Testing the generic status of Philoverdance and revising the Philotrypesis ravii species group (Otitesellini, Pteromalidae) associated with Ficus tinctoria (Moraceae)

Philotrypesis Förster is one of the most species-rich genera of non-pollinating fig wasps associated with Old World fig trees (Moraceae, Ficus). Philoverdance Priyadarsanan was initially established to accommodate a morphologically distinctive species of Philotrypesis associated with Ficus tinctoria in India, but its phylogenetic position remained uncertain. We reassessed the status of Philoverdance using morphology and genomic data.

Philoverdance was recovered nested within Philotrypesis, supporting its synonymization with Philotrypesis syn. nov. and its treatment as the P. ravii species group. In depth analysis of the species group revealed five species associated with F. tinctoria: P. ravii Priyadarsanan, P. minang Li & Rasplus, sp. nov. (Sunda), P. bannaensis Li & Rasplus, sp. nov.

(Sino-Himalaya), P. paiwan Li & Rasplus, sp. nov. (Sino-Himalaya), and P. arfak Li & Rasplus, sp. nov. (Australasia).

COI divergences among species ranged from 6.1 to 8.4 %, supporting their distinctiveness. Both COI and BUSCO-based phylogenies recovered a western clade associated with F. tinctoria subsp. gibbosa and an eastern clade associated with F. tinctoria subsp. tinctoria. Molecular, morphological and biogeographic evidence were largely congruent, revealing a geographically structured diversification pattern across the range of the host plant.

Diagnoses, descriptions and identification keys for females and males are provided for all species.