The Aculeata of French Polynesia. III. Sphecidae, with the record of three new species for the Society Islands (Hymenoptera)

The sphecid fauna of French Polynesia, limited until now to Sceliphron caementarium (Drury), is increased by three species recently introduced in the Society Islands: Sceliphron laetum (Smith), S. curvatum (Smith) and Chalybion bengalense (Dahlbom). The presence of S. curvatum in French Polynesia considerably broadens the known distribution of this species which is native to Asia and introduced into Europe and both North and South America. Chalybion bengalense is also reported from New Caledonia for the first time, as well as Sceliphron laetum from Wallis and Futuna. The distribution, biology and potential impact of each species on the arachnofauna are discussed. An identification key to the Sphecidae of French Polynesia is provided.Original Abstract: La faune des Sphecidae de Polynesie francaise, limitee jusqu'a present a Sceliphron caementarium (Drury), est ici augmentee de trois especes recemment introduites dans les iles de la Societe : Sceliphron laetum (Smith), S. curvatum (Smith) et Chalybion bengalense (Dahlbom). La presence de S. curvatum en Polynesie francaise agrandit considerablement la repartition connue de cette espece originaire d'Asie et introduite en Europe comme aux Ameriques. Chalybion bengalense est egalement cite de Nouvelle-Caledonie pour la premiere fois, de meme que Sceliphron laetum de Wallis-et-Futuna. La distribution, la biologie, ainsi que l'impact potentiel de chaque espece sur l'arachnofaune sont precises. Une cle d'identification est proposee, permettant de distinguer l'ensemble des especes presentes sur le territoire.