An identification key to species in the mali complex of Aphelinus (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) with descriptions of three new species

Abstract

The Aphelinus mali complex consists of eleven described species. Monophyly of this complex is well supported by a combination of traits: (1) a single complete row of setae proximal to the linea calva of the fore wing, with a few additional setae in the angle between this row and the marginal vein; (2) linea calva open (no setae at its posterior edge); (3) head and body dark except for parts of the metasoma; (4) meso- and metacoxae dark; (5) metafemur pale, (6) metatibia dark. Species within the complex have been distinguished by color and shape of antennal segments (particularly the third funicular segment), color of legs and metasoma, and relative length of ovipositor versus mesotibia. We provide a key for identifying species in the mali complex, and describe three new species, Aphelinus glycinis sp. n., Aphelinus rhamni sp. n., and Aphelinus coreae sp. n. from material in laboratory cultures originally reared from soybean aphid in China and Korea as candidates for biological control of soybean aphid, Aphis glycines.