Pristaulacus vilhelmseni is newly recorded from Thailand based on a female from Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai; its holotype is from Laos. Diagnostic traits include a mostly black body, dark wing band, U-shaped occipital groove, slender petiole and an ovipositor 1.1 times forewing length. The Thai barcode showed a reported 14.3% divergence from P. chiangmaiensis, extending the known range across the Mekong region.
Key findings
- This is the first Thai record of the species. • The Doi Inthanon specimen connects the range with Laos. • Morphology and DNA barcode support identification.
Why this matters globally
The record refines parasitoid distribution maps and highlights northern Thai highlands in cross-border diversity.
Thai researcher contribution
A Chulalongkorn University researcher contributes analysis and curation of the Doi Inthanon specimen.
Limitations to consider
The record relies on one female from one collection event; host, population persistence and full range remain unknown.