The taxonomic position of Aceratoneuromyia granulans Domenichini (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) as judged by characteristics of its courtship behaviour

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Abstract
Aceratoneuromyia has been considered a close relative of Melittobia and allies by several authors. Evidence from courtship behaviour suggests that such a relationship is very unlikely. Furthermore, the courtship of Aceratoneuromyia granulans is interesting from a comparative point of view in that it is rigidly organized, with an alternation of so‐called low‐ and high‐phases. It has been hypothesized earlier that these phase shifts coincide with motivational changes underlying courtship behaviour. The low‐phase was supposed to be an expression of a relative predominance of the tendency to copulate. Low‐phase behaviour of A.granulans seems to be straightforward copulatory behaviour, though not oriented towards the female's genital orifice.