New Species and Strains of Aphytis (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) Parasitic on the California Red Scale, Aonidiella Aurantii (Mask.), in the Orient1

Abstract

This paper deals primarily with the Aphytis species or lesser categories considered to be definite and regular parasites of the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Mask.), in the Orient. The importance of species of Aphytis as parasites of diaspine scale insects is discussed and the potential value of strains or other subspecific categories in biological control is emphasized. Pupal pigmentation is described for four species or groups and is shown to be of taxonomic importance. A key is given to five species (or forms) of Oriental Aphytis parasitic on the California red scale. Two new species, Aphytis melinus and A. fisheri , are described, as are two forms whose status is in doubt, the Assam form of A. hispanicus and the Kagoshima form of A. citrinus. The adult females of A. melinus and A. fisheri are very similar, if not indistinguishable, morphologically, but they do not interbreed and the pupae are quite distinct. The known distribution of these species in the Orient is given.