Abstract
In 2003, a new gall-inducing wasp of the genus Ophelimus was detected in the Valparaíso Region (Chile), affecting tree plantations of Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. Since then Ophelimus has been frequently detected in different plantations in Chile, covering a widespread area. A preliminary collaborative study suggests that the micro-wasp detected should be classified as a new Ophelimus species. In this paper, using an integrative approach (including genetic, morphological, and behavioral data), we addressed the delimitation and description of this new species. This study involved the use of brood adult specimens, raised at the laboratory of MIPlagas Ltda., from infested twigs of E. globulus collected in several localities between of Valparaíso and Los Lagos Regions (Chile). Morphological structures were described according to current Eulophidae taxonomic keys, as well as additional traits, such as gall morphology and behavior. Genetic characterization was implemented using a phylogenetic approach, based on a 648 bp specific fragment of the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I gene (COI 5 region) obtained from collected specimens and available databases (Genbank, NCBI, and BOLDSystem). Specifically, distinctive patterns of variation were detected in traits like gall and antennae morphology, growth habit trends, and a notorious polyphenism in the setae from the sub marginal vein. Overall evidence suggests that this new entity should be considered a new species in Ophelimus, which is henceforth named Ophelimus migdanorum Molina-Mercader.
Highlights
Species of the genus Eucalyptus L’Hér. (Myrtaceae) are native to Australia, Tasmania, and nearby islands, being planted worldwide due to their common commercial, ornamental, and industrial use
A total of 4632 Ophelimus specimens were used, which correspond exclusively to the new Ophelimus species detected in Chile, and 58.9% were females
Specimens of Ophelimus detected in Chile constituted a new species or taxa that had not previously been described
Summary
Species of the genus Eucalyptus L’Hér. (Myrtaceae) are native to Australia, Tasmania, and nearby islands, being planted worldwide due to their common commercial, ornamental, and industrial use. Non-native invasive insects have a significant impact on forestry because they are not accompanied by their principal natural enemies, so can reach epidemic levels [5]. Ophelimus—represent an important radiation from Australia, constituting one of the most important invasive species present in forests [6,7,8,9]. The Eulophidae family is one of the largest and most diverse of the super family Chalcidoidea [10]. This family is mainly composed of parasitoid species, which include predators and phytophage insects, as well as gall inducers responsible for the infection of several forest-dwelling species, including
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