First records of Gonatocerus dolichocerus Ashmead, Palaeoneura sp., Anagrus sp. (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), and Centrodora sp. (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in French Polynesia, with notes on egg parasitism of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Abstract

The glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar) [= H. coagulata (Say)] (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Proconiini), invaded Tahiti in 1999 and at the time of writing this pest was widespread in French Polynesia being extremely abundant in Tahiti and Moorea. Homalodisca vitripennis is a major threat for agriculture and biodiversity. In 2004, a classical biological control program against H. vitripennis was initiated with the goal of introducing and establishing the exotic egg parasitoid Gonatocerus ashmeadi Girault (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) in French Polynesia. As part of the preliminary studies for this program, a survey was conducted of existing natural enemies, in particular egg parasitoids of H. vitripennis. Pan trap surveys and monitoring parasitism of H. vitripennis egg masses was performed in Tahiti. The results of the pan trap surveys provide the first record of the presence of Gonatocerus dolichocerus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) in French Polynesia, but surveys of H. vitripennis egg...