Linzer biol. Beitr. 41/2 1871-1935 18.12.2009 A Catalogue of the Vespidae of the Malagasy Subregion (Insecta, Hymenoptera) J.M. CARPENTER & M. MADL 1 A b s t r a c t : We record 120 species and four subspecies of the family Vespidae from the Malagasy Subregion. The subfamily Eumeninae is represented by 44 species and four subspecies in 21 genera and the subfamily Polistinae by 67 species in three genera. The generic position of nine species is still unknown. New records for the islands of the southwest Indian Ocean are provided. Odynerus farquharensis CAMERON 1907 is transferred to the genus Knemodynerus BLÜTHGEN 1940 and Epiodynerus grandidieri limbatulus GIORDANI SOIKA 1991 to the genus Anterhynchium de SAUSSURE 1863, new combinations. K e y w o r d s : Vespidae, Malagasy Subregion, catalogue, taxonomy, new records. Introduction The Malagasy Subregion consists of a number of islands of quite different origins. Madagascar and the Seychelles (Inner Seychelles) are continental, while other islands are oceanic islands of volcanic (Comoros, Mayotte, Réunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues) or coralline origin (e. g. Aldabra, Amirantes, Agalega). These islands moreover show a greater range of ages than most other island regions. This diversity of islands, and the complex effects of land separation, emergence and habitat isolation, is responsible for an extraordinary biodiversity in the region, which is both largely endemic and highly threatened (habitat loss, invasive species). Inventory of the biota is an urgent priority, but is hampered by the scattered literature in many taxa. The wasp family Vespidae exemplifies these points. Madagascar is notable for a high concentration of the social wasp genera Belonogaster de SAUSSURE 1854 and Ropalidia GUÉRIN-MÉNEVILLE 1831 and these taxa have received considerable attention, as documented herein. But the solitary wasps of the subfamily Eumeninae have never seen a comprehensive treatment, and this is by far the most diverse part of the Vespidae worldwide. The aim of this catalogue is to bring together all the fragmentary literature on the family, thereby providing a summary that can serve as the basis for future progress in the knowledge of the group. In addition scientists should consult the catalogue of the Ethiopian Eumeninae compiled by Carpenter, Gusenleitner and Madl, of which the first part has already been published (CARPENTER et al. 2009). 1 This paper is dedicated to Josef Gusenleitner on the occasion of his 80 th birthday, in thanks for collaboration over many years. © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at