Mapping of Figitidae in Norway (NORFIG)
Hymenoptera (wasps) are by far the most poorly mapped insect group in Norway. It is expected that there are nearly 8,000 species of wasps in Norway, while hardly more than 4300 are registered.
The family Figitidae is a relatively small family, but even here is the level of knowledge low. The database Fauna Europaea operates with a number of 35 species of the family Figitidae occurring in Norway, but European experts indicate that we might have more than 150 species. In Sweden, a total of 189 species are recorded, compared with 425 species in Europe. It is therefore most likely that the project will reveal several new species for Norway.
Figitid wasps (Figitidae) are parasites of insects with complete metamorphosis; most of them attack different larvae of flies (Diptera). They are closely related to gall wasps (Cynipidae) and have a very similar appearance as well. Instead of developing in plant tissue like gall wasps, figitid wasps live as parasites on other insects.
The project will increase the knowledge of figitid wasps in Norway through mapping of new species and compilation of data to. This will involve collecting new material for identification, DNA sequencing and preparation, as well as the determination of material previously collected through inventories in The Norwegian Taxonomic Initiative.
Project leader: Frode Ødegaard, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research
Project period: January 2015 – December 2017
Collaborating partners: University of Barcelona and The Swedish Museum of Natural History