or emarginate (e.g. Figs 50 View FIGURES 43–50 , 123 View FIGURES 121–124 ); funicular segments sometimes different................................ 31

31 (30) Each funicular segment of uniform width except sometimes small bumps where setae emerge, occasionally the proximal segments slightly conical; funicular segments with several rows of usually short setae, and separated from each other by at most short tubular connection (e.g. Figs 81 View FIGURES 77–82 , 108 View FIGURES 105–108 , 124 View FIGURES 121–124 , 194 View FIGURES 187–194 , 204, 208 View FIGURES 201–208 , 218 View FIGURES 215–218 ); spiracular sulci present (cf. Fig. 103 View FIGURES 99–104 ) or absent (cf. Fig. 11 View FIGURES 7–12 , 164 View FIGURES 159–166 )........................................................................................... 32

- Each funicular segment widened both proximally and distally, with at most two whorls of long setae each, and separated from each other mostly by long tubular connections (e.g. Figs 22 View FIGURES 19–22 , 70 View FIGURES 63–70 , 158 View FIGURES 151–158 , 172 View FIGURES 167–172 ); spiracular sulci absent (cf. Fig. 11 View FIGURES 7–12 , 164 View FIGURES 159–166 )..... 40

32 (31) Metasoma brownish-black, without large subbasal pale spot, at most slightly lighter basally or at level of articulations between gastral tergites ( Fig. 208 View FIGURES 201–208 ); basal cell pilose (cf. Figs 203, 207 View FIGURES 201–208 ); extralimital species (North Africa)................... 33 - Metasoma with large subbasal pale spot, both dorsally and ventrally (e.g. Figs 20 View FIGURES 19–22 , 49 View FIGURES 43–50 , 92 View FIGURES 89–92 , 107 View FIGURES 105–108 , 122 View FIGURES 121–124 , 172 View FIGURES 167–172 ); basal cell glabrous (e.g. Figs 12 View FIGURES 7–12 , 18 View FIGURES 13–18 , 34 View FIGURES 29–36 , 55 View FIGURES 51–56 , 165 View FIGURES 159–166 , 178 View FIGURES 173–178 ); Afrotropical or extralimital species (North Africa)............................ 34

33 (32) Antenna with pedicel plus flagellum shorter than head width ( Fig. 204 View FIGURES 201–208 ); head width about 2.1–2.2× length in dorsal view; head bluish-black, mesosoma bluish, eyes reddish ( Fig. 204 View FIGURES 201–208 )....................................... N. cerasiops (Masi) View in CoL

- Antenna with pedicel plus flagellum longer than head width ( Fig. 208 View FIGURES 201–208 ); head width about 1.9× length in dorsal view; head and mesosoma blackish, with slight blue-green reflections, eyes brownish ( Fig. 208 View FIGURES 201–208 )................... N. obscurus (Masi) View in CoL

34 (32) Base of metasoma dorsally, next to petiole, orange or at most slightly infuscate ( Fig. 216 View FIGURES 215–218 ); funicular segments short and thick, covered by short dense setae ( Figs 217, 218 View FIGURES 215–218 ); North African species............................. N. guyoni (Giraud) View in CoL

- Base of metasoma dorsally, next to petiole, conspicuously dark (e.g. Figs 107 View FIGURES 105–108 , 122 View FIGURES 121–124 ; cf. Figs 20 View FIGURES 19–22 , 62 View FIGURES 57–62 , 200 View FIGURES 195–200 ); funicular segments longer and thinner, sometimes covered by less dense setae ( Figs 81 View FIGURES 77–82 , 92 View FIGURES 89–92 , 108 View FIGURES 105–108 , 124 View FIGURES 121–124 , 166 View FIGURES 159–166 , 194 View FIGURES 187–194 ); Afrotropical species....... 35

35 (34) Scutellum strongly convex, globose ( Fig. 92 View FIGURES 89–92 ); spiracular sulcus indicated at least by an oval depression below spiracle, but usually by a more or less deep groove separating propodeal median area from callus (cf. Fig. 91 View FIGURES 89–92 ); anterior area of metapleuron with very shallow sculpture, shiny (cf. Fig. 86 View FIGURES 83–88 ); clypeal margin virtually straight (cf. Fig. 85 View FIGURES 83–88 ); funicular segments long and thin ( Fig. 92 View FIGURES 89–92 ); head and mesosoma black ( Fig. 92 View FIGURES 89–92 )................................................. N. gibber View in CoL sp. nov.

- Scutellum moderately convex, not globose ( Figs 77 View FIGURES 77–82 , 106 View FIGURES 105–108 , 121 View FIGURES 121–124 , 166 View FIGURES 159–166 , 193 View FIGURES 187–194 ); spiracular sulci sometimes absent (cf. Fig. 164 View FIGURES 159–166 ); metapleuron usually uniformly reticulate, rarely partly shiny (cf. Fig. 163 View FIGURES 159–166 ); clypeal margin usually emarginate (cf. Fig. 140 View FIGURES 137–144 ), rarely straight; funicular segments sometimes less long and thin ( Fig. 194 View FIGURES 187–194 ); head and mesosoma black ( Figs 121, 122 View FIGURES 121–124 ) or with conspicuous metallic reflections ( Figs 107 View FIGURES 105–108 , 166 View FIGURES 159–166 , 193 View FIGURES 187–194 )....................................................... 36

36 (35) Propodeum with spiracular sulci indicated at least by a depression between median area and each callus (cf. Fig. 103 View FIGURES 99–104 )... 37

- Propodeum with spiracular sulci absent (cf. Fig. 164 View FIGURES 159–166 )....................................................... 38

37 (36) Metapleuron uniformly reticulate; scape exceeding scape exceeding level of vertex by about half scape length (cf. Fig. 21 View FIGURES 19–22 ); marginal vein about 3.2–3.5× as long as stigmal vein (cf. Fig. 104 View FIGURES 99–104 ); pedicel plus flagellum about 1.7–2.8× head width; head and mesosoma mainly dark green ( Figs 106, 107 View FIGURES 105–108 ); eyes usually bright red ( Fig. 106 View FIGURES 105–108 ); all tibiae pale yellow ( Figs 106, 107 View FIGURES 105–108 )...................................................................................... N. incombo View in CoL sp. nov.

- Anterior edge of metapleuron shiny; scape exceeding level of vertex by about 1/3–1/4 scape length (cf. Fig. 50 View FIGURES 43–50 ); marginal vein about 2.3–2.4× as long as stigmal vein (cf. Fig. 192 View FIGURES 187–194 ); pedicel plus flagellum about 1.6–1.7× head width; head and mesosoma mainly coppery (fig. 193); eyes mostly brownish-red (fig. 193); only hind tibiae pale yellow (fig. 193).. N. sunabron View in CoL sp. nov.

38 (36) Head and mesosoma with conspicuous metallic reflections, mainly dark violet ( Fig. 166 View FIGURES 159–166 ); eyes bright red ( Fig. 166 View FIGURES 159–166 )........................................................................................... N. polaszeki View in CoL sp. nov.

- Head and mesosoma black, at most with slight metallic reflections ( Figs 76–80 View FIGURES 71–76 View FIGURES 77–82 , 121–123 View FIGURES 121–124 ); eyes dark brown to black ( Figs 76– 81 View FIGURES 71–76 View FIGURES 77–82 , 121–123 View FIGURES 121–124 )....................................................................................... 39

39 (38) Mesosoma strongly arched dorsally, length about 1.1–1.3× width and 1.2–1.3× height ( Fig. 121 View FIGURES 121–124 ); scape short, not or only slightly exceeding level of vertex, usually black ( Fig. 123 View FIGURES 121–124 ); pedicel plus flagellum about 1.6–1.9× head width; proximal funicular segments usually distinctly widened distally ( Figs 122, 124 View FIGURES 121–124 )............................ N. kitegaensis (Risbec) View in CoL

- Mesosoma less strongly arched dorsally, length about 1.3–1.4× width and 1.3–1.4× height ( Fig. 76 View FIGURES 71–76 , 77 View FIGURES 77–82 ); scape longer, well exceeding level of vertex, usually brown ( Figs 79, 81 View FIGURES 77–82 ); pedicel plus flagellum about 1.7–2.2× head width; proximal funicular segments usually not or only slightly widened distally ( Figs 76 View FIGURES 71–76 , 81 View FIGURES 77–82 )............................. N. garouae (Risbec) View in CoL

40 (31) Upper mesepimeron entirely reticulate (cf. Fig. 155 View FIGURES 151–158 )......................................... N. pleuralis View in CoL sp. nov.

- Upper mesepimeron at least partly smooth (cf. Figs 113 View FIGURES 109–114 , 163 View FIGURES 159–166 )................................................ 41

41 (40) Mesoscutum long, width about 1.2–1.6× length (cf. Figs 180 View FIGURES 179–186 , 196 View FIGURES 195–200 )............................................ 42

- Mesoscutum shorter, width about 1.8–2.1× length (cf. Figs 14 View FIGURES 13–18 , 24 View FIGURES 23–28 , 30 View FIGURES 29–36 , 44 View FIGURES 43–50 , 58 View FIGURES 57–62 , 138 View FIGURES 137–144 )............................... 44

42 (41) Mesoscutum width about 1.6× length; fore wing disc pilosity very short, mostly reduced to dots; marginal fringe on apical margin of fore wing very short, almost indistinct ( Fig. 171 View FIGURES 167–172 ).................................... N. prinslooi View in CoL sp. nov.

- Mesoscutum width about 1.2–1.5× length (cf. Figs 180 View FIGURES 179–186 , 196 View FIGURES 195–200 ); fore wing disc pilosity not unusually short; marginal fringe on apical margin of fore wing distinct ( Fig. 199 View FIGURES 195–200 )............................................................. 43

43 (42) Eye large, height about 1.5–1.7× length of malar space; temple about 0.2–0.3× as long as eye in dorsal view; fore wing narrow, length about 2.5–2.8× width; marginal vein about 2.4–2.7× stigmal vein (cf. Fig. 184 View FIGURES 179–186 ); all tibiae uniformly yellow ( Fig. 186 View FIGURES 179–186 )...................................................................................... N. seyrigi (Risbec) View in CoL

- Eye smaller, height about 1.2–1.5× length of malar space; temple about 0.3–0.4× as long as eye in dorsal view; fore wing wider, length about 2.2–2.5× width; marginal vein about 2.0–2.4× stigmal vein ( Fig. 199 View FIGURES 195–200 ); mid and hind tibiae medially dark ( Fig. 200 View FIGURES 195–200 )......................................................................... N. tenuicornis Bouček View in CoL

44 (41) Head and mesosoma dark, at most with some bronze reflections ( Figs 36 View FIGURES 29–36 , 70 View FIGURES 63–70 ); temple short, about 0.1–0.2× as long as eye in dorsal view, and strongly convergent (cf. Figs 32 View FIGURES 29–36 , 66 View FIGURES 63–70 )...................................................... 45

- Head and mesosoma usually with strong metallic reflections ( Figs 20 View FIGURES 19–22 , 28 View FIGURES 23–28 , 49 View FIGURES 43–50 , 62 View FIGURES 57–62 , 144 View FIGURES 137–144 ) or if sometimes quite dark, then temple longer, about 0.2–0.4× as long as eye in dorsal view, and less strongly convergent (cf. Figs 16 View FIGURES 13–18 , 138 View FIGURES 137–144 ).................. 46

45 (44) Setae on funicular segments shorter than length of segments; claval segments separated by deep constrictions ( Fig. 36 View FIGURES 29–36 ); Madagascar and Mauritius............................................................... N. brevicephalus View in CoL sp. nov.

- Setae on funicular segments longer than length of segments; claval segments compact ( Fig. 70 View FIGURES 63–70 ); continental Africa........................................................................................... N. foritempus View in CoL sp. nov.

46 (44) Scape and pedicel usually yellow to light brown, without metallic reflections, contrasting with darker flagellum ( Figs 28 View FIGURES 23–28 , 62 View FIGURES 57–62 ); length of pedicel plus flagellum about 1.8–2.2× head width.................................................. 47

- Scape and pedicel usually dark brown to black, mostly with conspicuous metallic reflections and not or only slightly contrasting with flagellum ( Figs 22 View FIGURES 19–22 , 49, 50 View FIGURES 43–50 , 144 View FIGURES 137–144 ); length of pedicel plus flagellum about 1.6–2.1× head width................ 48

47 (46) Scape long, exceeding level of vertex by more than half scape length ( Fig. 28 View FIGURES 23–28 ); length of pedicel plus flagellum about 2.2× head width; setae on funicular segments emerging at a virtually right angle to segment ( Fig. 28 View FIGURES 23–28 ); propodeum with sculpture about as coarse as scutellum and both about the same colour (cf. Fig. 24 View FIGURES 23–28 ); head and mesosoma dorsally blue-green ( Fig. 28 View FIGURES 23–28 , cf. Fig. 24 View FIGURES 23–28 ); hind femur brownish ( Fig. 28 View FIGURES 23–28 )........................................................ N. awi View in CoL sp. nov.

- Scape shorter, exceeding level of vertex by less than half scape length ( Fig. 62 View FIGURES 57–62 ); length of pedicel plus flagellum about 1.8– 1.9× head width; setae on funicular segments emerging at an acute angle to segment ( Fig. 62 View FIGURES 57–62 ); propodeum with sculpture somewhat less coarse than that of scutellum and appearing lighter in colour (cf. Fig. 58 View FIGURES 57–62 ); head and mesosoma except propodeum dorsally bluish-black, with some violet reflections ( Fig. 62 View FIGURES 57–62 , cf. Fig. 58 View FIGURES 57–62 ), propodeum green to golden-green; hind femur orange ( Fig. 62 View FIGURES 57–62 )........................................................................ N. erebus View in CoL sp. nov.

48 (46) Scape exceeding level of vertex by at most about 1/3 scape length ( Fig. 50 View FIGURES 43–50 ); length of pedicel plus flagellum about 1.6–1.8× head width; POL at least 1.7× as long as OOL, usually more (cf. Fig. 46 View FIGURES 43–50 ); hind tibia always infuscate medially ( Fig. 49 View FIGURES 43–50 )..................................................................................... N. caloramans View in CoL sp. nov.

- Scape exceeding level of vertex by about half scape length or slightly less ( Fig. 21 View FIGURES 19–22 ); length of pedicel plus flagellum about 1.7– 2.1× head width; POL at most 1.7× as long as OOL, usually less (cf. Fig. 16 View FIGURES 13–18 ); hind tibia infuscate or pale............. 49

49 (48) Head and mesosoma dark bronze, with some golden-green reflections ( Fig. 144 View FIGURES 137–144 ); body length greater than 3 mm .............................................................................................. N. mustatai View in CoL sp. nov.

- Head and mesosoma blue-green, rarely with some golden reflections ( Fig. 20 View FIGURES 19–22 ); body length less than 3 mm ................................................................................................ N. africanus Subba Rao View in CoL

Afrotropical species of Norbanus View in CoL