Ctenostegus hansoni sp. nov., a new species of spider wasp endemic to Lord Howe Island (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

Researchers have identified Ctenostegus hansoni sp. nov., a new species of spider wasp endemic to Lord Howe Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique and highly endemic biota. This discovery highlights the island's significance in evolutionary studies, particularly regarding long-distance dispersal and speciation from mainland Australia. The study, conducted during 2017-2018 expeditions, provides detailed morphological descriptions and an identification key for the C. immitis species-group, along with new distribution records for Hymenoptera on the island, including additional genera of Pompilidae and a first record for Mutillidae. The findings underscore the importance of oceanic islands as hotspots for biodiversity and evolutionary research.

Rodriguez, J., & Evangelista, O. (2022). Ctenostegus hansoni sp. nov., a new species of spider wasp endemic to Lord Howe Island (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae). Austral Entomology, 61(3), 323–339. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12616