Comparative morphology of the venom apparatus in some subfamilies of braconid wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Venom apparatus morphology has been investigated in 23 species of 6 subfamilies of Braconidae: Braconinae, Doryctinae, Exothecinae, Rogadinae, Opiinae and Cheloninae. Several significant characters are described and illustrated. Differences in the presence or absence of constrictions dividing the reservoir into a number of distinct regions, the number and position of the insertions of the venom gland ducts on the reservoir, the branching pattern of the venom glands, and in the evennes and distribution of the spiral thickenings of the reservoir and duct intima are discussed.