Revision of the enigmatic Australasian genus Miropotes Nixon (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae), with comments on the phylogenetic importance of the female ovipositor system

The endemic Australasian microgastrine genus Miropotes Nixon, previously known from two species, M. creon Nixon from Tasmania and M. petiolaris (Szépligeti) from N.S.W., is revised. A further eight species are described as new (M. burringbaris, M. boothis, M. chookolis, M. goobitis, M. kilkulunis, M. cadgeis, M. katois and M. thuraris) , two of which represent the first record of the genus outside continental Australia (viz New Guinea, New Hebrides and New Caledonia). A key to species is presented along with information on the first host record for the genus. Relationships between Miropotes and other microgastrine genera are discussed, particularly in reference to the structure of the ovipositor and hypopygium, which have bearing on the current tribal classification of the subfamily.