Amblyjoppa Cameron, 1902
Amblyjoppa is a moderate-sized genus of rather large wasps that resembles Coelichneumon and Protichneumon in structure, particularly in the posteriorly sloping propodeum with an elongated second lateral area and the deeply impressed gastrocoeli. It is primarily differentiated from both genera by the amblypygous females.
The single Nearctic species, Amblyjoppa magna, is rarely collected and has only been recorded from Colorado and Nebraska. It is rather similar to the Callojoppa genus-group due to the robust head, lack of a median field on the postpetiole, and amblypygous females. However, it lacks a distinct, raised, polished "boss", and the anterior margin of the propodeum does not strongly slope downward. It is an open question as to whether A. magna is more closely related to Coelichneumon and Protichneumon or to the Callojoppa genus-group.
The best way to identify A. magna is based on coloration. This species is fairly large and mostly black except for the small yellowish band on the flagellum, yellowish area on the fore tibia, and reddish to brownish-yellow second and third metasomal tergites.
Diagnosis
- female metasomal apex amblypygous
- propodeum sloping posteriorly (without distinct dorsal and posterior faces) and with second lateral area long as in Coelichneumon
- gastrocoeli deeply impressed
- thyridia wide and well-developed