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This is the first case of host record for parasitoid wasps of the genus Diglyphus Walker (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) from the Anthomyiidae (Diptera) family. This result is based on specimens of D. anadolucus Doğanlar, 1982 which reared from parasitized larval specimen of Pegomya terebrans (Rondani) as a leaf miner of cotton thistle, Onopordum acanthium L. (Asteraceae). Diglyphus anadolucus is reported from Iran for the first time. Some biological notes and morphological characteristics of D. anadolucus along with related photographs are given. An updated checklist of the twelve known Diglyphus species in Iran togther with their host associations is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Combining different biocontrol agents, particularly micro‐ and macroorganisms, can contribute to new and sustainable pest control approaches. Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most destructive pests of solanaceous crops. An emerging management strategy consists of biological control using microbial insecticides such as baculoviruses, but with limited efficacy. Thanks to their high target specificity, baculoviruses can be used simultaneously with natural enemies such as parasitoids for improved control of T. absoluta. However, potential indirect nontarget effects of baculoviruses on parasitoids can result from overlapping resource requirements. We assessed whether ovipositing parasitoid females discriminated against virus‐treated hosts and examined the outcome of within‐host competition between the hymenopteran parasitoids Necremnus tutae (Reuter) (Eulophidae) and Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris Marsch (Braconidae), and the Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhopGV, Baculoviridae) that infects T. absoluta larvae. RESULTS: Female D. gelechiidivoris discriminated against virus‐treated hosts, whereas N. tutae did not. We found few indirect virus‐related effects depending on the species, the sex, and the time of virus treatment. Effects were ambivalent for D. gelechiidivoris offspring and ranged from increased male longevity when infection occurred before parasitization to reduced emergence and male longevity when infection occurred after parasitization. N. tutae offspring showed a longer development time and shorter male longevity when they developed in virus‐treated hosts. CONCLUSION: The virus had a low impact on parasitoid offspring. In rare cases, adverse effects were detected; however, the low magnitude of these effects is unlikely to reduce the fitness of parasitoid offspring, therefore both parasitoids seem compatible with the baculovirus for control of T. absoluta. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lepidoptera caterpillars are important pests around the world that decrease crop production, including that of soybeans. The use of insecticides and bioinsecticides is the main control strategy for these pests. Biological control with parasitoids, in combination with insecticides, is widely used as an alternative. However, the use of insecticides with parasitoids depends on tests to assess the survival/mortality of these natural enemies for each insecticide. Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian & Margabandhu, 1942 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a polyphagous pupal parasitoid that mainly comprises defoliating lepidopterans. This study evaluated the mortality of T. diatraeae from seven insecticides (acephate, azadirachtin, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), deltamethrin, lufenuron, teflubenzuron and thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin). The insecticides were sprayed on soybean leaves, which were left to dry and placed in cages with 10 T. diatraeae females. The insecticides azadirachtin, Bt, lufenuron and teflubenzuron did not affect T. diatraeae survival; deltamethrin and thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin presented low toxicity; and acephate was highly toxic, causing 100% mortality in this parasitoid. Azadirachtin, Bt, lufenuron and teflubenzuron are selective for T. diatraeae. Selectivity is an important aspect of modern insecticides to be able to target pests whilst maintaining beneficial entomofauna in the crop. The present objective was to assess the selectivity of different insecticides for the pupal parasitoid of soybean caterpillars, i.e., Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian & Margabandhu, 1942 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Acephate, azadirachtin, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), deltamethrin, lufenuron, teflubenzuron and thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin at the highest recommended concentrations for the soybean looper Chrysodeixis includens (Walker, [1858]) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), as well as water in the control, were used against the pupal parasitoid T. diatraeae. The insecticides and the control were sprayed on the soybean leaves, which were left to dry naturally and placed in cages with T. diatraeae females in each one. Survival data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means were compared using Tukey's HSD test (α = 0.05). Survival curves were plotted according to the Kaplan–Meier method, and the pairs of curves were compared using the log-rank test at 5% probability. The insecticides azadirachtin, Bt, lufenuron and teflubenzuron did not affect T. diatraeae survival, while deltamethrin and thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin presented low toxicity and acephate was highly toxic, causing 100% mortality in the parasitoid. Azadirachtin, Bt, lufenuron and teflubenzuron are selective for T. diatraeae and could be used in IPM programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phloem-limited bacteria, "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" and "Ca. L. americanus", are the causal pathogens responsible for Huanglongbing (HLB). The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is the principal vector of these "Ca. Liberibacter" species. Though Tamarixia radiata Waterston (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) has been useful in biological control programmes against D. citri, information on its global distribution remains vague. Using the Climate Change Experiment (CLIMEX) model, the potential global distribution of T. radiata under the 2050s, 2070s, and 2090s for Special Report on Emissions Scenarios A1B and A2 was defined globally. The results showed that habitat suitability for T. radiata covered Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas. The model predicted climate suitable areas for T. radiata beyond its presently known native and non-native areas. The new locations predicted to have habitat suitability for T. radiata included parts of Europe and Oceania. Under the different climate change scenarios, the model predicted contraction of high habitat suitability (EI > 30) for T. radiata from the 2050s to the 2090s. Nevertheless, the distribution maps created using the CLIMEX model may be helpful in the search for and release of T. radiata in new regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diglyphus Walker, 1844 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is an economically important genus including species acting as biocontrol agents against agromyzid leafminer pests. A new species of Diglyphus, Diglyphus difasciatus Liu, Hansson & Wan, sp. nov., was discovered during the identification of agromyzid leafminers and their associated parasitoid wasps collected from 2016 to 2022 in China, based on morphological characteristics and molecular analyses of COI, ITS2 and 28S genes. Diglyphus difasciatus is similar to D. bimaculatus Zhu, LaSalle & Huang, distinguished by two interconnected infuscate vertical bands on the fore wing and the color of the scape. Molecular data support D. difasciatus and D. bimaculatus as two different species. The mean genetic distances between D. difasciatus and D. bimaculatus were 11.33%, 8.62%, and 0.18%, based on the COI, ITS2, and 28S genes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anselmella malacia is a gall-inducing wasp within the fruits of Syzygium samarangense causing serious damage to the fruit. This study examined the life cycle, fecundity, development time, morphology and behaviors of Anselmella malacia. The longevity of adult parasite varies from 26.10 ± 3.26 to 49.82 ± 13.21 h, depending on food and gender. The development time of A. malacia inside the fruit galls of S. samarangense is about 35–36 days. Each female lays 524.8 ± 86.2 eggs at the base of the host ovule, and can lay eggs in more than one flower. More than one female can lay in one flower. However, the number of adults emerging from a fruit is limited with about 38.7% of eggs might develop to adults on average. Adults of A. malacia exit the damaged fruits, chewing through the gall wall and mesocarp to release. Both genders chew to create tunnels in the gall, but tunnels on the mesocarp are mostly made by females. The numbers of the emerging females outnumber males. Several emerging adults died inside the fruits, and a higher percentage of male mortality inside the fruit than females. This study provides scientific information on the biology of A. malacia, which will be beneficial to control the galler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hymenopteran parasitoids generally show a haplo-diploid sex determination system. Haploid males are produced from unfertilized eggs, whereas diploid females develop from fertilized eggs (arrhenotokous). In some cases, diploid females develop from unfertilized eggs (thelytokous). Diglyphus wani (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a biological control agent for agromyzid leafminers and have arrhenotokous and thelytokous strains. However, the morphological characteristics of two strains of D. wani are so similar that it is difficult to accurately distinguish them based on morphology. Here, a rapid molecular identification method was developed based on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and one-step multiplex PCR. Two primer combinations, PC1 (Ar-F1/Th-F1/WR2) and PC2 (Ar-F1/Th-F4/WR2), were designed and repeatedly screened to distinguish two strains simultaneously, of which two special forward primers Th-F1/Th-F4 were used for the thelytokous strain and one special forward primer Ar-F1 was used for the arrhenotokous strain. In addition, a common reverse primer, WR2, was used for both strains. The PC1 and PC2 PCR assays were effective in distinguishing the two strains at different developmental stages and field colonies. This method provides a reliable, highly sensitive, and cost-effective tool for the rapid identification of the two strains of D. wani. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Hymenoptera species, the reproductive mode is usually arrhenotoky, where haploid males arise from unfertilized eggs and diploid females from fertilized eggs. In addition, a few species reproduce by thelytoky, where diploid females arise from unfertilized eggs. Diploid females can be derived through various cytological mechanisms in thelytokous Hymenoptera species. Hitherto, these mechanisms were revealed mainly in endosymbiont-induced thelytokous Hymenoptera species. In contrast, thelytokous Hymenoptera species in which a reproductive manipulator has not been verified or several common endosymbionts have been excluded were paid less attention in their cytological mechanisms, for instance, Diglyphus wani (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Here, we investigated the cytological mechanism of D. wani using cytological methods and genetic markers. Our observations indicated that the diploid karyotypes of two strains of D. wani consist of four pairs of relatively large metacentric chromosomes and one pair of short submetacentric chromosomes (2n = 10). The arrhenotokous strains could complete normal meiosis, whereas the thelytokous strain lacked meiosis and did not expulse any polar bodies. This reproductive type of lacking meiosis is classified as apomictic thelytoky. Moreover, a total of 636 microsatellite sequences were obtained from thelytokous D. wani, dominated by dinucleotide repeats. Genetic markers results showed all three generations of offspring from thelytokous strain maintained the same genotype as their parents. Our results revealed that D. wani is the first eulophid parasitoid wasp in Hymenoptera whose thelytoky was not induced by bacteria to form an apomictic thelytoky. These findings provide a baseline for future inner molecular genetic studies of ameiotic thelytoky. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mesophyll and midrib galls are similar to, but slightly different from stem galls. • Vascular cambium activation determines the differences between stem and leaf galls. • The leaf midrib galls show the greatest differences compared to their host organ. • Gall induction microsites determine the cytological peculiarities of leaf galls. • The polyphenism of O. migdanorum is not associated with gall structural peculiarities. Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtaceae) plantations in Chile are affected by the gall-inducing species Ophelimus migdanorum (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Ophelimus migdanorum induces galls on the mesophyll, midrib, margin, and petioles of adult leaves, and young stems of E. globulus , associated with different inducer phenotypes. The structural and cyto-histometric features of the stem, mesophyll, and midrib O. migdanorum galls were therefore explored in order to determine differences due to the morphogenetic restrictions imposed by the host organ. Additionally, cyto-histometric comparison between stem galls and midrib and mesophyll galls was performed to determine whether O. migdanorum polyphenisms are reflected in the structural gall features. Regardless of the host organ and induction site, the stem and leaf galls are composed of a nutritive tissue surrounded by sclerenchyma cell layers. The outer gall cortex is composed of cortical parenchyma in stem galls, and of palisade and spongy parenchyma in leaf galls. One gall side was always associated with the vascular system of the host organs. The larval chamber diameter and the thickness and cell area of the sclerenchyma were greater in stem galls than in leaf galls, probably determined by the activation of stem vascular cambium. The leaf mesophyll and midrib galls were statistically similar, although the establishment of O. migdanorum in the midrib induced structural changes in the leaves. Ophelimus migdanorum only produces an increase in the stem cortex thickness, due to a greater diameter of the larval chamber. Therefore, the host organ and the induction microsites determine the composition of the outer gall cortex, corroborating the morphogenetic restrictions imposed by the host organ on gall development. Also, the various phenotypes of O. migdanorum are not associated with structural peculiarities of their galls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Many studies highlighted that the body color variation in insects is an adaptation factor that preserves them from possible population reductions due to adverse conditions such as low temperatures. In this study, the coloration seasonal changes of Cirrospilus pictus, parasitoid of the citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella were observed. Adults were obtained from field sampling carried out during four consecutive years and grouped in different classes depending on sex and color. Results highlighted a phenotypic pigmentation variation in head, thorax, gaster and legs of the adults. Individuals were yellow–green in summer months while having dark pigmentation in autumn and winter months. In both sexes a correlation between color patterns and seasonal temperatures was evident. These observations can contribute to the description of the intraspecific variability of this species, improving its identification. As part of the studies on the morphological color variation of insects, a case study on the seasonal body color variation of Cirrospilus pictus (Nees) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Eulophinae) parasitoid of leafminers is reported. Observations were made from January 2000 to December 2003 in north-western Sicily (Italy), in relation to sex, body regions of adults and seasonal periods. Wasps parasitizing Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) were collected from organic citrus orchards (Citrus limon L., var. "Femminello zagara bianca" and "Femminello comune"). Adults were grouped in classes: yellow males, black males, yellow females, yellow–black females and black females. The results highlighted a phenotypic pigmentation variation in the head, thorax, gaster and legs of individuals influenced by the season of sampling. Adults were yellow–green in summer months, whereas individuals with dark pigmentation were found in autumn and winter months. A correlation between color patterns and seasonal temperatures was found for both females and males. This work provides a contribution to the description of the intraspecific variability of this species, improving its identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The size of an organism is closely correlated with its physiological and ecological characteristics and strongly influences its fitness. Bergmann's rule, originally widely applied in homeotherms, states that individuals living in a colder environment are larger than those living in a warmer region. Similar geographical patterns are also found in various groups of poikilotherms, but are still controversial, especially in Hymenoptera. In this investigation, we found a significant upward trend in body size with increasing elevation in two tiny groups of Chalcids (Pteromalidae and Eulophidae). The temperature and precipitation play a crucial role in their size variation. This result casts light on the environmental adaptation of parasitoids. Body size is the most essential feature that significantly correlates with insects' longevity, fecundity, metabolic rate, and sex ratio. Numerous biogeographical rules have been proposed to illustrate the correlation between the body sizes of different taxa and corresponding geographical or environmental factors. Whether the minute and multifarious chalcids exhibit a similar geographical pattern is still little known. In this research, we analyzed morphological data from 2953 specimens worldwide, including the two most abundant and diverse taxa (Pteromalidae and Eulophidae), which are both composed of field-collected and BOLD system specimens. We examined forewing length as a surrogate of body size and analyzed the average size separately for males and females using two methods (species and assemblage-based method). To verify Bergmann's rule, we included temperature, precipitation, wind speed and solar radiation as explanatory variables in a generalized linear model to analyze the causes of the size variation. We found that there was an increasing trend in the body size of Pteromalidae and Eulophidae with altitude. The optimal Akaike information criterion (AIC) models showed that larger sizes are significantly negatively correlated with temperature and positively correlated with precipitation, and the possible reasons for this variation are discussed and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodiversity of natural competitors is vital to key ecosystem services and agroecosystems' benefits to society. The abundance and richness of hymenopteran parasitoid communities, and subsequently their services, are dependent on the variety of habitats in the different agroecological landscapes. Here, we monitored the fluctuation of predatory wasps and hymenopteran parasitoid populations and their impacts on coffee leaf miner infestations under different coffee plantation landscapes. Thus, 24 sampling plots were arranged in four cultivation systems: conventional (CONV), in transition to organic shaded (T.OSH), in transition to organic full-sun (T.OFS), and without pesticide (T.WOP). In each plot, leaves with intact mines were collected randomly once a month over a period of 23 months. Parasitoid species, coffee leaf miner infestation, predation, and parasitism were assessed based on the emerged parasitoids and wasps' activity signs in the mines. The data on parasitoids revealed the presence of 621 hymenopteran parasitoids, of which, 420 were Braconids and 201 were Eulophids. Overall, the abundance of braconid specimens (67.6%) was greater, but the species richness was higher in Eulophids. The highest species richness of L. coffeella parasitoids was in T.OSH and T.OFS. Furthermore, in the coffee plants evaluated, the coffee leaf miner population is well established and does not cause economic damage, as the spontaneous action of predatory wasps and parasitoids, in addition to climatic factors, contributes to regulating these pest infestations. Of these parasitoids, the braconid Orgilus niger and Stiropius reticulatus were found to be promising and well-adapted control provider species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

View on Scopus Stenomesius japonicus (Ashmead, 1904) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was collected for the first time from larvae of the tomato leaf-miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) infesting Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. in Syria. Diagnostic morphological characters, biology and distribution of the newly recorded species are provided. Its role in the biological or integrated control of T. absoluta remains to be evaluated. A list of all eulophid wasps recorded from Syria is also provided.

Eurytoma erythrinae Gates & Delvare (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) is an important biological control agent of the erythrina gall wasp (EGW), Quadrastichus erythrinae Kim (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an invasive species likely originating in eastern Africa that is a threat to Erythrina trees in Hawaii and worldwide. Thousands of Erythrina trees in Hawaii have succumbed to EGW since 2005 and died within a few years of infestation. The endemic wiliwili tree, Erythrina sandwicensis, an important component of Hawaii’s dry forests and one of few deciduous native trees, were severely impacted by this wasp. Early during the invasion by EGW it became evident that the endemic species may be driven to extinction, and exploration programs for natural enemies of the EGW started in December 2005. East Africa was selected as the starting point for natural enemy exploration owing to high native Erythina species richness. Several gall formers were found in Tanzania and a putative color variant type of Q. erythrinae was detected in association with three ectoparasitoids. During January 2006, the dominant parasitoid of this gall former was introduced to Hawaii and described as the new species, E. erythrinae. It was found in Ghana and South Africa attacking other gall wasp species on Erythrina. Eurytoma erythrinae was a voracious ectoparasitoid feeding as a predator on 1–5 adjacent EGW immatures to complete its development. Host specificity studies that included seven nontarget gall-forming species showed no evidence of attraction or parasitism by this parasitoid. Mean ± SEM longevity of host-deprived females (40.4 ± 2.2 days) was significantly higher than males (20.5 ± 1.1 days). Host feeding enhanced longevity of ovipositing females (51.3 ± 1.5 days). Female E. erythrinae is synovigenic, with high egg-maturation rate. Peak fecundity (105–239 offspring/female), host feeding biology, short life cycle (18.4 ± 0.1 days), and synchronization with the host were additional desirable attributes of this species. The parasitoid was approved for field release in Hawaii in November 2008. A total of 3998 wasps were distributed on six Hawaiian Islands, with establishment in less than a year. Impacts on high density infestations of EGW were sufficient to prevent tree deaths. Limited rates of parasitism on low-density galled leaves, flowers, and seedpods necessitated the consideration for releasing a second parasitoid, Aprostocetus nitens Prinsloo & Kelly (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). We report on the reproductive characteristics and host specificity of E. erythinae that could be of importance for classical biocontrol programs in areas with an EGW problem.

Insects have a large number of sensory organs (sensilla) on their mouth parts, which play crucial roles in the host acceptance and localization processes as well as in detecting environmental stimuli. Sensilla, therefore, play a crucial part in the location, selection, and acceptance of a potential host by parasitoid hosts. Based on the types, numbers, and distributions of sensory organs, one can deduce how they function. These biological parameters have been tested. In this work, the external sensilla on the mouth portions of Leptocype invasa (Fisher and La Salle) and Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) were described (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae). In Egypt, these two inducer gall species primarily affected Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Using electron scanning microscopy, the sensilla were categorised based on their size, distribution, and shape; some may even have sense organs visible. On the mouthparts of L. invasa and O. maskelli, eight different types of sensilla were found, and depending on their length and distribution, some of them can be further split into numerous categories. Sensilla came in 16 different varieties overall. In the current study, O. maskelli had more sensilla overall on oral parts than L. invasa, with 109 sensilla on O. maskelli compared to more than 95 on L. invasa along the mouthparts. Results from the examined biological characteristics were explained by qualitative and quantitative differences in the type of sensilla on both species' mouthparts, favouring O. maskelli. These findings tend to imply that O. maskelli is a more advantageous rival that could supplant L. invasa. Despite the two species' similar body sizes, O. maskelli was smaller than L. invasa. However, O. maskelli mouth showed more sensilla types overall than L. invasa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The parasitic wasp Baryscapus dioryctriae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was originally discovered in the pupae of Dioryctria insects. It can also parasitize many Pyralidae pests, such as Ostrinia furnacalis, Chilo suppressalis and Galleria mellonella, suggesting that this parasitic wasp has a great potential to serve as a natural enemy against agricultural and forest insect pests. The olfactory system plays an important role in this wasps' reception of chemical signals emitted from their surrounding environment, and various chemosensory genes are involved in this system. In this study, seven chemosensory gene families, namely, the odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs), Niemann–Pick type C2 proteins (NPC2s), odorant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), gustatory receptors (GRs) and sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) of B. dioryctriae were identified and analyzed using transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. Moreover, the quantitative expression of the candidate chemosensory genes, which are female antennae- and ovipositor-biased expression was validated by RT-qPCR. These results lay a molecular foundation for further investigation of the mechanism of chemoreception by the olfactory system during host recognition, location, and oviposition site selection in B. dioryctriae. Baryscapus dioryctriae is a pupal endoparasitoid of many Pyralidae pests and has been used as a biocontrol agent against insect pests that heavily damage the cone and seed of the Korean pine. The olfactory system of wasps plays an essential role in sensing the chemical signals during their foraging, mating, host location, etc., and the chemosensory genes are involved in detecting and transducing these signals. Many chemosensory genes have been identified from the antennae of Hymenoptera; however, there are few reports on the chemosensory genes of Eulophidae wasps. In this study, the transcriptome databases based on ten different tissues of B. dioryctriae were first constructed, and 274 putative chemosensory genes, consisting of 27 OBPs, 9 CSPs, 3 NPC2s, 155 ORs, 49 GRs, 23 IRs and 8 SNMPs genes, were identified based on the transcriptomes and manual annotation. Phylogenetic trees of the chemosensory genes were constructed to investigate the orthologs between B. dioryctriae and other insect species. Additionally, twenty-eight chemosensory genes showed female antennae- and ovipositor-biased expression, which was validated by RT-qPCR. These findings not only built a molecular basis for further research on the processes of chemosensory perception in B. dioryctriae, but also enriched the identification of chemosensory genes from various tissues of Eulophidae wasps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) is reviewed with the goal of providing nomenclatural changes and morphological diagnoses in preparation for a new molecular phylogeny and a book on world fauna that will contain keys to identification. Most subfamilies and some tribes of Pteromalidae are elevated to family level or transferred elsewhere in the superfamily. The resulting classification is a compromise, with the aim of preserving the validity and diagnosability of other, well-established families of Chalcidoidea. The following former subfamilies and tribes of Pteromalidae are elevated to family rank: Boucekiidae, Ceidae, Cerocephalidae, Chalcedectidae, Cleonymidae, Coelocybidae, Diparidae, Epichrysomallidae, Eunotidae, Herbertiidae, Hetreulophidae, Heydeniidae, Idioporidae, Lyciscidae, Macromesidae, Melanosomellidae, Moranilidae, Neodiparidae, Ooderidae, Pelecinellidae (senior synonym of Leptofoeninae), Pirenidae, Spalangiidae, and Systasidae. The following subfamilies are transferred from Pteromalidae: Chromeurytominae and Keiraninae to Megastigmidae, Elatoidinae to Neodiparidae, Nefoeninae to Pelecinellidae, and Erotolepsiinae to Spalangiidae. The subfamily Sycophaginae is transferred to Pteromalidae. The formerly incertae sedis tribe Lieparini is abolished and its single genus Liepara is transferred to Coelocybidae. The former tribe Tomocerodini is transferred to Moranilidae and elevated to subfamily status. The former synonym Tridyminae (Pirenidae) is treated as valid. The following former Pteromalidae are removed from the family and, due to phylogenetic uncertainty, placed as incertae sedis subfamilies or genera within Chalcidoidea: Austrosystasinae, Ditropinotellinae, Keryinae, Louriciinae, Micradelinae, Parasaphodinae, Rivasia, and Storeyinae. Within the remaining Pteromalidae, Miscogastrinae and Ormocerinae are confirmed as separate from Pteromalinae, the former tribe Trigonoderini is elevated to subfamily status, the former synonym Pachyneurinae is recognized as a distinct subfamily, and as the senior synonym of Austroterobiinae. The tribe Termolampini is synonymized under Pteromalini, and the tribe Uzkini is synonymized under Colotrechnini. Most former Otitesellinae, Sycoecinae, and Sycoryctinae are retained in the tribe Otitesellini, which is transferred to Pteromalinae, and all other genera of Pteromalinae are treated as Pteromalini. Eriaporidae is synonymized with Pirenidae, with Eriaporinae and Euryischiinae retained as subfamilies. Other nomenclatural acts performed here outside of Pteromalidae are as follows: Calesidae: elevation to family rank. Eulophidae: transfer of Boucekelimini and Platytetracampini to Opheliminae, and abolishment of the tribes Elasmini and Gyrolasomyiini. Baeomorphidae is recognized as the senior synonym of Rotoitidae. Khutelchalcididae is formally excluded from Chalcidoidea and placed as incertae sedis within Apocrita. Metapelmatidae and Neanastatidae are removed from Eupelmidae and treated as distinct families. Eopelma is removed from Eupelmidae and treated as an incertae sedis genus in Chalcidoidea. The following subfamilies and tribes are described as new: Cecidellinae (in Pirenidae), Enoggerinae (incertae sedis in Chalcidoidea), Erixestinae (in Pteromalidae), Eusandalinae (in Eupelmidae), Neapterolelapinae (incertae sedis in Chalcidoidea), Solenurinae (in Lyciscidae), Trisecodinae (in Systasidae), Diconocarini (in Pteromalidae: Miscogastrinae), and Trigonoderopsini (in Pteromalidae: Colotrechninae). A complete generic classification for discussed taxa is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Euderomphale Girault, 1916 (Eulophidae: Entedoninae), Euderomphale ayeganus Zeya & Shahbazvar, sp. nov., is described from specimens reared from the whitefly Aleyrodes sp. (Hem.: Aleyrodidae) in Iran. The new species is illustrated, and its differences from other species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nesolynx deltaphagus sp. nov. parasitizing the potter wasp species Delta pyriforme (Fab.) (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) is newly described with illustrations from Kerala, India. This is the first report of parasitism of Nesolynx on Vespidae. A key for the Indian species of Nesolynx is provided along with the diagnosis of the new species with congeners. DNA barcode of the new species using universal primers of CO1 is also provided against accession number (Accession No: OK484482). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several families of parasitic Hymenoptera have evolved traits that allow them to exploit cockroach oothecae. Cockroaches may bury and conceal their oothecae to prevent parasitoid attack. However, these protective measures require additional investment by females. We hypothesized that gravid cockroaches would reduce parental care in the absence of oothecal parasitoids and increase care when parasitoids were detected. Behavior bioassays consisted of glass jars containing a gravid American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L.) (Blattodea: Blattidae), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and a dog food pellet. A fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster Meigen) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) or parasitoid Aprostocetus hagenowii (Ratzburg) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was added for the fly and parasitoid treatments, respectively. There was no significant difference among treatments in the proportion of oothecae buried or in mean cover of oothecae with EPS particles. Cover had no effect on parasitism success or failure. Electroantennogram (EAG) assays using P. americana antennae were also conducted. The EAG responses to dead parasitoid stimuli (0.111–0.124 mV) were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than the negative control, but responses to living parasitoid stimuli (0.075–0.089 mV) were nonsignificant. These findings suggest that burial and concealment of oothecae is a general defensive behavior employed regardless of the presence or absence of a natural enemy. The results also indicate that gravid P. americana are unable to detect, and therefore, differentiate A. hagenowii from other insects and that A. hagenowii can successfully locate and parasitize oothecae completely concealed with EPS particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five species of five genera in Tetrastichinae (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) from China are reviewed, including one new species, Mestocharella qingdaoensis sp. nov., and three new country record species: Nesolynx thymus (Girault, 1916), Holcotetrastichus rhosaces (Walker, 1839), and Peckelachertus diprioni Yoshimoto, 1970. New distributional data for Ceratoneura indi Girault, 1917 are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic wasps of the genus Tamarixia represent important biological control agents of members of the true bug group, Psylloidea, and are host specific; therefore, they can be used to control insect pests. In this study we report, for the first time, the presence of the parasitoid Tamarixia dahlsteni in Mexico and its mitochondrial barcode region of the cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI). We also review the species diversity of the genus Tamarixia in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diaphorina citri is the vector of the bacterium that cause "huanglongbing" (HLB). The psyllid acquires the pathogen after feeding on infected plants and transmits it to other trees as it moves through the orchard. The psyllid's movement is directly affected by abiotic and biotic factors, such as the presence of conspecific insects and natural enemies. We evaluated the effects of the presence of conspecific nymphs either not parasitized or parasitized by Tamarixia radiata on the movement and oviposition of adult female D. citri. Diaphorina citri females were released into cages containing a row of four equidistant Murraya paniculata plants. The first plant, the release point, had one of three conditions: no nymphs; non-parasitized nymphs (high and low densities); or previously parasitized nymphs. At 24, 48, and 72 h following release, the females on each plant in the cage were counted. At the end of the observations (72 h), the females were removed, and the eggs laid on the plants were counted. The presence of non-parasitized nymphs, at low and high densities, increased the tendency of adult movement and reduced the total number of laid eggs, compared with cases in which nymphs were absent. On the other hand, the presence of nymphs increased the egg distribution by females over all available plants in the cages. In these cases, higher number of adult females and eggs were observed in plants without nymphs, compared with the plant in which nymphs were present (release point). The conditions of nymphs, i.e., if parasitized or not, did not change the movement behavior and the distribution of eggs deposited over plants in the cages. However, the number of eggs laid by females was low for the cases in which the nymphs were parasitized. The findings can contribute to establishing the optimal of application of the psyllid management techniques, and improving the efficiency of natural enemy releases considering that the pest can be present at the field in different life stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role played by phytohormones in insect galls and the mechanisms underlying plant manipulation by gall makers are still unclear.Galls made by Leptocybe invasa on two Eucalyptus species were sampled, the correlations between the levels of nine phytohormones in galls and gall size were analysed, and phytohormone levels in the interior and exterior tissues of galls and L. invasa were determined.During two larval stages, the levels of three forms of cytokinins (CKs) in the galls of the two plant species all showed significantly positive correlations with gall size. Brassinosteroids (BRs) and dihydrozeatin riboside (DHZR) occurred at significantly higher levels in the interior tissues of the galls compared to in the exterior tissues of galls. Isopentenyl adenosine (IPA) was significantly higher in L. invasa larvae themselves, compared to levels in the interior and exterior tissues of galls. However, the levels of DHZR and BR were significantly lower or similar in the L. invasa pupae compared to that in the interior and exterior tissues of the galls.These findings indicate that phytohormones, especially CKs, act as key regulators of L. invasa galls, and that the larvae of L. invasa may themselves be a source of CKs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitoid wasps affect herbivory in natural and agricultural ecosystems, including cash crops. The impacts of rainforest transformation to rubber and oil palm on parasitoid wasp communities are poorly understood.We collected canopy arthropods, once each in dry season and rainy season, via canopy fogging in four land‐use systems in Jambi, Sumatra, Indonesia: Rainforest, jungle rubber (extensive rubber cultivation) and plantations of rubber and oil palm.The combined abundance and richness of six parasitoid wasp families, and Braconidae individually, was twice as high in rainforest as in rubber and oil palm plantations, and intermediary in jungle rubber. There was a significant positive correlation between combined abundance of six parasitoid wasp families, and abundances of potential hosts from the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera and Lepidoptera. Braconid biomass tended to be highest in rainforest and lowest in oil palm plantations, and Braconid communities in oil palm differed from those in the other land uses. Both patterns were influenced by season.Our study details the effects of rainforest conversion to rubber and oil palm on parasitoid wasp communities, and provides first insights on the influence of rainfall seasonality on their abundance, biomass, species richness and community composition in Southeast Asian agricultural landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle 1993 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and neem oil are two control alternatives for the integrated management of defoliating lepidopterans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic toxicity of neem oil compared to the synthetic insecticide deltamethrin, on the endoparasitoid P. elaeisis , in generations F0, F1, F2, and F3. Females of P. elaeisis were exposed to neem solutions at concentrations of 0, 1.87, 3.75, 7.50, 15.00, 30.00, and 60.00 mg ml−1, to determine the dose-response relationship and estimate the neem LC50. The sublethal effects on the parasitoid P. elaeisis in generations F0 to F3 were evaluated with these same concentrations of neem and 0.033 mg ml−1 of deltamethrin. The neem LC50 was estimated at 3.92 mg ml−1. The LC50 for P. elaeisis is 3.83 times lower than that recommended by the neem manufacturer for pest control, demonstrating high acute toxicity to this natural enemy. The chronic toxicity of both the commercial dose and those below it to P. elaeisis caused low sublethal effects. The correct concentration of neem oil in pest control is important, and its use should be performed with caution in integrated pest management programs using the endoparasitoid P. elaeisis to avoid causing interference between the two pest control techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Since the first checklist of German Chalcidoidea and Mymarommatoidea was published over two decades ago, a revision of the status of these superfamilies in Germany is overdue. The previous list contained chalcidoid species mentioned in published papers up to 2000 and was cross-checked with the data compiled by Noyes in the Universal Chalcidoidea Database. Additional species, determined by the first author, were also included. Since then, revisions of several chalcidoid genera have been published synonymising species or describing new species. The previous checklist also contained several erroneous names and doubtful records that turned out to be incorrect placements or questionable citations and are corrected in the present version. New information The updated critical checklist of German Chalcidoidea includes 1,610 species from 19 families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We identified two gall-inducing wasp species infesting eucalypts leaves, including an undescribed species, Ophelimus cracens sp. nov., and Epichrysocharis burwelli , which is a new record for Taiwan. The major hosts of O. cracens were Eucalyptus grandis , Eu. urophylla , and Eu. camaldulensis (Myrtaceae) . We observed failed galls of O. cracens at an early stage on Eu. amplifolia and Corymbia maculata . All O. cracens adults discovered on infected leaves were females, and four parasitoid species were identified in samples collected from two cities, three counties, and four municipalities across Taiwan. Epichrysocharis burwelli was exclusively found on C. citriodora in Hsinchu, Nantou, and Tainan Cities. This marks the first record of Ep. burwelli in Asia, accompanied by the identification of one parasitoid species. The adult longevity of adults which emerged from their major hosts, when provided with honey-water solution, was 5.5 days for O. cracens and 5.7 days for Ep. burwelli . Recognizing the potential damage by these wasps on Eucalyptus production areas in the absence of parasitoids, further investigations of their biology and control are warranted.

Insects have several sensory (sensilla) structures on their antennae, which are crucial for the concept of environmental cues as well as host recognition and positioning strategies. Sensilla thus have a significant impact on how parasite hosts locate, classify, and maybe accept a host. Based on the types, numbers, and locations of sensory organs, it is possible to deduce how they perform certain tasks. The examined biological variables are listed. The purpose of this work was to describe the external sensilla found on the antennae of Ophelimus Maskelli (Ashmead) and Leptocype Invasa (Fisher and La Salle) (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae). In Egypt, Eucalyptus camaldulensis was primarily plagued by these two inducer insects. The sensilla have been labelled according to their distribution, size, and shape. May also use scanning electron microscopy to reveal sensory organs. On the antennae of L. invasa, sensilla were dispersed in six different types, while on the antennae of O. maskelli, they were placed in nine different types. According to this study, O. maskelli had more sensilla overall than L. invasa; along the antenna, O. maskelli had 100 sensilla compared to L. invasa more than 37 sensilla. The results from the measured biological characteristics were explained by the qualitative and quantitative differences in the sensilla types of the two species on the antenna, favouring O. Maskelli. The results tended to show that O. Maskelli was the strongest rival that could displace L. invasa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the olfactometer test (Y-tube), where I T. triozae i and infested plants were used versus N3-free plants, the parasitoids significantly preferred N3-free plants over the plants infested with N3 nymphs, except in plants of the Wild variety, where the parasitoids preferred infested plants more than N3-free plants. Furthermore, the population of parasitoids is also influenced by the domestication level of the host plant, which emits a blend of volatile organic compounds and affects parasitism and parasitoid feeding behavior [[23]]. The parasitoid attraction to damaged plants of the Wild variety could be attributed to volatile compounds' emission, which is responsible for recruiting I T. triozae i when I B. cockerelli i attacks the plant. [Extracted from the article]

The lime leaf miner Phyllonorycter issikii (Kumata) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) is an east Asian pest, which has recently distributed across the Palaearctic. Here, we provide the novel data on the diversity of its parasitoids in the Russian Far East (native region) and western Siberia (invaded region). Overall, 19 parasitoids from the Eulophidae (17 species) and Braconidae (2 species) reared from the Ph. issikii larvae and pupae were identified based on morphology and/or DNA barcoding. Among them, 12 species were detected in the Primorskiy Territory (Russian Far East) and 10 species in the Novosibirsk Province (Western Siberia), with only 3 shared species, namely Chrysocharis laomedon (Walker), Elachertus inunctus Nees and Sympiesis gordius (Walker). Pleurotroppopsis japonica (Kamijo) is a novel record for Russia, whereas the other eight eulophids are novel for the Novosibisk Province and two for the Primorskiy Territory. The eulophid Mischotetrastichus nadezhdae (Kostjukov) was recorded as a parasitoid of Ph. issikii for the first time. Four new species were described from the Primorskiy Territory: Achrysocharoides nagasawi sp. nov., A. carinatus sp. nov., Cirrospilus ussuriensis sp. nov., Pholetesor nataliae sp. nov. For all parasitoids, the distribution and hosts are listed; the majority of the species are illustrated. In addition, a checklist of the Ph. issikii parasitoids counting 79 species is compiled for the Palaearctic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mustafa Kemal University Journal of Agricultural Sciences / Mustafa Kemal Üniversitesi Tarım Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Caldasia is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A new genus of a Neotropical gall inducing tetrastichine eulophid on Araceae is described and confirmed using Ultraconserved Elements (UCE) phylogenomic data. Arastichus Gates, Hanson, Jansen-González & Zhang, gen. nov., includes two new species and one species transferred from Aprostocetus Westwood: A. capipunctata Gates, Hanson, Jansen-González & Zhang, sp. nov., A. gallicola (Ferrière), comb. nov., and A. gibernau, Gates, Hanson, Jansen-González & Zhang, sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liriomyza huidobrensis, L. sativae and L. trifolii are polyphagous agromyzid leafminers that have recently arrived in Australia, posing a threat to Australian vegetable and ornamental crops. Adventive and endemic hymenopteran parasitoids of agromyzid leafminers already present in Australia should assist in the management of these invasive agromyzid species. Neochrysocharis formosa (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Entedoninae) is an idiobiont endoparasitoid commonly attacking Liriomyza spp. in many countries, but it has not been formally identified in Australia. This study provides the first confirmed Australian record of N. formosa as well as an unidentified Proacrias species, another entedonine species. Females of both species were reared from several adventive and endemic agromyzid leafminers in southern Australia. Laboratory cultures of both species established the presence of thelytokous reproduction. DNA barcodes (5′ COI, 3′ COI, ITS1, ITS2, 28S) were used to delineate species boundaries, with the 5′ end of the mitochondrial COI sequences pointing to multiple cryptic lineages among N. formosa. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that both species were infected with a Rickettsia bacterium, which is related to the Rickettsia present in thelytokous populations of N. formosa in Japan and China. These findings expand records for parasitoids attacking leafminers in Australia and highlight the potential for an endosymbiont to produce thelytokous strains that could provide for more efficient biocontrol agents for augmentative release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Deutereulophus Schulz, D. felix sp. nov. and D. daguisiensis sp. nov., are described from China. A key to species of Deutereulophus known from China is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ovipositor is heavily populated with insect sensory structures (sensilla). Sensilla, therefore, play a significant role in oviposition, stinging, and the process of choosing a host. Based on the types, numbers, and distributions of sensory organs, one can deduce how they function. These biological parameters have been tested. In this study, the external sensilla on the ovipositor of Leptocype invasa (Fisher and La Salle) and Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) were described (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae). In Egypt, these two inducer bug species primarily affected Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Using electron scanning microscopy, the sensilla were categorized based on their size, distribution, and shape; some may even have sense organs visible. At the level of the ovipositor, it was possible to distinguish eight different types of sensilla on the L. invasa and O. maskelli species' ovipositors. With 50 sensilla along the ovipositor on L. invasa against more than 40 sensilla on O. maskelli in the current study, L. invasa had a higher overall sensilla count than O. maskelli. While results tend to suggest that L. invasa is more specialized for laying eggs than O. maskelli, it may be because O. maskelli lays eggs all over the leaf blade while L. invasa species lay eggs on the middle race, necessitating greater differentiation in the puncture area. The qualitative and numerical difference for the type of sensilla in both species on ovipositor in favour of L. invasa was what explained the results obtained from the tested biological parameters given. Despite the fact that O. maskelli and L. invasa have different body sizes in favour of L. invasa, L. invasa has a larger reproductive tract with a wider diversity of sensilla types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Brazil, synanthropic cockroaches are considered one of the insect groups of greatest economic importance. Aprostocetus hagenowii (Ratzeburg, 1852) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Evania appendigaster (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae) are parasitoid species that are natural enemies of Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758) (Blattaria: Blattidae) and can be adopted in biological control. Here we point out the occurrence of A. hagenowii parasitizing P. americana oothecae as the first record of this species for the northern region of Brazil, in the Amazonas State. Furthermore, we highlight the synanthropic distribution of E. appendigaster, based on specimens deposited in the Coleção de Invertebrados do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Brazil.

The Pan-Pacific Entomologist published an errata correcting two mistakes in previous articles. In the first correction, Eugenio Nearns was mistakenly listed as the Managing Secretary for the year 2017, when in fact Vince Lee served in that position. Vince Lee has been the longest-serving officer to date, serving for over 34 years. In the second correction, the captions of Figures 1 and 2 in an article by Camacho-Erazo et al. were switched. The authors and editorial team apologize for any inconvenience caused by these errors. [Extracted from the article]

A five-month survey on Eucalyptus spp., one of the most commonly planted trees in Cyprus, was undertaken in Limassol and Akrotiri in urban, rural and protected habitats. Two alien gall-inducing Eucalyptus wasps: Leptocybe invasa Fisher and La Salle, 2004 and Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead, 1900) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were recorded for the first time from Cyprus. In addition, three new alien parasitoids: Stethynium ophelimi (Huber, 2006) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault, 1922) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Megastigmus lawsoni Doğanlar and Hassan, 2010 (Hymenoptera: Megastigmidae), were reared from O. maskelli and L. invasa galls. The distribution, introduction and management actions for Eucalyptus spp. and their alien Chalcidoidea associates are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The horse chestnut leafminer, Cameraria ohridella, Deschka and Dimić, is a moth that has invaded most of Europe since it was first recorded in Macedonia near Lake Ohrid in 1985. It attacks horse chestnut trees and causes aesthetic and vitality problems. The parasitism rate, other mortality rates, and parasitoid structure were studied during a five-year survey at six sites in the Czech Republic. The results showed that the total parasitism rates varied from 1.9% to 20.5%, with an average of 7.2%, similar to other those published studies. The parasitism rate was significantly related to year, the developmental stage of C. ohridella, latitude, and greenery maintenance but not to C. ohridella population density, altitude, or area size. In contrast, the total other mortality rates varied from 13.7% to 59.5%, with an average of 31%, but overall temporal changes in the values indicated a declining trend. The parasitoid complex was predominantly polyphagous parasitoids of the family Eulophidae, similar to that found previously in south-eastern Europe. The results further revealed that the most abundant parasitoid species, Minotetrastichus frontalis (Nees), was gradually replaced by Pediobius saulius (Walker). The increasing abundance of P. saulius is thus an interesting adaptation of an autochthonous parasitoid to a new host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arab Journal of Plant Protection is the property of Arab Society for Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Two new species of Hemiptarsenus Westwood, H. tianshuiensis sp. nov. and H. longjiangensis sp. nov., are described from China. New distributional data for H. jilinus Tao, 2021 are provided, and a key to Chinese species of the genus is given based on females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides contributions to the knowledge on diversity and natural history of hyperparasitoids (Hymenoptera) associated with host–parasitoid interactions between spiders (Araneae) and polysphinctine Darwin wasps (Pimplinae) in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil, South America. All hyperparasitoids emerged in the laboratory from polysphinctine cocoons that were collected in cocoon webs in the field. A total of 27 hyperparasitoid wasps emerged from polysphinctine cocoons belonging to six genera, three families and two superfamilies: Ceyxia Girault, 1911 and Conura Spinola, 1837 (Chalcidoidea: Chalcididae); Palmistichus Delvare & LaSalle, 1993 (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae); and Lymeon Förster, 1869, Mesochorus Gravenhorst, 1829, and Neotheronia Krieger, 1899 (Ichneumonoidea: Ichneumonidae). We add new biological information on nine species of hyperparasitoids, emerging from pupae of at least seven species of polysphinctine wasps, which were collected in seven different types of cocoon webs. In addition, a new species is described, Conura capixaba Tavares, sp. nov. (Chalcididae), and digital images of all hyperparasitoids are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host selection behavior is a key aspect of parasitoid foraging. Elucidating the host selection behaviors of a hymenopteran parasitoid on different hosts can clarify the interactions between the parasitoid and its hosts and further promote the development of biological control strategies utilizing this parasitoid. In the current study, we investigated the host-selection behavior of a predominant host-feeding parasitoid, Necremnus tutae Ribes & Bernardo (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), on different instars of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) larvae. We identified and described four host-selection behaviors of N. tutae: host feeding, oviposition, host killing and rejection. Ovipositor insertion was divided into three behavioral elements: ovipositor stabbing, ovipositor stirring and egg laying. This behavioral pattern facilitated the quick distinction of host-selection behaviors in a host-feeding parasitoid. Furthermore, we found that N. tutae directly fed on hosts of all instars but preferred 1st–2nd-instar hosts for feeding and 3rd-instar hosts for laying eggs. The duration of both host feeding and oviposition increased with larval host age. Further analysis revealed that the duration and frequency of two main behavioral elements of host-feeding behavior (ovipositor stirring and feeding on the host) also increased with larval host age. Understanding these basic behavioral traits is fundamental for developing parasite-rearing schedules and glasshouse introduction methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fruit flies in the family Tephritidae are economically important pests of edible fruits, with some known hymenopteran parasitoids. Although Aceratoneuromyia indica (Silvestri) is one of the most common parasitoids and has been used in biological control of fruit flies, its establishment in biocontrol is impeded by the difficulties of proper identity. The genus Aceratoneuromyia Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is studied here, and the generic name Trjapitzinichus Kostjukov and Kosheleva is proposed as a new synonym under Aceratoneuromyia as well. Based on morphology and DNA barcodes, A. bilinis Huangfu and Cao sp. nov., A. carinata Cao and Zhu sp. nov. and A. trilinus Cao and Zhu sp. nov. are described and illustrated. The well-known parasitoid of fruit flies, A. indica, is treated here with the diagnosis and illustrations. In addition, this study provided a morphological diagnosis for Aceratoneuromyia as well as a key to world species of this genus. We also briefly discussed the relationship of Aceratoneuromyia with other possibly close groups based on available morphological data. Together with DNA barcodes of A. bilinis sp. nov. and A. indica generated here, this study provided essential and useful information for the species identity of Aceratoneuromyia. Fruit flies in the family Tephritidae are well known as economically important pests of edible fruits and can often cause serious damage and losses to both agriculture and the economy. One of the common parasitoids of fruit flies, Aceratoneuromyia indica (Silvestri), has been used in biological programs. However, the biocontrol utilities of parasitoids are impeded by the difficulties of proper identification. Species of the genus Aceratoneuromyia Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), usually developed as parasitoids of fruit flies, are studied here. Trjapitzinichus Kostjukov and Kosheleva is proposed as a new synonym under Aceratoneuromyia. Three new species of Aceratoneuromyia, A. bilinis Huangfu and Cao sp. nov., A. carinata Cao and Zhu sp. nov., and A. trilinus Cao and Zhu sp. nov., are described and illustrated from China. Aceratoneuromyia indica is also treated here with diagnosis and illustrations. DNA barcodes of A. bilinis and A. indica and a key to the world species of Aceratoneuromyia are provided. This study provided important identification information of parasitoids with morphology and molecular evidence, which is useful for imperative needs regarding the identity of parasitoids attacking fruit flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]