Author Description

The Afrotropical Cynipoidea are taxonomically and biologically poorly known, a situation typical for wasp taxa from this region. We are systematically researching all Afrotropical cynipoids, and the present research on Oberthuerellinae (Hymenoptera: Liopteridae) is a major component towards this goal. This monograph covers oberthuerelline diversity across the entire Afrotropical Region, re-describing the known fauna, and adding an additional 11 new species to the scientific record. Keys to all genera and species are provided, illustrated with digital color images, and with links to on-line multi-entry keys. Prior to this work, there has not been a comprehensive, species-level review of this subfamily. Specimens of obethuerellines are rarely collected, and even recent, intensive collections, in Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Gabon and Central African Republic have yielded precious few specimens. It is quite likely we have only scratched the surface with respect to understanding the diversity of this group, and we hope this monograph will help ignite new efforts studying this rare, and often mysterious, group of cynipoid wasps.