Species delimitation using morphology, morphometrics, and molecules: definition of the Ophionscutellaris Thomson species group, with descriptions of six new species (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae).

The diverse genus Ophion is almost entirely undescribed in the Nearctic region. In this paper we define the Ophionscutellaris species group. This species group is well-supported by analysis of DNA (ITS2, COI, and 28S D2-D3) and morphology. It includes the Palearctic species Ophionscutellaris and the Nearctic species Ophionidoneus. An integrative analysis of DNA, geometric wing morphometrics, classical morphometrics and qualitative morphology indicates that this species group contains a minimum of seven species in North America, although the full diversity of the group has likely not been sampled. Ophionclave Schwarzfeld, sp. n., Ophionaureus Schwarzfeld, sp. n., Ophionbrevipunctatus Schwarzfeld, sp. n., Ophiondombroskii Schwarzfeld, sp. n., Ophionkeala Schwarzfeld, sp. n. and Ophionimportunus Schwarzfeld, sp. n. are described, and a key to the known Nearctic species of the Ophionscutellaris group is provided.