Anisopygus Kriechbaumer, 1888
Anisopygus is a small, rare, and difficult to identify genus. There are two described Nearctic species and at least one undescribed species in southern California. All Nearctic species are black with yellow markings. Both sexes generally resemble Cratichneumon, especially in the surface sculpture of the postpetiole of the first metasomal segment, which varies from entirely smooth to smooth with some rugosity. Females are relatively easily separated from Cratichneumon as Anisopygus females are amblypygous (Cratichneumon is oxypygous). Males are nearly identical to Cratichneumon except for the usually smoother sculpture on the postpetiole and the poorly-developed to subobsolete propodeal carinae. A comparison of color between Anisopygus species and black Cratichneumon species should also be considered.
Diagnosis
- first metasomal segment (first segment of apparent abdomen) with postpetiole usually granulate or infrequently smooth
- anterior margin of propodeum without medial process
- propodeal carinae poorly developed
- female metasomal apex amblypygous