Abstract
Gómez J. F., Nieves-Aldrey J. L., Hernández Nieves M. & Stone G. N. 2011. — Comparative morphology and biology of terminal-instar larvae of some Eurytoma (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae) species parasitoids of gall wasps (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) in western Europe. Zoosystema 33 (3): 287-323.We present a taxonomic and biological study of the genus Eurytoma Illiger, 1807 (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae), based on the morphology and biology of the terminal-instar larvae of 13 species living as parasitoids in the galls of European species of cynipid gall wasps. We provide the first detailed descriptions of the terminal-instar larvae of the studied species, illustrating diagnostic characters for the family and the studied genera with SEM pictures. We also provide a species key for the identification of Eurytoma larvae associated with cynipid galls, based on particular characters associated with the head, mouthparts and mandibles. Although we find only limited informative variation in body shape, the head and mandibles provide many characters of potential taxonomic and phylogenetic value. We summarise the larval biology of the 13 Eurytoma species inhabiting cynipid galls. Eurytoma larvae are usually solitary idiobiont ectoparasitoids of the host larva or of larvae of cynipid inquilines that also often feed on gall tissue.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
