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Volatile compounds play indispensable roles in the interactions among host plants, herbivores and natural enemies. Previous studies showed that the addition of buckwheat strips in cotton fields could attract Peristenus spretus, the dominant parasitoid of Apolygus lucorum, and enhance its parasitic activity. Through the combined analysis of Y-tube olfactometer, solid-phase microextraction (SPME), gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and electroantennography (EAG), we found that male and female P. spretus responded to compounds present in buckwheat flowers. The five major components of buckwheat flowers, cis-3-hexenyl acetate (Z3HA), 4-methylanisole, 4-oxoisophorone, p-methylphenol and 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, all had a significant attraction to P. spretus adults and led to positive electroantennogram responses, especially for 10 mg/mL 4-oxoisophorone, indicating the components played a key role in the selection behavior of P. spretus to buckwheat flowers. Additionally, field trials showed that the five volatiles could significantly increase the parasitism by P. spretus. Our study screened the key active components of buckwheat flower volatiles that have an attractive effect on P. spretus, revealing its behavioral selection mechanism and emphasizing the important role of plant volatiles on host selection and parasitism of parasitic wasps, providing a theoretical basis for the development of attractants for P. spretus and the reduction of pesticides in the field to promote conservation biological control (CBC) of A. lucorum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhamnus persica Boissier from the family Rhamnaceae is a valuable medicinal plant in the flora of Iran. The parasitoid wasp, Habrobracon hebetor Say, is a universal biological control agent collected by researchers on lepidopteran larvae in various agricultural and horticultural crops. In the present study, the insecticidal effects of R. persica essential oil (RPEO) were investigated on this parasitoid wasp for the first time. For demographic studies, H. hebetor females were treated with LC30 (sublethal concentration) of the RPEO for 24 h and the desired characteristics were examined about them. The results of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry showed that the compounds including 1, 4-Hexadiene, 4-Methyl; Borneol L; Bicyclo [2.2.1] Heptan-2-ol; 1, 8-Cineole 2-Oxabicyclo, and Bicyclo [3.1.1] Hept-2-en-4-ol were five major constituents of the essential oil, respectively. Also, the bioassay results showed that ​​ LC30, LC50, and LC90 values for the RPEO on the parasitoid wasp were 12.51, 39.91, and 678.94 µL/Liter air, respectively. Moreover, the sublethal results showed that adult the wasp's lifespan, survival, fecundity, fertility, hatch rate, sex ratio, and the other related parameters were negatively affected compared to the control population; but, the effects were not very severe. Therefore, RPEO can be combined with H. hebetor in integrated pest management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitoids are the most important bio-control agents in suppressing C. partellus populations. The exotic larval parasitoid, Cotesia flavipes Cameron was introduced into East Africa as a classical bio-control programme of cereal stem borers' mainly Chilo partellus. In Ethiopia this parasitoid has never been released but it was found established and has been reported attacking C. partellus on sorghum. The abundance and impacts of C. flavipes on the population reduction of C. partellus were studied at different phenological stages of sorghum in three districts of South Wollo zone, Ethiopia, during 2016/17 and 2017/18. Result showed that C. flavipes' abundance revealed significant difference among sorghum growth stages and across the districts. C. flavipes recorded abundantly at maturity stages of sorghum. The highest number (0.48) was recorded from Bati with the relative abundance of 33.8%. Parasitism by C. flavipes varied across the locations and host growth stages. The highest (61.5%) parasitism percentage was recorded from Bati at maturity in both seasons. In all the study sites parasitized larvae and percent parasitism were positively correlated with the late growth stages and negatively correlated with vegetative stages at Bati and Chefa and was significant at 0.05 levels. In conclusion C. partellus was found attacking by C. flavipes at the late growth stages of sorghum in all districts. Thus it is possible to suggest that the use of this parasitoid can be regarded as a suitable alternative to synthetic insecticides for the management of C. partellus in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Colpopyga Semenov-Tian-Shanskij, 1954 is recorded from sub-Saharan Africa for the first time. A new species, Colpopyga madli sp.n., is described from Cameroon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The likelihood of parasitoids establishing in new geographic regions depends upon the availability of suitable host species. Identifying these hosts and the degree of their suitability is particularly important when they include species that are economically important as pests. In laboratory studies, we examined the suitability of 47 species of Lepidoptera as potential hosts of a parthenogenetic strain of the gregarious parasitoid Cotesia vanessae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Previously known from Eurasia and northern Africa, the first known recovery of C. vanessae in North America was in 2009. C. vanessae completed development in 34 species, of which three were known hosts (Noctuidae) and 31 (30 Noctuidae, 1 Nymphalidae) were not. Many of these noctuid species are economic pests. Parasitoid fitness was generally highest on species of Plusiinae (Noctuidae), measured as either percentage of successful parasitism, developmental time, or number and mass of F1 progeny. Closely related species were generally similar in their suitability as hosts. In some cases, parasitoid eggs or larvae were killed by the immune system of the parasitized host, but the host eventually failed to excrete food waste, did not pupate, and ultimately died. Such cases reached up to 100% mortality depending upon the lepidopteran species. The suitability of many species of noctuid pests as hosts for C. vanessae suggests that this parasitoid will become established widely throughout North America and may help to suppress populations of some pest species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pea leafminer, Chromatomyia horticola (Goureau) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a polyphagous and serious pest of peas. In India, this pest is attacked by many parasitoids and among them Diglyphus horticola Khan (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is an important one, however, demographics and pest-kill potential of this parasitoid has not been studied so far. This study presents the first report on its demographics and pest-kill potential on C. horticola. The parasitoid showed three modes of host-killing behaviour viz. host-feeding, parasitism and host-stinging. The parasitoid females killed more number of hosts by parasitism than host-feeding or host-stinging. The pre-adult survival, net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and finite rate of increase (λ) were higher on the 5-days old host larvae than those reared on the 3-days old larvae. Demographics and pest-kill parameters of D. horticola were also better on 5-days old host larvae than on 3-days old host larvae. Based on the study, D. horticola appeared to be a promising biocontrol agent for the suppression of C. horticola in peas and could be promoted through conservation biological control. Further studies are required to standardize the mass production protocol and release rates to use the parasitoid by augmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study focused on the parasitoid wasp Microplitis manilae, which is an important natural enemy of noctuid caterpillars, including the pest species of armyworms. The parasitoid wasp is here redescribed and illustrated based on the holotype, and an updated list of all Microplitis species attacking Spodoptera spp. is provided along with a discussion of host-parasitoid-food plant associations. We used a maximum entropy model and a quantum geographic information system to simulate the distribution of M. manilae in present and future periods under four greenhouse gas concentration scenarios. The results indicated that the suitable habitats for M. manilae are mainly in tropical and subtropical countries, and these are expected to expand in the future due to climate change. The study offers a basis for environmental protection and pest management. The parasitoid wasp Microplitis manilae Ashmead (Braconidae: Microgastrinae) is an important natural enemy of caterpillars and of a range of noctuids, including pest species of armyworms (Spodoptera spp.). Here, the wasp is redescribed and, for the first time, illustrated based on the holotype. An updated list of all the Microplitis species attacking the noctuid Spodoptera spp. along with a discussion on host-parasitoid-food plant associations is offered. Based on information about the actual distribution of M. manilae and a set of bioclimatic variables, the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) niche model and the quantum geographic information system (QGIS) were explored to predict the potential distribution of this wasp in a global context. The worldwide geographical distribution of potential climatic suitability of M. manilae at present and in three different periods in the future was simulated. The relative percent contribution score of environmental factors and the Jackknife test were combined to identify dominant bioclimatic variables and their appropriate values influencing the potential distribution of M. manilae. The results showed that under current climate conditions, the prediction of the maximum entropy model highly matches the actual distribution, and that the obtained value of simulation accuracy was very high. Likewise, the distribution of M. manilae was mainly affected by five bioclimatic variables, listed in order of importance as follows: precipitation during the wettest month (BIO13), annual precipitation (BIO12), annual mean temperature (BIO1), temperature seasonality (BIO4), and mean temperature during the warmest quarter (BIO10). In a global context, the suitable habitat of M. manilae would be mainly in tropical and subtropical countries. Furthermore, under the four greenhouse gas concentration scenarios (representative concentration pathways: RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5) in the future period of the 2070s, the areas with high, medium, and low suitability showed varying degrees of change from current conditions and are expected to expand in the future. This work provides theoretical backing for studies associated with the safeguarding of the environment and pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The exotic cabbage seedpod weevil (CSW), Ceutorhynchus obstrictus, is a major pest of canola crops. This insect is mainly regulated in Europe by the parasitoid Trichomalus perfectus, a natural enemy also accidentally introduced in eastern Canada since 2009. The objective of the present study was to evaluate how the landscape influenced the CSW infestation and abundance and the parasitism of T. perfectus. Results from six years in eight Quebec regions show that the CSW was positively affected by roads and cereal crops. Regarding T. perfectus, the parasitism was variable (from about 5 to almost 25%) and positively influenced by landscape diversity, crop edge density, hay/pastures and soybean crops. These results will help determine the potential of an eventual introduction of T. perfectus in western Canada, where most of the canola is produced, and the optimal landscape composition and configuration needed to succeed. The cabbage seedpod weevil (CSW), Ceutorhynchus obstrictus, an exotic pest accidentally introduced in North America in 1931, spread all over this continent and is now a major pest of canola crops. One of its main natural enemies in Europe, Trichomalus perfectus, was observed in eastern Canada in 2009. This study aimed to evaluate the landscape influence on CSW infestation and abundance and on T. perfectus parasitism in Quebec to understand the optimal conditions to potentially release this parasitoid in the Canadian Prairies. Field research was conducted in 19 to 28 canola fields per year, from 2015 to 2020, among eight Quebec regions. CSW was sampled by sweep net during canola blooming and parasitoids by collecting canola pods kept in emergence boxes until adults emerge. Infestation and parasitism calculations were based on pod emergence holes. For analysis, 20 landscape predictors were considered. Results show that CSW infestation and abundance increased if there were more roads and cereal crops in the landscapes. Meanwhile, T. perfectus parasitism decreased when hedgerows length and distance from water were longer. However, it increased when landscape diversity and average crop perimeter-to-area ratio were higher, and along with more hay/pastures and soybean crops. This study's results highlight that these four landscape predictors could provide more resources and overwintering areas, promoting greater efficiency of T. perfectus to control the CSW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Citizen science is a research approach that involves collaboration between professional scientists and non-professional volunteers. The utilisation of recent online citizen-science platforms (e.g. social networking services) has greatly revolutionised the accessibility of biodiversity data by providing opportunities for connecting professional and citizen scientists worldwide. Meteorus stellatus Fujie, Shimizu & Maeto, 2021 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Euphorinae) has been recorded from the Oriental Islands of Japan and known to be a gregarious endoparasitoid of two macro-sized sphingid moths of Macroglossum, Ma. passalus (Drury) and Ma. pyrrhosticta Butler. It constructs characteristic star-shaped communal cocoons, suspended by a long cable. Although M. stellatus has been reported only from the Oriental Islands of Japan, the authors recognise its occurrence and ecological data from Taiwan and the Palaearctic Island of Japan through posts on online citizen-science groups about Taiwanese Insects on Facebook and an article on a Japanese citizen-scientist's website. New information: Through collaboration between professional and citizen scientists via social media (Facebook groups) and websites, the following new biodiversity and ecological data associated with M. stellatus are provided: 1. Meteorus stellatus is recorded for the first time from Taiwan and the Palaearctic Region (Yakushima Is., Japan). 2. Cechetra minor (Butler, 1875), Hippotion celerio (Linnaeus, 1758) and Macroglossum sitiene (Walker, 1856) (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) are recorded for the first time as hosts of M. stellatus and two of which (C. minor and H. celerio) represent the first genus-level host records for M. stellatus. 3. Mesochorus sp. (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae), indeterminate species of Pteromalidae and Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera), are recognised as hyperparasitoid wasps of M. stellatus. 4. Parapolybia varia (Fabricius, 1787) (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) is reported as a predator of pendulous communal cocoons of M. stellatus. The nature of suspended large-sized communal cocoons of M. stellatus and the importance and limitations of digital occurrence data and online citizen science are briefly discussed. [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]

Dinocampus coccinellae (Schrank) is a braconid parasitoid of ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and has exceptionally wide geographical and host ranges. Based on published and unpublished sources Dinocampus coccinellae probably occurs throughout the temperate, subtropical and tropical climatic zones, but some regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa (except its southernmost part) and the Malay Archipelago, have not so far been surveyed for this wasp. In most of its extensive range D. coccinellae was present before the widespread use of classical biological control. It is likely, however, to have reached some oceanic islands and archipelagos at a later date, along with ladybirds used as biocontrol agents. At least 72 species of Coccinellidae are hosts of D. coccinellae. Three of them, Vibidia duodecimguttata (Poda), Calvia decemguttata (L.) and Coccinella miranda Wollaston, are reported here for the first time as hosts of this parasitoid. The most often reported host of D. coccinellae worldwide is Coccinella septempunctata L. followed by Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), Coleomegilla maculata (De Geer) and Hippodamia convergens Guerin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biological control of insect pests is an economic, eco-friendly and harmless approach to integrated pest management strategies. Bracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) considers a polyphagous ectoparasitoid of various pests of the order Lepidoptera. The parasitized host insects' defense mechanisms are triggered as a result of the parasitic wasps' injury and penetration. Thus, induce the host cellular and humoral immune responses through a blend of secretions injected into the host body. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of B. hebetor on the immune response of the parasitized full grown larval instar of the rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under natural envenomation. Results: On cellular level, the ultrastructure examination of the hemocytes displayed a considerable structural deformation in hemocyte morphology of the detected types of the hemocytes. Moreover, the effects of parasitism on both differential hemocyte counts (DHCs) and total hemocyte counts (THCs) were investigated. The number of prohemocytes (PR) (40.33 ± 5.61, 43 ± 8.33 and 26 ± 2.31) was statistically differed after (24, 48 and 72 h) of parasitism, respectively, compared to unparasitized (31.33 ± 6.49) larvae. Similar observations were recorded in plasmatocytes (PL) before and after the parasitism. However, Spherulocytes (SP) and Oenocytoids (OE) were recorded in the hemolymph with little abundance. On the other side, the quantitative analysis of total hemolymph proteins (THP) provoked a significant effect of considering parasitized and non-parasitized larvae. As the Phenoloxidase (PO) cascade plays a critical role in immune defenses, so the substantial activation of PO in the host's hemolymph following successive hours of parasitism compared to unparasitized larvae using L-DOPA as a substrate indicated the induction of larval immune system. The parasitized larvae showed a gradual increase in the PO activity (0.442 ± 0.103) after 24 h reached up to (1.482 ± 0.272) at the end of parasitism (72 h) in comparable to unparasitized larvae (0.177 ± 0.0.044). Conclusion: The present investigations clarified the efficacy of B. hebetor parasitism on the host immune mechanism, which will enable the progress of sustainable stored product protection approaches for the control of an important pest rice moth C. cephalonica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the most complete list of Aleiodes species of the subfamily Rogadinae from Vietnam, and of the total seventy five species of this genus reported, sixty three species of the subgenus Aleiodes, five of Arcaleiodes, three of Chelonorhogas, and four species of the genus Heterogamus. There are thirty species newly recorded from the Rogadinae fauna of Vietnam. The information on valid names, the published papers of the first record of Aleiodes species in Vietnam and the distribution of Aleiodes species were also provided. Additionally, there are three species listed with information about their hosts, being agricultural pests controlled to some degree by these parasitoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new crown wasp species, Megischus shixiangi Ge & Tan, sp. nov. from Vietnam (Hymenoptera: Stephanidae), is described and illustrated. In addition, M. kuafu Ge & Tan is first recorded in Vietnam. A distribution map of the Vietnamese species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper one new species namely Eumenes ferruapiculus sp. nov., from Yunnan (China) is described and illustrated in detail. In addition, E. affinissimus de Saussure, 1852, E. aquilonius Yamane, 1977, E. belli Giordani Soika, 1973, E. gibbosus Nguyen, 2015, and E. rubrofemoratus Giordani Soika, 1941 are newly recorded from China. An updated key to the Chinese species of the genus Eumenes is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus of Pteromalidae Neomegadicylus gen. nov., along with its type species Neomegadicylus gracileus sp. nov., is described from the Republic of Korea and Japan, and N. klarissae sp. nov., is described from the Republic of Korea. This genus can be distinguished from its putatively close relative Megadicylus Girault, 1929 by the following combination of characters -- antennal clava with large micropilosity area, F1-F6 much longer than broad; clypeus smooth and shiny; notauli deep and incomplete and anterior part of propodeum strongly sloping in lateral view. An identification key to species of Neomegadicylus is provided, based on females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of parasitoid wasp (Braconidae, Microgastrinae) from the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is described, Microplitis idreesae sp. nov. The genus is reported for the first time in the Eastern province of the KSA. This is the first host-parasitoid association for Microplitis documented in the country. The new species attacks Mythimna Ochsenheimer (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). Natural history information is provided such as the association of males with females, geographical location, possible food plants, and details of wasp cocoons. In addition, a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene is presented. A taxonomic key to the species of Microplitis reported from the KSA is provided. Characters of this new species and its affinities with the three previous species described from the KSA and four of the closely related to Palaeartic species are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two euphorine taxa from the tribe Cosmophorini, the genus Cryptoxilos Viereck, 1911 and the subgenus Eucosmophorus Belokobylskij, 2000 (genus Cosmophorus Ratzeburg, 1848) are recorded for the first time for the Korean Peninsula. Three species from South Korea, Cosmophorus (Eucosmophorus) jejuensis sp. nov., C. (Eu.) wandoensis sp. nov., and Cryptoxilos (Cryptoxiloides) ulleungus sp. nov., are described and illustrated. Keys to the described species of Cosmophorus (Eucosmophorus) and Cryptoxilos (Cryptoxiloides) are provided. Digital photographs of the type species of the subgenus Eucosmophorus, Cosmophorus undulatus Belokobylskij, 2000, are published for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taeniaticornis-group of genus Apanteles Foerster from China is revised, in which a total of 3 species are recorded and illustrated. One new species, named, A. parectangular Liu & Chen, sp. nov. is described and illustrated, and a key to Chinese species of the taeniaticornis-group, is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing numbers of horizontal transfer (HT) of genes and transposable elements are reported in insects. Yet the mechanisms underlying these transfers remain unknown. Here we first quantify and characterize the patterns of chromosomal integration of the polydnavirus (PDV) encoded by the Campopleginae Hyposoter didymator parasitoid wasp (HdIV) in somatic cells of parasitized fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). PDVs are domesticated viruses injected by wasps together with their eggs into their hosts in order to facilitate the development of wasp larvae. We found that six HdIV DNA circles integrate into the genome of host somatic cells. Each host haploid genome suffers between 23 and 40 integration events (IEs) on average 72 h post-parasitism. Almost all IEs are mediated by DNA double-strand breaks occurring in the host integration motif (HIM) of HdIV circles. We show that despite their independent evolutionary origins, PDV from both Campopleginae and Braconidae wasps use remarkably similar mechanisms for chromosomal integration. Next, our similarity search performed on 775 genomes reveals that PDVs of both Campopleginae and Braconidae wasps have recurrently colonized the germline of dozens of lepidopteran species through the same mechanisms they use to integrate into somatic host chromosomes during parasitism. We found evidence of HIM-mediated HT of PDV DNA circles in no less than 124 species belonging to 15 lepidopteran families. Thus, this mechanism underlies a major route of HT of genetic material from wasps to lepidopterans with likely important consequences on lepidopterans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asobara japonica (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is an endoparasitoid wasp that can successfully parasitize a wide range of host species across the Drosophila genus, including the invasive crop pest Drosophila suzukii. Parasitoids are capable of regulating the host metabolism to produce the nutritional metabolites for the survival of their offspring. Here, we intend to investigate the metabolic changes in D. melanogaster hosts after parasitization by A. japonica, using the non-targeted LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) metabolomics analysis. In total, 3043 metabolites were identified, most of which were not affected by A. japonica parasitization. About 205 metabolites were significantly affected in parasitized hosts in comparison to non-parasitized hosts. The changed metabolites were divided into 10 distinct biochemical groups. Among them, most of the lipid metabolic substances were significantly decreased in parasitized hosts. On the contrary, most of metabolites associated with the metabolism of amino acids and sugars showed a higher abundance of parasitized hosts, and were enriched for a wide range of pathways. In addition, eight neuromodulatory-related substances were upregulated in hosts post A. japonica parasitization. Our results reveal that the metabolites are greatly changed in parasitized hosts, which might help uncover the underlying mechanisms of host manipulation that will advance our understanding of host–parasitoid coevolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caribbean fruit fly Anastrepha suspensa (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a polyphagous pest causing economic losses in Central America, the Caribbean and South Florida. The parasitoid wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is the main parasitoid of A. suspensa in biological control programs. In this study, by modeling with CLIMEX software, climatically suitable areas were projected according to historical climate data. Areas with overlapping optimal climatic suitability for the joint establishment of the pest and parasitoid were mapped, indicating large areas with host presence in North, Central, and South America, with cold stress being the main climatic factor limiting distribution for both species. Tropical regions have the most potential for invasion, with optimal suitability in many areas. Through the projected distributions, this study can target quarantine strategies in areas most susceptible to invasion and establishment of the pest in each country. In addition, classical biological control with the parasitoid in areas with climatic suitability is also recommended.

Abstract Background In the last 171 years, the forests along the eastern bank of the Panama Canal have been pressured by anthropic activities. Studies of the influence of habitat fragmentation on braconid wasp communities in Central America is scarce, showing the existing information gap on these communities required to implement strategic plans for ecosystem sustainability and conservation. This study investigated how fragmentation affects braconid wasp communities in three areas in Panama City: Metropolitan Natural Park, Albrook and Corozal. Two permanent Malaise Traps were installed in the center of each fragment and were reviewed weekly from May 2019 to March 2020. Alpha and beta diversity indices and the similarity index were used to demonstrate the composition of braconid wasp communities in three forest fragments. Results A similarity of 94% was estimated for the subfamily composition and 74% was estimated for the morphospecies composition of wasp community in the fragments studied. Wasp subfamily and morphospecies assemblages were more similar between fragments of Albrook and Metropolitan Natural Park. Richness and abundance of braconid wasps observed were statistically different between the fragments studied. Conclusion Richness, abundance, and composition of braconid wasps differ among habitat fragments with high similarity between subfamilies and morphospecies. Therefore, the fragments studied can be used as stepping stones to maintain remaining populations of braconid wasp communities. Monitoring is recommended to assess the effect of fragmentation on the remaining forests.

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) from infested plants are exploited by parasitoid wasps as cues to search for host habitat. However, uninfested (intact) and infested plants are often intermingled in nature, and how volatiles released by intact plants affect host-searching behavior in natural habitats remains unknown. In a previous study, using a wind tunnel, we found that intact maize plants negatively influenced landing behavior of a parasitoid wasp, Cotesia kariyai (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), when they were placed downwind of infested plants. To determine whether intact plant volatiles affect host searching by C. kariyai, we collected volatiles from intact plants using a headspace volatile collection technique. In a wind tunnel, wasps landed less frequently on a green paper model treated with intact plant volatiles placed in front of an infested plant, than on a green paper model treated with the solvent, hexane. In a 4-arm olfactometer, wasps spent significantly less time in an arena containing mixed volatiles from intact and infested plants, compared to the same arena treated only with volatiles from infested plants. Both results indicate that intact plant volatiles re-direct host-searching behavior in C. kariyai females. Chemical analyses suggest differences in volatiles between intact and infested plants. In terms of parasitoid adaptations for effective searching for hosts in complex environments, aversive effects of intact plant volatiles may help C. kariyai to locate patches of infested plants.

Computer vision approaches, such as deep learning, potentially offer a range of benefits to entomology, particularly for the image-based identification of taxa. An experiment was conducted to gauge the ability of a convolution neural network (CNN) to identify genera of Braconidae from images of forewings. A deep learning CNN was trained via transfer learning from a small set of 488 images for 57 genera. Threefold cross-validation achieved an accuracy of 96.7%, thus demonstrating that identification to genus using forewings is highly predictive. Further work is needed to increase both the coverage to species level and the number of images available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A newly discovered species, Subancistrocerus clypeatus sp. nov., from China (Zhejiang) is described and illustrated. In addition, Subancistrocerus kankauensis (Schulthess-Rechberg) is redescribed and photographed after studying the type series. A key to the genus Subancistrocerus de Saussure, 1855 from China is presented. The distribution of this genus is briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sathon Mason, 1981 is reported for the first time from China through providing a diagnosis, description, and images of Sathon falcatus (Nees, 1834). The mitochondrial genome of S. falcatus was sequenced, annotated and analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laotris luzulae Godfray, sp. nov. is described in the small genus Laotris Nixon, 1943, (Braconidae, Alysiinae, Danusini) from five specimens reared from Cerodontha silvatica (Groschke, 1957) (Diptera, Agromyzidae) mining Luzula sylvatica (Huds.) Gaudin (Juncaceae) in Devon and Gloucestershire in the southwest of Great Britain. Six further specimens from Somerset caught as adults in the 1950s are also noted. It differs morphologically from the three described species of Laotris and shows a 4.2% and 6.6% genetic distance at the CO1 barcode locus from an undescribed North American species and from the European L. striatula (Haliday, 1839), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of the braconid parasitoid subfamily Doryctinae, Eocenhecabolus kotenkoi gen. et sp. nov., from the late Eocene Rovno amber are described and illustrated. Eocenhecabolus gen. nov. is the first unambiguously extinct Doryctinae genus. This genus is described from the male and characterised by the followings features: in the fore wing by the postfurcal position of the recurrent vein (m-cu) relatively to the first radiomedial vein (2-SR), and a distally open brachial (second subdiscal) cell; in the hind wing by the presence of the elementary stigma-like enlargement on the distal half of the costal (1-SC+R) vein. The different types of stigma-like enlargements found in the hind wings of males in the subfamily Doryctinae are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the genus Alysia Latreille, 1804 (Braconidae: Alysiinae), a new species, Alysia erecta sp. nov., and two new records, Alysia hebeiensis Zhu, van Achterberg & Chen, 2018 and A. sirin Belokobylskij, 1998, are described and illustrated. In addition, the DNA barcode region of the mitochondrial subunit I (COI) of these species have been sequenced. An identification key for all Alysia species officially recorded from Korea is provided. [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]

Three species of polyphagous Liriomyza leafminers (Diptera: Agromyzidae), Liriomyza huidobrensis, L. sativae, and L. trifolii, are internationally significant pests of vegetable and nursery crops that have each been recently detected on the Australian mainland. Due to the early stages of these invasions in Australia, it is unclear how climatic conditions are likely to support and potentially restrict the distribution of these species as they expand into novel ranges and threaten agricultural production regions. Additionally, it is unclear how natural enemies, particularly parasitoid wasps, will mitigate the impacts of these pests. Here, we predicted the future establishment potential of L. huidobrensis, L. sativae and L. trifolii in Australia, as well as two cosmopolitan parasitoid wasps known to provide control of the flies in both field and glasshouse settings, Diglyphus isaea (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Hemiptarsenus varicornis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Global distribution data spanning 42 countries were compiled and used to validate a process‐based model of establishment potential based on intrinsic population growth rates. The modelling approach successfully captured the international distribution of the three Liriomyza species based on environmental variables and predicted the high suitability of non‐occupied ranges in Australia. The largely unfilled climatic niche available to these pests demonstrates the early stages of their Australian invasions and highlights locations where vegetable production regions are at particular risk. In addition to Australia, our results highlight many regions globally where L. sativae, L. trifolii and L. huidobrensis have the potential to spread in the future. Within Australia, D. isaea and H. varicornis are predicted to have a large spatial and seasonal overlap with each Liriomyza species and thus are expected to influence the future spread of these pests and play an important role in local pest management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neotropical apoid wasp genus Microstigmus is of particular interest biologically because it represents an origin of eusociality independent of vespid wasps and bees, and is part of the only eusocial lineage among the approximately 10,000 solitary species of apoid wasps. Females construct nests made of silk and the species exhibit an unusual diversity of nesting strategies. However, research is hampered because many species remain undescribed and the basic nesting biology of only a few species is known. I describe three new species from north-west Ecuador related to M. bicolor Richards, including diagnostic morphological characters, altitudinal ranges and molecular data as well as descriptions of their nests and nesting biologies. M. rosae sp. nov. is a mass provisioner that preys on nymphal Thysanoptera, while M. lydiae sp. nov. and M. mirandae sp. nov. are progressive provisioners that prey on nymphal leafhoppers (Cicadellidae). Nests of all three species can contain multiple adult females but more than half of nests contain only a single female. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information is presented on the occurrence in Poland of Dolerus (Achaetoprion) pachycerus Hartig, a sawfly species new to the fauna of the country. The breeded larvae fed on Juncus compressus Jacq., which is a new host plant record. Additionally, the flight periods of particular species of the subgenus Achaetoprion Goulet are discussed and graphically presented. Finally, an identification key is provided for the last feeding stages of larvae of Poland's species of the genus Dolerus Panz. found on rushes. [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: Schizoprymnus is a genus of braconid wasps distributed throughout the whole world except the Neotropical region. There are 126 extant species of Schizoprymnus, 22 of which are known from China (without new species described in this article). This paper describes and illustrates seven new species found in China. The species of the genus Schizoprymnus Förster, 1863 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Brachistinae) from China are revised. Seven new species, namely S. carinatus Yan and Chen, sp. nov., S. glabratus Yan and Chen, sp. nov., S. liui Yan and Chen, sp. nov., S. parvidentatus Yan and van Achterberg, sp. nov., S. punctiscutellaris Yan and Chen, sp. nov., S. septentrionalis Yan and Chen, sp. nov., and S. subspinosus Yan and Chen, sp. nov. are described and illustrated. In addition, S. telengai Tobias, 1976 is reported for the first time from China. An updated key to the Chinese species of the genus Schizoprymnus is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The braconid wasp Urosigalphus rugosocorpus Gibson, 1972 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is reported for first time for Mexico. Aguascalientes is the southernmost distribution record. [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]

Parapanteles hypsidrae (Wilkinson, 1928) and Protapanteles immunis (Haliday, 1834) are the most important parasitic wasps of Ectropis grisescens Warren and Ectropis obliqua (Prout). We sequenced and annotated the mitochondrial genomes of Pa. hyposidrae and Pr. immunis, which are 17,063 bp and 16,397 bp in length, respectively, and possess 37 mitochondrial genes. We discovered two novel types of gene rearrangement, the local inversion of nad4L in Pa. hyposidrae and the remote inversion of the block cox3-nad3-nad5-nad4 in Pr. immunis, within the mitogenomes of Braconidae. The phylogenetic analysis supported the subfamily Microgastrinae is a monophyletic group, but the tribes Apantelini and Cotesiini within this subfamily are paraphyletic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diaeretiella rapae (M'Intosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is one of the most important biological control agents of aphids on crucifer and cereal plants. The reproduction and demographic parameters of D. rapae were investigated at six constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 27.5, and 30 °C) on the greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) reared on wheat (var. Pishtaz). No development was observed at 30 °C. The highest value of mummified aphids per parasitoid female was obtained at temperature of 20 °C (120.08). However, the highest (0.374 day-1) and lowest (0.019 day-1) values of the intrinsic rate of increase (r) were observed at 25 and 27.5 °C, respectively. The shortest times for doubling and mean generation of parasitoid were resulted at 25 °C (1.85 and 7.73 days, respectively). Based on the results, a range of 20 to 25 °C is the most suitable temperature regime for D. rapae population growth on S. graminum. These findings have potential implications for integrated S. graminum management in wheat fields. However, semi-field and field studies are needed to obtain more environmentally relevant results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the ecological importance of parasitoid wasps for the stability of Alps ecosystems, the available knowledge about braconid wasps for these environments is still very limited. Here, we explored the diversity of Alpine braconid parasitoids in the Southern Central Alps. We recorded 18 species of braconids, 12 of which are from the subfamily Aphidiinae. In particular, we detected for the first time the alien parasitoid species Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) in the Alps, providing information that could be considered to evaluate the invasiveness of this species. The second most diverse subfamily was Microgastrinae with two detected species, while one species was recorded from each of the subfamilies Alysiinae, Braconinae, Cheloninae and Euphorinae. Four braconid species from the subfamily Aphidiinae - Aphidius hieraciorum Starý, Aphidius schimitscheki (Starý), Harkeria angustivalvus (Starý) and Monoctonus crepidis (Haliday) - are new records to the fauna of Italy. This work contributes to the knowledge of braconid diversity in the Alps. Moreover, it can be a starting point both to explore complex tritrophic interactions potentially threatened by climate change and the role of early flowering Alpine plants on braconid diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotesia tibialis is a gregarious koinobiont parasitoid of lepidopteran larvae. Due to the wide range of variability of some morphological traits, several new species were already described from the C. tibialis complex. Nixon left open the possibility that there are more by recognizing two seasonal forms. To investigate whether there are hidden taxa within C. tibialis , of 14 samples we analysed morphological characters such as the colouration of female hind femora and male antennae, and the colour and structure of the mass cocoons. The results of the analyses of the colouration of female hind femora and cocoons refute the previously defined forms within C. tibialis. Using the method of geometric morphometrics to investigate the shape of the females' fore wings, we also did not find support of the existence of two seasonal forms of C. tibialis. Finally, applying the mitochondrial barcoding region COI the genetic differences between selected C. tibialis morphotypes were analysed. Based on both morphological and molecular analyses, one morphotype obtained from smoke-white cocoons was completely discriminated against all others, indicating that it is a potentially new species, or one of those already described which Nixon returned to C. tibialis as a synonym. The status of the other 13 morphotypes is still unclear and requires further analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genus Opiognathus, of the subfamily Opiinae (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) is recorded for the first from Pakistan. A new species Opiognathus nitidus M. Sabahatullah & Shah sp.nov. is described and illustrated. Five species of the subfamily Opiinae are reported for the first time from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The newly reported species are Areotetes carinuliferus, Indiopius fischeri, Phaedrotoma biharensis, Phaedrotoma angiclypeata and Xynobius maculipennis. New distributional data for already reported species Diachasmimorpha longicaudata are also provided. The study raises the number of species of the subfamily to 9 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphidius smithi Sharma & Subba Rao (Hymenoptera: Aphidiinae) is reported parasitising Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae, cowpea aphid) which feeds on Medicago sativa L. (Fabales: Fabaceae, alfalfa) arable lands. This is the first record for this food plant-host aphid-primary parasitoid association. The known host range and global distribution for Aphidius smithi are reviewed and discussed. An overview of the relationship between this novel primary parasitoid-host aphid, their symbionts, and host changes is addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

24.8% of parasitism represented by six genera and four species of parasitoids of larvae of sawfly, Monoctenus sanchezi Smith, an insect that defoliates white cedar (Juniperus flaccida Schlechtendal) at San Luis Potosí, Mexico, were reported. The genera and species were molecularly identified as Casinaria sp. (Ichneumonidae), Digonogastra sp. (Braconidae), Billaea biserialis Portshinsky, Lespesia postica Walker, and Vibrissina mexicana Aldrich (Tachinidae), in addition to the tachinid fly hyperparasitoid Perilampus tristis Mayr (Perilampidae). The braconid Digonogastra sp. and tachinid B. biserialis were reported for the first time parasitizing M. sanchezi larvae, thus expanding its number of hosts and range of distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elm leaf beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola Müller (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is an invasive pest of elm trees, Ulmus spp. L. Natural enemies are thought to be important in controlling elm leaf beetles, but their natural enemy community is poorly described in many areas of the invaded range. The aim of this research was to identify parasitoids and predators of elm leaf beetle in Colorado, an area with frequent pest outbreaks and where few natural enemies have been described. We present new state records of the egg parasitoid Oomyzus gallerucae Fonscolombe (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and the larval-adult parasitoid Erynniopsis antennata Rondani (Diptera: Tachinidae) in Colorado. Parasitism of elm leaf beetle eggs and larvae was <3% during the 2021 sampling season. Both parasitoid species were nearly absent early in the season, and parasitism peaked in late summer. We also identified six species of elm leaf beetle predators, several of which are newly documented to consume elm leaf beetle. Considering the low levels of parasitism and few predators observed in our study, it seems unlikely that natural enemies effectively control elm leaf beetles in Colorado. Additional research is needed to develop effective methods to control this invasive insect pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]