''Maaminga '' is a genus of parasitic
wasps containing two species and constituting the
family Maamingidae. So far only known from
New Zealand, the two named species are ''
Maaminga marrisi
''Maaminga '' is a genus of parasitic wasps containing two species and constituting the family Maamingidae. So far only known from New Zealand, the two named species are '' Maaminga marrisi'' and '' M. rangi''. The genus (and family) name derive ...
'' and ''
M. rangi''. The genus (and family) name derives from the Māori word "māminga", simply translated as "trickster" as the species evaded discovery for so long.
The delicate and slender ''
Maaminga rangi
''Maaminga '' is a genus of parasitic wasps containing two species and constituting the family Maamingidae. So far only known from New Zealand, the two named species are '' Maaminga marrisi'' and '' M. rangi''. The genus (and family) name derive ...
'' is common in forests, particularly
kauri forests of the northern part of the North Island. The more robust and stocky ''
Maaminga marrisi
''Maaminga '' is a genus of parasitic wasps containing two species and constituting the family Maamingidae. So far only known from New Zealand, the two named species are '' Maaminga marrisi'' and '' M. rangi''. The genus (and family) name derive ...
'', which is polymorphic for wing size (brachyterous, fully winged), appears to be associated with coastal scrub, and forest, particularly on offshore islands, but is also found in alpine snow tussock. Maamingidae was placed within the Proctotrupoidea,
but was later moved to the superfamily Diaprioidea along with
Diapriidae and
Monomachidae.
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q14539490
Hymenoptera genera
Endemic fauna of New Zealand
Endemic insects of New Zealand