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Exoristobia philippinensis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a worldwide parasitic wasp. This work presents the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of E. philippinensis for the first time. The complete mitochondrial genome of E. philippinensis was sequenced and annotated, which was 15,751 bp in length, and encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs). All 13 PCGs were initiated by the ATN (ATG, ATT, and ATA) codon, terminated with the stop codon TAA except for ND1 which ends with TAG. Phylogenetic analysis showed that E. philippinensis has a sister relationship with the genus Lamennaisia.

The family Encyrtidae is highly important for biological control. However, many of the species in this family have not yet been described. Species in the genus Gyranusoidea Compere 1947 have been used in formal pest control programs; the genus has 44 species described worldwide. The male is unknown in at least 20 of these species. These insects were collected by spraying the canopy of an orange orchard in Morelos, Mexico. Specimens of Gyranusoidea amasisNoyes 2000 were collected, observing the presence of males. We report the first discovery of G. amasis in Mexico and provide a description of the hitherto unknown male. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve encyrtid species viz. Agarwalencyrtus citri (Agarwal), Alamella flava Agarwal, Anomalicornia tenuicornis Mercet, Cryptanusia ajmerensis (Fatma & Shafee), Yasumatsuiola orientalis (Trjapitzin), Ethoris dahmsi Noyes and Hayat, Hemileucoceras longicornis Hayat, Hesperencyrtus gordhi (Fatma & Shafee), Monstranusia antennata (Narayanan), Paratetracnemoidea malenotti, (Mercet), Pentelicus depunctatus Manickavasagam & Chaitanya and Pentelicus punctatus Manickavasagam & Chaitanya are newly recorded from different states of India. From the present work, Anaesius hayati reared from an unidentified mealybug from an unknown weed, Gentakola trifasciata reared from Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Ooencyrtus penchants reared from an unidentified diaspidid scale on cotton and O. segestes reared from unidentified Heteroptera eggs from citrus and pomegranate were first host records and Anaesius advena reared from unidentified bug egg from cocoa, Prochiloneurus pulchellus and P. aegyptiacus reared from Phenacoccus solenopsis, Metaphycus sp. reared from mango galls and Proleurocerus montanus reared from unidentified mealybug on unknown weed were additional new host records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common name 'Ferguson squathopper' is proposed for Messena sinuata Atkinson (Eurybrachidae). Cycas circinalis L. (Cycadaceae), Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae), Pongamia pinnata (L.) Merr. (= Millettia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi), Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr.) (both Fabaceae), Terminalia catappa L., T. paniculata Roth (Combretaceae) and Tectona grandis L. f. (Verbenaceae) are newly recorded as host plants of M. sinuata. Messena albifasciata Distant is possibly a junior synonym of M. sinuata. Hymenopteran parasitoids Proleurocerus litoralis Hayat and Kazmi (Encyrtidae, Encyrtinae), Parachrysocharis malabarensis Narendran (Eulophidae, Tetrastichinae) and an unnamed Anastatus sp. (Eupelmidae: Eupelminae) (males only) are newly reported as egg parasitoids of M. sinuata. All parasitoids are described with illustrations. The hitherto unknown male of Parachrysocharis malabarensis is described. Notes on parasitisation are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exoristobia philippinensis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a worldwide parasitic wasp. This work presents the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of E. philippinensis for the first time. The complete mitochondrial genome of E. philippinensis was sequenced and annotated, which was 15,751 bp in length, and encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs). All 13 PCGs were initiated by the ATN (ATG, ATT, and ATA) codon, terminated with the stop codon TAA except for ND1 which ends with TAG. Phylogenetic analysis showed that E. philippinensis has a sister relationship with the genus Lamennaisia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Zaomma eriococci (Ferrière, 1955) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was obtained through next-generation sequencing, making the first reported complete mitochondrial genome of the genus Zaomma. The mitochondrial genome is 15,648 bp in length and includes 37 classical eukaryotic mitochondrial genes along with an A + T rich region. All 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) initiate with typical ATN codons. Of these, 10 PCG genes terminate with TAA, while three terminate with TAG. Additionally, there are 22 tRNA genes, ranging in size from 62 to 70 bp. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed based on 13 PCGs, indicates that Z. eriococci is closely related to Tassonia gloriae. This mitochondrial genome will serve as a valuable molecular resource for species identification, genetic analysis, and comparative genomic studies of Z. eriococci, contributing to the growing collection of mitochondrial genomes within the family Encyrtidae.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Zaomma eriococci (Ferrière, 1955) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was obtained through next-generation sequencing, making the first reported complete mitochondrial genome of the genus Zaomma. The mitochondrial genome is 15,648 bp in length and includes 37 classical eukaryotic mitochondrial genes along with an A + T rich region. All 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) initiate with typical ATN codons. Of these, 10 PCG genes terminate with TAA, while three terminate with TAG. Additionally, there are 22 tRNA genes, ranging in size from 62 to 70 bp. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed based on 13 PCGs, indicates that Z. eriococci is closely related to Tassonia gloriae. This mitochondrial genome will serve as a valuable molecular resource for species identification, genetic analysis, and comparative genomic studies of Z. eriococci, contributing to the growing collection of mitochondrial genomes within the family Encyrtidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the lower thermal limits of Anagyrus vladimiri Triapitsyn (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a natural enemy of mealybugs. Parasitoids were cooled to measure supercooling points and the lower lethal temperature LLT50. To investigate survival after long-term cold exposure, parasitoid adults and eggs, larvae, and pupae within their host mummy were gradually acclimated. Adults were then exposed for three days to 7 °C, 5 °C, 3 °C, and 1 °C, and immatures for varying durations to 5, 1, and − 4 °C. Parasitoids were investigated for survival and reproduction. To assess the impact of fluctuating temperature, parasitoid pupae were subjected to daily warming to 10 °C from baseline temperatures of 5 °C, 1 °C, and − 4 °C during four-day-cold exposure. Finally, eggs, pupae and adults were exposed to winter conditions in Switzerland in a semi-field setup. The LLT50 was − 17.24 °C for adults and 0.94 °C for pupae. Both values were above the supercooling points. No adult survived three days at 3 °C and lower. Likewise, no emergence occurred from eggs or larvae exposed for four days and longer to 1 °C or seven days to 5 °C. Pupae were cold-hardier surviving seven days at 5 °C and three days at 1 °C. Parasitoids surviving cold exposure were still able to reproduce. Daily warming decreased emergence of cold exposed pupae at a baseline temperature of 1 °C but not at 5 °C and − 4 °C. No eggs, pupae and adults survived winter conditions in the semi-field experiment. We thus consider A. vladimiri a chill-susceptible species with very limited cold-tolerance of the investigated population and low chances of survival during winter in Northern Switzerland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the results of investigations 2010 through 2023 of hymenopteran parasitoids associated with gall midges in Europe. A total of 242 collections of gall midges were made, from each of which one to several parasitoid species emerged, resulting in ca. 200 recorded parasitoid species and 267 host-parasitoid interaction records. The parasitoid families involved were Eulophidae (63 species), Platygastridae (56 species), Torymidae (34 species), Pteromalidae (31 species), Ceraphronidae (5 species), Eupelmidae (4 species), Eurytomidae (2 species) and Encyrtidae (1 species). As many as 159 interactions are reported for the first time, significantly enlarging our knowledge of gall midge - parasitoid interactions on the species level. Even more interesting, 51 host records are for parasitoid species for which no host was previously known. Similarly, 28 species of gall midge are reported as host to named parasitoids for the first time. Additionally, 91 parasitoid records were the first for the country in question. Differences between the rearing methods applied and their suitability for recording species with contrasting life histories, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitoids are among the main natural enemies of crop pests. Copidosoma truncatellum (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a parasitoid of Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Plusiinae), which is an important pest of soybean, bean, cotton, sunflower, tomato and potato. Copidosoma are parasitoids of lepidopteran egg‐larva, especially those of the subfamily Plusiinae. The embryonic development of the Copidosoma parasitoid begins in the lepidopteran egg, and this development extends to the beginning of the host larval stage of the parasitized lepidopteran. However, the rate of parasitism is a complex ecological relationship affected by climatic elements and age of the host. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the ecology and host manipulation exerted by the C. truncatellum parasitoid on C. includens. The research was conducted in bean crops (Phaseolus vulgaris) over 2 years. The highest rates of parasitism were observed in crops in March in both years, when it was observed that about 40% of the individuals of C. includens were parasitized by C. truncatellum. In hot seasons and with less rainfall, parasitism is greater. The age of C. includens eggs (up to 3 days) did not affect C. truncatellum parasitism. The parasitized C. includens egg and caterpillar stages, which had their durations extended, showed the parasitized C. includens caterpillars presented higher leaf consumption. Additionally, this study was conducted in the field, which makes its results representative of natural conditions. Therefore, in warm and dry seasons, more significant parasitism of C. includens by C. truncatellum is expected. Parasitism increases the duration of the stages of lepidopterans and increases food consumption by its larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota has an intimate relationship with insect hosts and this relationship can become complicated with parasitic organisms being involved with the host. To date there has been limited evidence for the relevance of parasitism of the host by parasitoids to host gut microbiota, especially in host insect predators. Here, our study examined gut microbiotas in larvae of the predaceous lady beetle, Coccinella septempunctata, in response to their parasitism by Homalotylus eytelweinii regarding the development progress of offspring parasitoids. RESULTS: Overall 58.5% of gut bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the parasitized lady beetle were different from those in the unparasitized host. The phylum Proteobacteria abundance increased while Firmicutes decreased in parasitized hosts compared to the unparasitized. The abundance of genus Aeribacillus decreased substantially in the parasitized lady beetle across all stages of the offspring development compared to the unparasitized host. The α‐diversity of the gut microbiota in a parasitized lady beetle larva increased at the early stage of offspring parasitoids and then returned over the intermediate and later stages. Analyses of β‐diversity indicated that the gut microbial community in a parasitized lady beetle was distinct from that in an unparasitized one and different between early or middle and late stages of offspring parasitoids in parasitized hosts. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence for the relevance of the gut microbiota to interactions between a lady beetle host and its parasitoid. Our study provides a starting point for further investigations of the role the gut microbiota may play in host‐parasitoid interactions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The macadamia felted coccid (MFC), Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) ironsidei (Williams) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), is an invasive pest that has devastating impacts on the macadamia nut tree, in Hawaii and South Africa. MFC is a scale insect native to Australia where it has been recorded from smooth- and rough-shelled macadamia variants. Feeding causes discoloration and distortion of plant foliage, premature flower and nut drop, branch die back, and substantial reduction in nut production. Heavy infestations cause severe damage and death to large portions of trees. A survey conducted by Hawaii Department of Agriculture in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, found the undescribed endoparasitoid Metaphycus species is an important biotic factor for MFC. The parasitoid was imported to Hawaii for host specificity tests using closely related hemipterans, scale insect species, and other species of importance in Hawaii. Results indicated that this parasitoid is monospecific to MFC. This promising natural enemy was described as the new species, Metaphycus macadamiae Polaszek & Noyes sp. n (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). Laboratory parasitism averaged 30.2%, and parasitoids can feed on their hosts. Field parasitism in Australia is 32.7%. Several coccinellid predators and the aphelinid parasitoid, Encarsia lounsburyi, are local natural enemies of MFC in Hawaii, but their impacts alone are insufficient to suppress MFC populations. Introduction of biological control by release of M. macadamiae is expected to result in an effective long-term, sustainable solution for controlling MFC on macadamia nut trees in Hawaii or other infested areas in South Africa. Macadamia felted coccid (MFC), Acanthococcus ironsidei (Williams) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), was first discovered in 2005 on the Island of Hawaii. Host plants are restricted to Macadamia species, with Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche (Proteaceae) being grown in Hawaii for nut production. Approximately 6839 hectares macadamia nuts are harvested in Hawaii with an estimated farm value of USD 48.8 million (2019–2020 records). Exploration in Australia started in November 2013 for the evaluation of potential parasitoids being host specific for introduction into Hawaii. A dominant solitary endoparasitoid of MFC from New South Wales was discovered and described as Metaphycus macadamiae Polaszek & Noyes sp. n (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae: Encyrtinae). Biology and host specificity testing were conducted at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Insect Containment Facility, on nine hemipteran and three lepidopteran eggs. Results indicated that M. macadamiae is host specific to MFC. There has been no evidence of parasitism or host feeding on any of the non-target insect hosts that were tested. Parasitoid emergence from the control (MFC) averaged 30.2% compared to 0% on non-target hosts. A low rate of parasitoid emergence in the laboratory (average 30.2%) and an increased rate of MFC nymphal mortality was due to adult feeding. Field parasitism reached up to 32.7% emergence in Alstonville, New South Wales, Australia. We report on the parasitoid performance in native Australia, rearing biology, host specificity testing, and the extant natural enemies associated with MFC in Hawaii. A petition to release this parasitoid for the biocontrol of MFC in Hawaii is pending. Once permitted for release, the colony will be shared with South African Mac Nut Association for their biocontrol program of this invasive pest. They will conduct their own testing before approval for release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psyllaephagus malloticolae Rawat & Kumar sp. nov. a parasitoid of Trioza malloticola (Crawford) (Hemiptera, Psylloidea, Triozidae) causing galls on leaves of the Kamala tree, Mallotus philippensis Muell, 1865 is described from India. An updated key to all the known allied species of Psyllaephagus Ashmead from India is also provided. The new species comes close to P. garuga Sudhir & Singh, 2011 but differs from it in having Funicular V the longest segment, mid-tibial spur longer than basitarsus, and the exserted ovipositor sheath. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Entomología is the property of Universidad del Valle 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.)

Macadamia felted coccid (MFC), Acanthococcus ironsidei (Williams) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), was first discovered in 2005 on the Island of Hawaii. Host plants are restricted to Macadamia species, with Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche (Proteaceae) being grown in Hawaii for nut production. Approximately 6839 hectares macadamia nuts are harvested in Hawaii with an estimated farm value of USD 48.8 million (2019–2020 records). Exploration in Australia started in November 2013 for the evaluation of potential parasitoids being host specific for introduction into Hawaii. A dominant solitary endoparasitoid of MFC from New South Wales was discovered and described as Metaphycus macadamiae Polaszek & Noyes sp. n (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae: Encyrtinae). Biology and host specificity testing were conducted at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Insect Containment Facility, on nine hemipteran and three lepidopteran eggs. Results indicated that M. macadamiae is host specific to MFC. There has been no evidence of parasitism or host feeding on any of the non-target insect hosts that were tested. Parasitoid emergence from the control (MFC) averaged 30.2% compared to 0% on non-target hosts. A low rate of parasitoid emergence in the laboratory (average 30.2%) and an increased rate of MFC nymphal mortality was due to adult feeding. Field parasitism reached up to 32.7% emergence in Alstonville, New South Wales, Australia. We report on the parasitoid performance in native Australia, rearing biology, host specificity testing, and the extant natural enemies associated with MFC in Hawaii. A petition to release this parasitoid for the biocontrol of MFC in Hawaii is pending. Once permitted for release, the colony will be shared with South African Mac Nut Association for their biocontrol program of this invasive pest. They will conduct their own testing before approval for release.

Anagyrus fusciventris and Tetracnemoidea brevicornis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) are solitary endoparasitoids of Pseudococcus calceolariae and P. longispinus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), major pests of many horticultural crops. The interspecific interaction relate to host-parasitoid association between these two parasitoid species was tested in the laboratory. To test the hypothesis that both species prefer the same life stages of P. calceolariae, first instar to adult mealybugs were exposed to female parasitoids of both species for either 24 h or 10 days. The parasitism by each parasitoid species of eggs and newly emerged or late first instar P. calceolariae was individually tested. A sequential test was also carried out, where mealybugs were exposed to either of the two parasitoid species with 24-h intervals between the exposure to the first and second parasitoid species. Regardless of the time or order of exposure, T. brevicornis females produced a larger proportion of parasitoid progeny within their short adult lifespan (< 10 days). The maximum daily reproductive output of T. brevicornis (32) was higher than A. fusciventris (8). Egg to adult development period of A. fusciventris was shorter (20 ± 1.6 (SD) days) than T. brevicornis (36.6 ± 4.6 (SD) days). A complementary effect of the two species on mealybug suppression was highlighted in our findings, due to their species-specific host stage preference, A. fusciventris prefer older life stages while T. brevicornis prefer younger life stages. Therefore both species together could provide stable control of the pest population more effectively than one species alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcidoidea play an important role in the biological control of many agricultural pests. The present study determines and compares the diversities of this superfamily in four ecosystems in the Lake Urmia basin. It is the largest hypersaline lake in the world with a large basin of different ecological conditions in northwest Iran. These stations were: Khajeh (K) and Tasuj (T) in Lake Urmia Basin (LUBin) and Khoda-Afarin (KA) and Tikme-Dash (TD) out of their (LUBout). Four months of Malaise trapping in these habitats resulted in a total of 512 specimens from 11 families of Chalcidoidea, including 6, 9, 10 and 10 families in K, KA, T and TD, respectively. Maximum abundance was observed in the T station with 192 and the minimum was in the K station with 38. However, the families, Encyrtidae and Chalcididae have maximum abundance in T and KA, respectively. The maximum activity of chalcidoid wasps was observed during June-August. The majority of the species were belonging to the family Mymaridae (25%), in LUBout habitats peaked at 47 specimens in TD during the sampling period, while the corresponding LUBin habitats peaked at 40 specimens in T. The two LUBout habitats had greater community similarity (60%) than found between in and LUBout habitats (42%) and diversity of chalcidoid wasps in LUBout was found much more than LUBin. Biodiversity studies showed that the KA station has the greatest values of diversity, evenness, and richness of Chalcidoidea. This station is located outside of Lake Urmia basin with the warmest and most humid climate and forest ecosystem on the margins of the Aras River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved methods of integrated pest management of the pear psyllid Cacopsylla pyri (L.), the primary pest of pear in Europe and North America, are needed. Trechnites insidiosus (Crawford) is the most abundant parasitoid of C. pyri in pear orchards, where it is present early in the psyllid infestation period. However, little is known about its general biology, interaction with its host and potential as a control agent. The objective of this laboratory study was to evaluate the behaviour of a specialist parasitoid when presented with different larval instars of C. pyri, and assess the quality of the next generation of parasitoids. T. insidiosus was able to insert its ovipositor into all host instars. However, the fourth instar of the host appeared to be the most suitable in terms of behavioural acceptance, time spent walking, antennal activity and progeny development (mummy formation, development time and tibial length). In addition, we report a low frequency of host-feeding behaviour by this parasitoid. From a biological control perspective, we suggest that favouring T. insidiosus, either through mass releases or conservation of naturally present populations, when the first generation of psyllids reach the fourth instar, would maximize the chance of controlling psyllid populations in pear orchards.

Anagyrus vladimiri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is the main parasitoid of Planococcus citri (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), which is one of the most important pests of citrus crops in the Mediterranean Basin. Pesticide residue on trees and in the nectar of wildflowers growing in citrus orchards might cause side effects in beneficial insects. In the present study, we assessed the effects of six systemic pesticides (acetamiprid, dimethoate, cyantraniliprole, flupyradifurone, spirotetramat and sulfoxaflor) on the survival and progeny of A. vladimiri. Anagyrus vladimiri fed on the pesticide solutions and on the nectar of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench plants that had been watered with a solution containing these pesticides. Acetamiprid, dimethoate, flupyradifurone and sulfoxaflor increased female mortality more than the control (water) after 6h; after A. vladimiri consumed these pesticides, female mortality ranged from 62% to 73%. Cyantraniliprole had no immediate toxic effect on parasitoid survival but caused mortality after 15 days. All tested pesticides except flupyradifurone and spirotetramat reduced parasitoid progeny. After six days of feeding on F. esculentum nectar of plants watered with a pesticide solution, significantly increased female mortality was observed with dimethoate (96%), spirotetramat (80%), acetamiprid (62%), cyantraniliprole (62%) and sulfoxaflor (50%). Progeny was reduced in females that fed on plants treated with spirotetramat and dimethoate. These results demonstrate that some of these insecticides can have lethal or sublethal effects on A. vladimiri by both routes of exposure, via direct or indirect pesticide consumption through the nectar of treated plants. • Pesticides that systemically reach the nectar can negatively affect parasitoids. • Anagyrus vladimiri fitness was negatively affected by direct pesticide consumption. • Treated plants nectar consumption have lethal or sublethal effects on A. vladimiri. • Pesticide sprays drift and runoff are an entomofauna toxic exposure route. • Systemic pesticides have shown different behavior through buckwheat nectar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roseau cane (Phragmites australis (Cav). Trin. ex Steud.) is the dominant plant species of the Mississippi River Delta in Louisiana, USA, and protects the coastline from erosion and storm‐related impacts, maintaining shipping channels and oil infrastructure. Widespread dieback and thinning of P. australis were noted in the Mississippi River Delta in the fall of 2016. Invasive populations of the roseau cane scale (Nipponaclerda biwakoensis Kuwana), which is native to Asia, were found at outbreak levels in the stands. Subsequent research implicated N. biwakoensis in the diebacks. As a safe, cost‐effective and long‐term approach for managing this invasive scale, classical (importation) biological control methods are being considered. As the first step to developing biological control, research evaluating the natural enemies of the N. biwakoensis in the native range is necessary. This study investigated the population dynamics of N. biwakoensis and its associated parasitoids on P. australis in Taiwan from July to November 2019 at five study sites. Scale densities across sites increased over the growing season, peaking in September at 85.77 ± 6.36 scales/stem, which is half as dense as found in Louisiana. Mean parasitism of adult female scales across sites and season was 14.00%, while parasitism on immature scales was lower (3.00%). Four parasitoid wasp species were reared from the scale—Asytymachus lasallei Noyes and Higashiura, Boucekiella depressa Hoffer, Neastymachus japonicus Tachikawa and Aprostocetus sp. Westwood. Neastymachus japonicus was the dominant species parasitizing adult female scales, while A. lasallei was the dominant wasp species parasitizing immature scales. Astymachus lasallei and B. depressa were frequently reared from the same individual host, suggesting multiparasitism or hyperparasitism. Overall, this study provides important information on the identity and role of parasitoids of N. biwakoensis in its native range, which will aid in developing a classical biological control programme for the invasive N. biwakoensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemencyrtus casali, Tyndarichus silvicola y Parastenoterys flavicornis se describen como nuevas especies de la provincia de Misiones (Argentina). Deloencyrtus, un nuevo género, se erige para Hemencyrtus kuscheli De Santis, 1955, de las Islas Juan Fernández.

Knowledge about the ideal host ratio per female parasitoid reared in glass tubes is important for obtaining descendants with better biological quality. The study aimed to evaluate the reproduction of Ooencyrtus submetallicus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) females in egg densities of Euschistus heros (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to find the most adequate relationship between parasitoids and hosts aiming at the parasitoid multiplication. The experiment was conducted with E. heros eggs at densities (parasitoid:host) of 1:3, 1:6, 1:9, 1:12, 1:15, or 1:18 with 24 hours of parasitism by O. submetallicus. The parasitoid females and the egg carton were placed in glass tubes and kept in a climate-controlled chamber. The percentage of parasitism was affected by the nonparasitised eggs. The emergence of adult parasitoids, number of parasitised eggs, number of individual parasitoids emerging per egg, the length of the parasitoids' posterior tibiae, and the parasitoids' longevity, life cycle, and sex ratio were not affected by the different densities of nonparasitised eggs subjected to treatments. Ooencyrtus submetallicus parasitised and developed in E. heros eggs in all evaluated densities, with 1:6 presenting the best combination of parasitoid and host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Horticolas 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.)

In this study, the genus Eugahania (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae) and its three species E. flaviscapus, E. latiscapus, and E. yanoi are newly discovered from the Korean Peninsula. The morphological information with photographs of the three species is presented.

Ooencyrtus fecundus Ferriere and Voegele (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a gregarious egg parasitoid of sunn pest Eurygaster integriceps Puton. Superparasitism enables a female to produce multiple progeny per host and thus reduces the time spent searching for hosts, but results in progressively smaller progeny as more individuals compete for limited resources within hosts. In this study, we tested whether gregarious development would affect the functional response of O. fecundus reared under laboratory condition (26 ± 2 ºC, 50 ± 10% RH and 16: 8 L: D h). Various host densities (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 eggs) were offered to females that had developed either as single, or as twins, triplets or quadruplets within host eggs. To resolve the functional responses of these females, a total exposure time of five hours was chosen, based on direct observations of handling time and the maximum daily number of host attacks/female. Functional response of the parasitoid was type III in singleton and twin parents, and type II in triplet and quadruplet ones. However, host mortality rate was 100% in host densities ≤ 8, suggesting density independence at lower densities as expected from a type I functional response. In such circumstances, handling time is expected to be zero, but was observed to be 11.4 to 14.3 minutes in different treatments. These results suggest that when enough time was available to find and handle all hosts, a type II functional response resembles Type I one. Searching efficiency increased and handling time decreased with body size of the parasitoid of four categories.

Exoristobia philippinensis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a worldwide parasitic wasp. This work presents the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of E. philippinensis for the first time. The complete mitochondrial genome of E. philippinensis was sequenced and annotated, which was 15,751 bp in length, and encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs). All 13 PCGs were initiated by the ATN (ATG, ATT, and ATA) codon, terminated with the stop codon TAA except for ND1 which ends with TAG. Phylogenetic analysis showed that E. philippinensis has a sister relationship with the genus Lamennaisia ., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

The data on Encyrtidae of middle Eocene Sakhalinian amber are summarised. Archencyrtus rasnitsyni Simutnik, 2014, Sugonjaevia sakhalinica Simutnik, 2015 and Kotenkia platycera Simutnik, 2015 are redescribed here using supplementary diagnostic features, and high-resolution photos are provided. An additional new genus and species, Encyrtoides pronotatus, gen. et sp.n., is described and illustrated based on a single male. Encyrtids of the middle Eocene differ significantly from both late Eocene and extant ones. The cerci of the new fossil are close to each other and located at the very apex of the gaster. Such a close position of cerci is unknown in either extant or any late Eocene fossil Encyrtidae and is similar to the ground plan of Chalcidoidea. The closing setae (filum spinosum) at the linea calva of the forewing are absent in all known Sakhalinian amber genera, which are preliminarily considered unplaced within Encyrtidae. A comparative morphological analysis of known palaeontological data, including those from the late Eocene fossil record, allowed tracing character changes in some morphological structures in members of the family from the middle Eocene, through the late Eocene, to the present. In the center is E. pronotatus n. gen. and n. sp., ♂, surrounded by extant Encyrtidae females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Metaphycus eriococci (Timberlake, 1916) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was obtained via next-generation sequencing. This mitochondrial genome is 15,749 bp in length with 37 classical eukaryotic mitochondrial genes and an A + T-rich region. All the 13 PCGs begin with typical ATN codons. Among them, 12 PCG genes terminate with TAA, only one with TAG. All of the 22 tRNA genes, ranging from 58 to 72 bp with typical cloverleaf structure except for trnS1 and trnE, whose dihydrouridine arm forms a simple loop. A dramatic gene rearrangement with a large inversion of six protein-coding genes (nad3-cox3-atp6-atp8-cox2-cox1) also found in M. eriococci. Phylogenetic analysis highly supported the monophyly of Pteromalidae, Eupelmidae, and Encyrtidae are sister groups. Within Encyrtidae, Metaphycus eriococci and Aenasius arizonensis are close to each other.

Oregmopyga peruviana, plaga de Vitis vinifera, reduce la producción de uva y en infestaciones fuertes puede provocar la muerte de la planta. La investigación tuvo como objetivo obtener información del ciclo de vida, comportamiento biológico, plantas hospederas y agentes de control biológico de la plaga mediante observación en laboratorio y campo, a través de análisis descriptivos. Se determinó que O. peruviana tiene un ciclo de vida de 22,4 ± 2,06 días, con una capacidad de oviposición de 12,6 ± 1,9 huevos*hembra-1, periodo de incubación de 5,5 ± 0,52 días y periodo ninfal de 16,8 ± 2,13 días; por su comportamiento biológico, las ninfas son móviles y las hembras adultas estacionarias, sensibles a la alteración de su hábitat y mueren cuando la corteza es retirada; no se encontraron plantas hospederas, se destaca la presencia de un insecto parasitoide (Himenóptera: Encyrtidae), un depredador Sympherobius sp. (Neuróptera: Hemerobiidae), y Pyroderces sp. (Lepidóptera: Cosmopterigidae). Los resultados muestran que, O. peruviana es una plaga específica de V. vinifera y solo ataca exclusivamente por debajo de la corteza de troncos y ramas lignificadas, siendo al parecer las ninfas las colonizadoras. O. peruviana tiene agentes de control biológico nativos.

Improved methods of integrated pest management of the pear psyllid Cacopsylla pyri (L.), the primary pest of pear in Europe and North America, are needed. Trechnites insidiosus (Crawford) is the most abundant parasitoid of C. pyri in pear orchards, where it is present early in the psyllid infestation period. However, little is known about its general biology, interaction with its host and potential as a control agent. The objective of this laboratory study was to evaluate the behaviour of a specialist parasitoid when presented with different larval instars of C. pyri, and assess the quality of the next generation of parasitoids. T. insidiosus was able to insert its ovipositor into all host instars. However, the fourth instar of the host appeared to be the most suitable in terms of behavioural acceptance, time spent walking, antennal activity and progeny development (mummy formation, development time and tibial length). In addition, we report a low frequency of host-feeding behaviour by this parasitoid. From a biological control perspective, we suggest that favouring T. insidiosus, either through mass releases or conservation of naturally present populations, when the first generation of psyllids reach the fourth instar, would maximize the chance of controlling psyllid populations in pear orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Western conifer seed bug Leptoglossus occidentalis, a native insect of North America, was accidentally introduced in Europe in the late 1990s. Since then, it has spread rapidly. Biological control could provide an efficient management option but natural enemies of the pest have been poorly examined in Europe.In this study, we exposed sentinel egg masses and collected naturally laid egg masses in southern France in 2016 and 2017, to identify the egg parasitoids of L. occidentalis and investigate their potentials.Three egg parasitoids were detected: Anastatus bifasciatus, Ooencyrtus pityocampae and Ooencyrtus telenomicida. The overall parasitism was low compared to that observed in the native range with 6.4% of all eggs being parasitized, while 17.1% of egg masses carried at least one parasitized egg. The total number of parasitized egg masses was similar between parasitoid species, but the mean number of parasitized eggs per egg mass was highest for A. bifasciatus (5.57 vs. 1.25 for Ooencyrtus spp.).Sentinel egg masses underestimated the parasitism compared to natural egg masses (respectively, 1.42% and 7.71%).Our results suggested that the three generalist parasitoids detected can respond in a Leptoglossus egg density‐dependent manner, but this requires further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oobius rudnevi (Nowicki) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a gregarious egg parasitoid of Cerambyx cerdo L. and Cerambyx welensii (Küster) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), two well‐known large oak‐living saproxylic beetles with different pest/legal status: whereas C. cerdo is a protected species, C. welensii is considered an emerging pest. Despite the potential interest of O. rudnevi as a native parasitoid, the knowledge of its biology remains very limited. We used sentinel eggs to assess the distribution of O. rudnevi in Extremadura (southwest Spain) and to explore its ecology, phenology, behavior, parasitism rates, and host preference. More than 13 500 sentinel eggs, housed in 1 030 wood disks, were field‐exposed during 2016–2018 in 147 oak stands over an array of oak forests. Oobius rudnevi was the only egg parasitoid detected, being widespread and relatively abundant over the studied area (90/147 stands, 61.2%) with adults flying in May–July. Parasitoids were detected in both host species, but net parasitism (PN) was significantly higher in C. cerdo (22.4%) than in C. welensii (9.5%). Net parasitism was affected by altitude (it was higher at 600–800 m) and tended to increase in colder aspects; PN was poorly related to host egg density (no. eggs per disk) and unrelated to host population size (no. adults per trap). Most parasitoids overwintered and emerged in the following spring (synchronously with their hosts) but some phenotypes/lineages did not undergo obligate diapause and were bivoltine. Bivoltine wasps were spatially widespread (27/90 stands, 30%), even if their actual prevalence was rather low (60/1641 parasitized eggs, 3.7%). We also found that O. rudnevi was slightly protogynous, the sex ratio was female‐biased, and the mean (± SEM) number of wasps emerging per parasitized egg was 9.3 ± 0.1 (range 1–29). We discuss the potential role of O. rudnevi as a biological control agent from an evolutionary perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oregmopyga peruviana, pest of the V. vinifera, reduces the production of the grape and in strong infestations provokes the death of the plant. The research aimed to obtain information on the life cycle, biological behavior, host plants and biological control agents of the pest through laboratory and field observation, through descriptive analysis. O. peruviana was determined to have a life cycle of 22.4 ± 2.06 days, with an oviposition capacity of 12.6 ± 1.9 eggs*female-1, incubation period of 5.5 ± 0.52 days and nymphal period of 16.8 ± 2.13 days; biological behavior, nymphs are mobile and adult females are stationary, sensitive to the alteration of its habitat and die when the bark is removed. No host plants were found, highlights the presence of a parasite insect (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a predator Sympherobius sp. (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae), and Pyroderces sp. (Lepidoptera: Cosmopterigidae). The results show that O. peruviana is a specific V. vinifera pest and only attacks exclusively below the bark of trunks and branches lignified, being the nymphs apparently the colonizers. O. peruviana has native biological control agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We surveyed parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera) in two guarana plantations in the central Brazilian Amazon (one conventionally, and one organically managed), as well as in adjacent forest and edge areas between crop and forest. We evaluated differences between management systems in parasitoid diversity and abundance, and assessed the importance of the surrounding matrix as a source of parasitoid wasps for guarana cultivation. Parasitoid wasp richness, abundance and taxonomic composition (at family level) were compared between plantations, and among habitats within plantations. Wasps were sampled using Malaise and Moericke traps. A total of 25,951 parasitoid wasps (10,828 in the conventional, and 15,123 in the organic crop area) were collected, and were distributed in 11 superfamilies and 38 families. In the conventional management area, the greatest abundance and richness of parasitoids were recorded in the adjacent forest, while, in the organic management area, the greatest abundance and richness were recorded in the crop-forest edge. Parasitoid wasp family richness was not influenced by management system and habitat but varied significantly between trap types. Average wasp abundance varied significantly between management systems. The presence of adjacent forest in both cultivation areas likely contributed to a greater abundance and richness of parasitoid wasps, showing the importance of preserving forest areas near the plantations.

Cutworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are economically important pests of multiple field crops, but are difficult to control with insecticides. Biological control with native parasitoids may offer a sustainable alternative for pest management. Cover crops improve the availability of resources required by parasitoids to increase their effectiveness as biocontrol agents. Copidosoma spp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) have the potential to control several species of cutworms in the Canadian Prairies. However, their foraging preferences for non‐host food items are unknown. In this study, we tested flower color and odor preferences of Copidosoma bakeri (Howard) across nine potential cover crop species and investigated how these resources affect survival and longevity of the female wasps. Results indicated that the wasps were most attracted to plants with yellow flowers in the family Brassicaceae (i.e., camelina, mustard, and canola). In multiple‐choice tests, the wasps preferred camelina over all other flower species, and showed an intermediate preference for mustard and canola. In dual‐choice tests with color paper, the wasps preferred yellow over white, and the light yellow of camelina over the bright yellow of canola and mustard, whereas they showed a preference for the odors of mustard and canola. Life expectancy was increased when the wasps were provided floral resources compared to the absence of a food source. Later planting dates and mixed‐species plantings of cover crops resulted in flowering times that better coincided with native wasp emergence. Camelina is known to suppress weeds and may be used as a habitat management tool for enhancing parasitism of cutworms by C. bakeri in the Canadian Prairies. However, further testing is needed to achieve late flowering well into August and early September and to ensure planting additional Brassica spp. does not attract more late‐season pests to cash crops such as canola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the investigation of forest insects in Guilin, Guangxi, encyrtid parasitoid wasps belonging to the genus Psyllaephagus were reared from Macrohomotoma sinica (Hemiptera: Homotomidae) feeding on Ficus concinna. New information: A new species of Psyllaephagus Howard (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), P. guangxiensis Zu sp. nov., is described from Guangxi, China as a parasitoid of Macrohomotoma sinica Yang & Li (Hemiptera: Homotomidae) on Ficus concinna (Miq.) Miq. (Urticales: Moraceae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Acerophagus Smith (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), A. belenaguirreae sp. n., is described from Vieques Island, Puerto Rico (USA) as a primary parasitoid of the mealybug Hypogeococcus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Achyranthes aspera var. aspera (Amaranthaceae) and Portulaca sp. (Portulacaceae). An identification key to females of Acerophagus species in the New World with dark cross bands on the gastral dorsum is provided. A lectotype is designated for Acerophagus californicus Rosen, which is illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Zaomma eriococci (Ferrière, 1955) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was obtained through next-generation sequencing, making the first reported complete mitochondrial genome of the genus Zaomma . The mitochondrial genome is 15,648 bp in length and includes 37 classical eukaryotic mitochondrial genes along with an A + T rich region. All 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) initiate with typical ATN codons. Of these, 10 PCG genes terminate with TAA, while three terminate with TAG. Additionally, there are 22 tRNA genes, ranging in size from 62 to 70 bp. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed based on 13 PCGs, indicates that Z. eriococci is closely related to Tassonia gloriae . This mitochondrial genome will serve as a valuable molecular resource for species identification, genetic analysis, and comparative genomic studies of Z. eriococci , contributing to the growing collection of mitochondrial genomes within the family Encyrtidae., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

The genus Cheilopsis is described with a single inca species on the basis of a female specimen. Their tribal position remains uncertain, being found between the genera Cerapterocerini (morphology of the head, jaws and antennae) and the genera Cheiloncurini (morphology of the thorax, wings and abdomen).

El autor describe una nueva especie de Encyrtidae, Encyrtus homopteryx ?cercanas a E. haywardi y E. baezi? de Ceroplastes sp. (Hom .: Coccoidea) sobre una leguminosa sin nombre de la provincia de Jujuy. Por tanto, el género Encyrtus tiene 7 especies conocidas en Argentina. Se designa un lectotipo para E. baezi.

Fourteen species of Chalcidoidea (Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Eupelmidae, Eurytomidae, Pteromalidae and Torymidae) were obtained from the common reed, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. (Poaceae) in the Urmia region, in the northwest of Iran. Among these species, two new species of Pteromalidae are described hereafter: Norbanus persicus Lotfalizadeh & Rasplus sp. nov. and Stenomalina delvarei Lotfalizadeh & Rasplus sp. nov. Anagyrus near alienus Japoshvili, 2002, Asitus sp., Cheiloneurus paralia (Walker, 1837), Echthroplexiella obscura (Hoffer, 1952), Neococcidencyrtus poutiersi (Mercet, 1922) (all Encyrtidae), Aprostocetus orithyia (Walker, 1839) (Eulophidae), Eupelmus phragmitis Erdös, 1955 (Eupelmidae), Aximopsis deserticola (Zerova, 2004) comb. nov., Tetramesa phragmitis (Erdös, 1952) and Tetramesa sp. (all Eurytomidae), Homoporus febriculosus (Girault, 1917) (Pteromalidae) and Torymus arundinis (Walker, 1833) (Torymidae) were also obtained from our laboratory rearing. Nine of these species are recorded for the first time from Iran.

The functional response of Aenasius bambawalei Hayat (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) to different population densities of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was investigated under laboratory conditions of 65 ± 5% R.H., a photoperiod of 14L : 10D and at temperatures of 25, 30 and 35 ± 1°C. Two, 4, 6, 8, 16, 32 and 64 third instar nymphs of P. solenopsis were exposed to newly emerged mated female parasitoids for 24 h. The parasitoid exhibited a type II functional response at all temperatures. The searching efficiencies (a) and handling times (Th) were 0.1818 h-1 and 5.0012 h at 25°C, 0.1382 h-1 and 3.2807 h at 30°C, and 0.2097 h-1 and 2.3635 h at 35°C, respectively. The maximum attack rates (T/Th) were 4.8, 7.3 and 10.2 nymphs at 25, 30 and 35°C, respectively. This indicates that A. bambawalei is more likely to be an effective biological control agent of P. solenopsis in warm seasons.