Description of the male Gonatopus pinhalensis (Dryinidae, Gonatopodinae) supported by DNA barcoding and new host records

Abstract Gonatopus Ljungh, 1810, third most diverse genus within the Dryinidae, exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, posing challenges in associating sexes. This study focuses on Gonatopus pinhalensis Martins, 2020, a species with limited sexual association records. Through DNA barcoding, we establish the first sexual association for this species, utilizing specimens obtained from different hosts. The male and female specimens exhibited a 1.92% pairwise difference in their mitochondrial COI sequences, confirming their conspecificity. Morphological description for the male and additional material are provided, emphasizing external features due to limited information on male genitalia. Host associations with Amplicephalus sp., Copidinomus vittulatus, Stirellus picinus, Graminella striatella , and Metadelphax argentinesis were documented. The study highlights the significance of DNA barcoding in overcoming challenges posed by the sexual dimorphism of Gonatopus species. This research contributes to the understanding of Dryinidae fauna, not only in Brazil but also in the Neotropic, emphasizing the need for further breeding studies and continued molecular techniques application.