Cynipidae Research Articles

A degree-day model for predicting adult emergence of the citrus gall wasp, Bruchophagus fellis (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), in southern Australia

The citrus gall wasp, Bruchophagus fellis, is a serious pest of citrus in southeast Australia and the ability to accurately predict its highly synchronised adult emergence periods is critical for its effective management. We monitored emergence of the citrus gall wasp for six years during 2010–2017 in southern Australia, yielding a total of 22 site-by-year datasets from two citrus production regions and multiple citrus varieties. For each dataset, the proportions of emerged wasps on different monitoring dates were related to the corresponding degree-days using a 2-parameter Weibull function. The two degree-day parameters, the lower development threshold temperature and biofix date, were estimated at 8 °C and August 1 respectively by cross-validation of a series of candidate values using the sum of squared differences between the predicted and observed median emergence dates as the performance indicator. According to the final fitted Weibull function, 5, 50, and 95% emergence occur when 560, 723 and 835 degree-days above 8 °C have accumulated after August 1. The predicted median emergence dates differed from the corresponding observed median emergence dates by an average of 2.8 days across the 22 datasets. The average deviations for 5 and 95% emergence were slightly larger, at five and four days, respectively. Observed degree-days for median emergence did not differ significantly between the two citrus production regions, indicating there is no need for separate degree-day models for different regions. Based on the degree-day model, an interactive, online timing tool has been developed, allowing growers to use local weather station data to predict when the gall wasp is likely to emerge in average, warm, and cool years.

Insect galls of the Brazilian Cerrado: associated fauna

Abstract: Insect galls host a rich and diverse fauna of secondary dwellers, which compose the associated fauna. In Brazil, many inventories of insect galls in Cerrado areas have recorded secondary dwellers. These records were scattered in several papers. This study gathered literature data to provide an overview of the arthropod fauna associated with insect galls in the Brazilian Cerrado. We searched for scientific publications in online academic databases and retrieved 16 papers with data on the secondary dwellers. We limited our search to the period from 1988 to 2020. We updated the name of plant species and verified endemism and geographic distribution in Flora do Brasil 2020. We provided plant species uses based on the Tropical Useful Plants 2014. We found 163 gall morphotypes with secondary dwellers (16.8% of the total of gall morphotypes of the Brazilian Cerrado) on 94 plant species in 37 families. Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, and Malpighiaceae exhibited the greatest number of records. These are the richest families in insect galls in the Brazilian Cerrado. Most arthropod fauna were recorded in galls of Cecidomyiidae (Diptera). Most records were in leaf galls, the predominant galled organ. Parasitoids were more frequent than successors, inquilines, and predators. Eulophidae and Eurytomidae were the most frequent parasitoid families. Inquilines were represented by Coleoptera, Diplopoda, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Psocoptera, and Thysanoptera; successors by Acari, Araneae, Cecidomyiidae (Diptera), Coleoptera, Collembola, and Formicidae (Hymenoptera), whereas predators by Pseudoscorpiones and Diptera. Most records were presented in suprageneric categories, showing that the taxonomic knowledge is very deficient. 29 plant species are endemic to Brazil and totaled 45 gall morphotypes with secondary dwellers; 46 plant species are useful and host secondary dwellers in 62 gall morphotypes. These data add ecological and economic importance to these arthropods.

Molecular Placement of an Outbreak-Causing Gall Wasp,Zapatella davisae(Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), with Comments on Phylogenetic Arrangements in the Tribe Cynipini

AbstractGall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) have fascinated researchers for centuries due to the elaborate diversity of charismatic galls they produce, the presence of unique reproductive systems (e.g., a form of cyclical parthenogenesis), the possible convergent evolution of semiparasitic gall wasp forms (i.e., “inquilines”), and their multitrophic interactions. While many classifications for gall wasps have been proposed, recent DNA sequence efforts combined with taxonomic revisions are beginning to clarify the evolutionary relationships of this group. To date, however, a well resolved phylogeny is lacking, complicating the study of outbreak-causing pest species. Outbreaks by one such species, the black oak gall wasp, Zapatella davisae Buffington & Melika (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini), have led to extensive damage and mortality of black oaks, Quercus velutina L. (Fagales: Fagaceae), in the northeastern United States. Here we sequenced fragments of the nuclear ribosomal gene 28S, and the nuclear protein coding gene long-wavelength opsin from samples of Z. davisae collected on Cape Cod, MA, and Long Island, NY. Using these sequences and sequences previously published from the mitochondrial locus cytochrome b, we performed Bayesian and maximum likelihood multilocus phylogenetic reconstructions based on a concatenated alignment including species of gall wasps in the tribe Cynipini from which all three loci were present in the GenBank database. Confirming morphological work, we find that Z. davisae is most closely related to species in the genera Callirhytis and Neuroterus, and appears to be a basal member of the “Quercus” section of the tribe Cynipini. We find that recent generic reclassifications within the Cynipini have made great progress towards clarifying the taxonomic relationships of species of gall-inducing wasps in this tribe, and we comment on several classifications that require additional research.

Metabolite investments and stress levels among tissue compartments of

Galling insects manipulate host plant tissues for their own benefit. Because of feeding activity of the gall insects, both structural and metabolic changes occur in the host plant, leading to the formation of an abnormal growth of new organ (the gall). Galls induced by Palaeomystella oligophaga (Lepidoptera) on Macairea radula (Melastomataceae) depend on the constant larval feeding stimulus for establishment and development. The gall consists of two tissue compartments – the storage and nutritive tissues. These two gall tissues were investigated here in terms of the levels of oxidative stress and of a possible differential chemical investment. In addition, we investigated the relationship between gall coloration and the concentration of primary metabolites. Our results supported a differential investment of chemical compounds in the M. radula compartments, with higher concentrations of polysaccharides, malondialdehyde, and phenolic compounds in the storage tissue, and higher total soluble sugar concentrations in the nutritive tissue. Regarding gall colour, conflicting results were observed in the present gall system. Water-soluble polysaccharides were detected at higher concentrations in red galls than in green galls. As a water-soluble polysaccharide, pectin seems to be related to increased anthocyanin stability, a process that might occur in galls, leading to red coloration.

Diversity of insect galls from Mato Grosso State, Brazil: North Pantanal

Abstract: The Pantanal Biome occupies 20% of the Brazilian territory extending its distribution over two Brazilian States, Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. This Biome is one of Brazil's poorly known regions concerning insect gall and their interactions with host plants. In this study, we characterized for the first time the gall morphology, identified host plants and the gall makers from an area of Brazilian wetlands from Mato Grosso State, known as Pantanal Matogrossense. We sampled Pantanal Biome areas in Poconé municipality, along the Transpantaneira Road, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, in two expeditions, July 2012 and January 2013, with a total effort of 2 hours. We characterized 91 morphotypes of insect galls in 54 host plant species; 28 gall makers in 24 host plant species; the richest host plant families are Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, and Sapindaceae. Psidium guineense Sw. is the super host species. This area in Pantanal Matogrossense is the second in the richness of gall morphotypes (N=91) and average morphotypes/plant species (1.7), comparing phytophysiognomies. Additionally, 15 plant species are new record as host in galler-host plant interaction in the world. This number represents 30% of the total of host plant species sampled in Poconé. This inventory is new knowledge to the Pantanal Matogrossense and representing a unique testimony of insect-plant interactions consumed by the unprecedented fire that occurred in Pantanal Biome in the dry season of 2020.

Plant galls recorded from Guanacaste Conservation Area-Costa Rica as an integrated concept of a biological database

Abstract: Galling insects are specialist herbivorous that have the ability of manipulating plant tissue to form complex biological structures called galls. Even though different organisms have the ability to induce galls in plants, insect galls have the highest degree of structural complexity. The main goal of this study was to obtain a preliminary systematic record of plant gall morphotypes from the Guanacaste Conservation Area in Costa Rica and integrate the information into a biological database. Plant gall morphotypes were recorded, characterized and deposited into a specialized herbarium established as a reference for the inventory. Moreover, organisms associated with gall morphotypes were included in the inventory when it was possible to obtain and identify them. Galls were collected in the rainy season over a period of three years. In total, we recorded forty-four families, seventy genera, and eighty-seven host plant species. One hundred thirty-one morphotypes of plant galls were identified in the Guanacaste Conservation Area. The family with the highest number of gall morphotypes was Fabaceae (8.4%). Leaves were the organ with the largest number of galls (71%), followed by stems (17.6%), and apical buds (6.9%). The predominant gall shape was globular (25.2%), followed by discoid (18.3%). Fifty-nine percent of the galls had a glabrous texture, which was most common on leaves, with 77%. One hundred twenty of our field records (91.6%) of plant galls were new morphotypes not only for Costa Rica but also the world. As a consequence of this research and considering the prospect of future increases in new gall records (and associated organisms), we proposed having the biological entities resulting from the inventory placed in a cecidiarium. This repository represents a standardized and comprehensive way to manage the data and biological materials associated with the plant galls. We also suggest a nomenclature for standardizing gall morphotype registries and identifications. This work is the first and most detailed inventory of plant galls carried out thus far in the Guanacaste Conservation Area.

Diversity of insect galls from Mato Grosso State, Brazil: Cerrado

Abstract: The Midwest region of Brazil possesses large areas dominated by the Cerrado that is poorly known concerning insect gall and their interactions. In this study, we inventory the gall morphology, host plants, and the gall makers from Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso State, in areas of natural vegetation from Cerrado, for the first time. Samplings occurred in two expeditions, July 2012 and January 2013. We characterized 295 morphotypes of insect galls in 140 host plant species, with 89 gall makers; the richest family in host plants was Fabaceae (16.7%), and the species was Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) Marchand (Burseraceae, 3.7%). Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães is the richest Brazilian cerrado area in gall morphotypes (295) and the second in average morphotypes/host plant species (2.1). Additionally, six genera and 38 species are new records as host plants; two of them, Bernardia similis Pax and K.Hoffm and Ormosia macrophylla Benth., are new occurrences for Mato Grosso State, and other two, Vochysia petraea Warm. and Talisia subalbens (Mart.) Radlk. are listed in the Red List of Threatened Species IUCN. This inventory data represents a testimony of insect-plant interactions in a Brazilian Cerrado area that was consumed by an unprecedented fire in the dry season of 2020.

Efficacy of Foliar Applied Insecticides for Control of Blueberry Stem Gall Wasp, 2020

Efficacy of Foliar Applied Insecticides for Control of Blueberry Stem Gall Wasp, 2020

A Taxonomic Review of the Gall Wasp Genus Saphonecrus Dalla-Torre and Kieffer and other Oak Cynipid Inquilines (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) from Mainland China, with Updated Keys to Eastern Palaearctic and Oriental Species.

After the examination of the oak cynipid inquilines deposited in the Parasitic Hymenoptera Collection of the Agriculture and Forestry University of Zhejiang (ZAFU, China), we provide a revision of the species of Saphonecrus, Lithosaphonecrus, Ufo (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Synergini) and Ceroptres (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Ceroptresini) found in mainland China. Two new species of Saphonecrus are described: S. albidus Lobato-Vila and Pujade-Villar, sp. nov. and S. segmentatus Lobato-Vila and Pujade-Villar, sp. nov. Four Saphonecrus species (S. gilvus Melika and Schwéger, 2015, S. globosus Schwéger and Tang, 2015, S. leleyi Melika and Schwéger, 2015, and S. nantoui Tang, Schwéger and Melika, 2015) are new records for this region. We also provide new data on the biology and distribution, redescriptions, illustrations and corrections to some of the species, as well as updated keys to Eastern Palaearctic and Oriental species of Saphonecrus and Ufo. Three species of Saphonecrus are considered to have an uncertain status: S. gemmariae (Ashmead, 1885) incertae sedis from the USA, S. excisus (Kieffer, 1904) nomen dubium from India, and S. sinicus Belizin, 1968 incertae sedis from China. The validity of Saphonecrus in the Nearctic region as well as the current status of S. serratus Weld, 1926 from the Philippines and S. favanus Weld, 1944 from the USA are discussed.

Gall traits and galling insect survival in a multi-enemy context

Introduction: The enemy hypothesis postulates that gall traits protect galling insects against natural enemies. Galls show a huge range of sizes, colors and ornaments, which vary even intraspecifically. However, galling insects are targets of various organisms that attack them directly or indirectly. In this context, to consider only one gall trait to investigate gall structure acting against only one guild of enemies can conceal an understanding of the community-level interactions. Objective: Herein, we take these ideas into consideration to investigate the conspicuous galls induced by Palaeomystella oligophaga Becker and Adamski 2008 (Lepidoptera) on Macairea radula (Bonpl.) (Melastomataceae) as a model system. We characterize this system through categorization of the different enemy guilds present in the community. We identified them to the lowest taxonomic level possible and determined the kind of interaction responsible for galling insects’ deaths. Considering the enemy hypothesis and the selection of secondary characteristics, we also aimed to determine which of the multiple gall traits influence the survival success of galling insects in a multi-enemy context. Methods: We inspected galls and characterized the enemy guilds affecting the galling insect and the mortality rates produced by each one of them. Next, we tested whether the distinct gall traits measured (parenchyma thickness, color, projections) promote galling insect survival with respect to each enemy. Results: The mortality induced by indirect enemies (organisms that interact with gall tissues and can interact secondarily with galling insect) was 47.3 %, being higher than that caused by parasitoids and predators (31.5 %). Despite the gall’s structural complexity, live galling insects showed the smallest occurrence (21.2 %). Parenchyma thickness was negatively related to Calliephialtes parasitoids, Gelechiidae cecidophages and predation signals. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the attacks to gall tissues by the cecidophages represented the highest threat to P. oligophaga survival, being higher than the mortality caused by direct enemies. That is, the gall traits were not as efficient as supposed to protect the galling insect from the attack of natural enemies. Nevertheless, we also demonstrated that parenchyma thickness can be negatively related to some organisms, especially direct enemies. Other traits hypothesized as defensive (e.g. projections, coloration) may simply play no role.

A review of the species in the genus Synergus Hartig (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Synergini) from mainland China, with an updated key to the Eastern Palaearctic and Oriental species

Abstract The Eastern Palaearctic and Oriental fauna of gall wasp inquilines (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) has been historically understudied. Previously, ten species of Synergus Hartig (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Synergini), the most speciose genus of inquilines associated with Fagaceae galls worldwide, were known to occur in mainland China despite this region harbors a great number of potential fagaceous tree hosts. After the examination of all the Synergus specimens deposited at the Parasitic Hymenoptera Collection of the Agriculture and Forestry University of Zhejiang (ZAFU, China), we provide a revision of this genus in mainland China. Three new species (S. drouarti Pujade-Villar, sp. nov., S. ponsatiae Lobato-Vila & Pujade-Villar, sp. nov. and S. rovirae Lobato-Vila & Pujade-Villar, sp. nov.) are described and illustrated. Four species (S. areolatus (Weld, 1926) comb. nov.; S. formosanus Schweger & Melika, 2015, S. gifuensis Ashmead, 1904 and S. ishikarii Melika & Schweger, 2015) are new records for this area. Saphonecrus reticulatus Pujade-Villar, Wang & Guo, 2014 is proposed as syn. nov. of Synergus castaneus Pujade-Villar, Bernardo & Viggiani, 2013, and Synergus changtitangi Melika & Schweger, 2015 as syn. nov. of S. deqingensis Pujade-Villar, Wang & Chen, 2015. We provide new biological and distributional data for all the species as well as redescriptions, pictures and other corrections for those which were originally poorly characterized. Lastly, we provide an updated key to the Eastern Palaearctic and Oriental Synergus species, with a table summarizing all of them.

Two new species of oak gall wasps from Turkey (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae, Cynipini).

Two new species of oak gall wasps, Cynips izzetbaysali sp. nov. and Callirhytis afion sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini) are described from Turkey. The new Cynips species is known only from asexual females and induces detachable leaf galls on Quercus infectoria. The sexual generation of the new Callirhytis species is known to induce acorn galls on Quercus cerris. Data on the diagnosis, distribution, and biology of the two new species are given.

Differences in native and introduced chalcid parasitoid communities recruited by the invasive chestnut pest Dryocosmus kuriphilus in two Iberian territories

Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) is a global invasive gall wasp and a pest of chestnuts (Castanea spp.). A study of the Chalcidoidea parasitoid community of D. kuriphilus was undertaken over two years, from March 2017 to March 2019, at 15 sites in south and northwest Spain (Málaga and Galicia regions). More than 18,000 galls were collected, and 1153 parasitoids belonging to 22 species of seven chalcidoid families, plus two individuals of an inquiline Cynipidae, Synergus facialis, emerged. Richness was higher in the Málaga region, with 20 species, while 17 parasitoids and one inquiline were identified in Galicia. The parasitism rate of native chalcid parasitoid species in both regions was low. Eupelmus urozonus and Mesopolobus lichtensteini were the most abundant native species. Mesopolobus tibialis was a dominant species in south Spain, while Ormyrus pomaceus was a dominant species in northwest Spain. Our results revealed the existence of a sub-community of univoltine, probably host specialized, parasitoids in south Spain, which overwinter in galls, exhibiting a similar life cycle to Torymus sinensis. These species were Torymus notatus, Aulogymnus bicolor, Aulogymnus obscuripes and Aulogymnus balani. Data on the recovery of T. sinensis after release in the south Spain region show it to be well established, but its numbers are still low in northwest Spain.

Short-Term Cold Stress Affects Parasitism on the Asian Chestnut Gall Wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus.

Simple SummaryThe Asian cynipid gall wasp (ACGW) “Dryocosmus kuriphilus” has become widespread in Europe. In all invaded areas, it is parasitized by native parasitoids associated with oak galls, for which the ACGW represents a non-saturated adaptation space. Considering the increase in the frequency of extreme climatic events over the last twenty years (e.g., low temperatures during the vegetative period of the chestnut tree), this study aimed to elucidate the effects of cold stress on both ACGW biology and parasitism by native and introduced parasitoids. The ACGW–parasitoid system represents an ideal subject in which to evaluate the effect of sudden cold stress events due to the wasps’ biological characteristics, which include the ability to complete development even in galls detached from plants. We show that parasitism on and the mortality of ACGWs in three chestnut fields were affected by a cold treatment. Our results reveal species-specific differences in the abundance and performance of parasitoids associated with the ACGW in response to cold stress. For example, the frequency of Eupelmus spp. and Mesopolobus tibialis doubled as a result of the cold treatment in all three chestnut fields in both study years. Therefore, the plasticity in response to short-term temperature variation is associated with individual fitness in some parasitoid species.Temperature variation affects interactions involving plants, herbivores, and parasitoids, causing a mismatch between their phenological cycles. In the context of climate change, climatic factors can undergo profound and sudden changes, such as sudden hot or cold snaps. Herein, we show that the number of episodes of short but sustained low temperatures has increased, mainly during May, over the last two decades. We subjected galls induced by the Asian chestnut gall wasp (ACGW) Dryocosmus kuriphilus to cold stress to assess whether and, if so, how it affected the pest and its parasitoids. Over the course of two years, we measured seasonal parasitism, parasitism rates, the relative abundance of each parasitoid species, and ACGW mortality. We found that the cold treatment affected both the pest and the parasitoids, resulting in a reduction in the emergence of ACGWs and differing ratios of species within the parasitoid community. The most striking example was the change in the relative frequency of three species of Eupelmus spp. and Mesopolobus tibialis, which doubled in cold-stressed galls in all chestnut fields. The effects of temperature on the development of the host and the direct effects of cold temperatures on the surface of galls (in terms of the humidity or hardness of the galls) warrant further research in this direction.

Range Expansion and Dispersal of the Asian Chestnut Gall Wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) in the Mid-Atlantic States

The Asian chestnut gall wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu is an invasive species of global concern that was inadvertently introduced into North America where it induces gall formation on chestnut species including Castanea mollissima Blume, C. crenata Siebold & Zucc., and C. sativa Mill. as well as on the American chestnut, C. dentata (Marshall) Borkh. The gall former was introduced into the United States in the 1970's and since its initial introduction into Georgia, it has been reported to have spread to 13 other states. It has previously been documented as far to the northeast as Connecticut and Massachusetts and as far to the northwest as Michigan. Prior to this study it had been reported in 13 counties within the state of Pennsylvania. The introduction and spread of D. kuriphilus is of particular concern given the intensive efforts to restore American chestnuts into the North American landscape. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the distribution and spread of the Asian chestnut gall wasp in Eastern Pennsylvania and neighboring states. During the course of this study, specimens of Castanea spp. (Fagaceae) were assessed/monitored for the presence of galls caused by D. kuriphilus at over 100 sites in four states. Herein, galls caused by the Asian chestnut gall wasp are documented, for the first time, on Castanea spp. at several sites in the U.S. states of New Jersey, New York, and Delaware, new state records. Additionally, we report an expansion of the range of the Asian chestnut gall wasp to encompass twenty additional counties within Eastern Pennsylvania. Dispersal of the gall wasps in this study appears to have been influenced by topographical features and wind direction. For further confirmation of identity, we reared D. kuriphilus from galls collected at several sites. These findings establish the range expansion of this gall-forming invasive pest species in the United States to now encompass all of the Mid-Atlantic States.

Comprehensive phylogenomic analyses re-write the evolution of parasitism within cynipoid wasps

BackgroundParasitoidism, a specialized life strategy in which a parasite eventually kills its host, is frequently found within the insect order Hymenoptera (wasps, ants and bees). A parasitoid lifestyle is one of two dominant life strategies within the hymenopteran superfamily Cynipoidea, with the other being an unusual plant-feeding behavior known as galling. Less commonly, cynipoid wasps exhibit inquilinism, a strategy where some species have adapted to usurp other species’ galls instead of inducing their own. Using a phylogenomic data set of ultraconserved elements from nearly all lineages of Cynipoidea, we here generate a robust phylogenetic framework and timescale to understand cynipoid systematics and the evolution of these life histories.ResultsOur reconstructed evolutionary history for Cynipoidea differs considerably from previous hypotheses. Rooting our analyses with non-cynipoid outgroups, the Paraulacini, a group of inquilines, emerged as sister-group to the rest of Cynipoidea, rendering the gall wasp family Cynipidae paraphyletic. The families Ibaliidae and Liopteridae, long considered archaic and early-branching parasitoid lineages, were found nested well within the Cynipoidea as sister-group to the parasitoid Figitidae. Cynipoidea originated in the early Jurassic around 190 Ma. Either inquilinism or parasitoidism is suggested as the ancestral and dominant strategy throughout the early evolution of cynipoids, depending on whether a simple (three states: parasitoidism, inquilinism and galling) or more complex (seven states: parasitoidism, inquilinism and galling split by host use) model is employed.ConclusionsOur study has significant impact on understanding cynipoid evolution and highlights the importance of adequate outgroup sampling. We discuss the evolutionary timescale of the superfamily in relation to their insect hosts and host plants, and outline how phytophagous galling behavior may have evolved from entomophagous, parasitoid cynipoids. Our study has established the framework for further physiological and comparative genomic work between gall-making, inquiline and parasitoid lineages, which could also have significant implications for the evolution of diverse life histories in other Hymenoptera.

Insights into Super-host Plant Species of Galling Insects in the Neotropical Region

Background: The term ‘super host’ plant is often used in the literature surrounding plant-galling interactions, but the different contexts in which the term is used generates doubt and confusion due to the absence of a systematic definition of the term’s meaning. Objective: In this study, we used 60 well-defined plant-galling assemblages to propose a systematic definition of super-host plants at the local and regional level. In addition, we investigated factors that explain the number of galling species per host plant at different geographic scales. Methods: Plant-galling assemblages were compiled from an extensive literature review on insect gall inventories carried out in Brazil. Results: We found 888 host plant species belonging to 94 families and 340 genera hosting 2,376 insect gall morphotypes. At a local scale, 33.2% of host plant species harbored one insect gall morphotype and 12.2% hosted two gall morphotypes, making up 45.4% of the host plant species in each locality. At the regional scale, 51.5% of host plant species harbored one insect gall morphotype, and 17.9% of host plant species hosted two gall morphotypes, corresponding to 69.4% of all host plant species. Based on the average number of galling species per plant species, we classified the plant species into: 1) Host species; 2) Multi-host species and 3) Super-host species. The super-host plant species that showed the greatest richness of gall morphotypes at the local level were Baccharis reticularia and Adenocalymma neoflavidu. Furthermore, we found a positive relationship between plant life-form architectural complexity and the number of galling species at the local level. At the regional scale, we registered five super-host species (Guapira opposita, Protium heptaphyllum, Copaifera langsdorffii, Myrcia splendens, and Byrsonima sericea) which hosted 21 or more insect gall morphotypes. The number of galling species per host plant species at the regional scale was influenced positively by geographic distribution rank and number of biomes in which each species of the plant occurs. Conclusion: The present study stands out as the first of its kind to provide a systematic standardization for the super-host plants and to investigate factors influencing these species.

Newly invaded territories by Dryocosmus kuriphilus in Spain and first records of Torymus sinensis in the Sistema Central

Aim of the study: To update the distribution of Dryocosmus kuriphilus, the Asian chestnut gall wasp, focusing on the central area of the country (Sistema Central). Gall samplings of these areas were carried to obtain the first records of parasitoids on D. kuriphilus in this area.Area of study: Spain and, especially, the Sistema Central.Materials and methods: Georeferenced new records were used to produce a map with the updated distribution of D. kuriphilus as of 2019. Galls were collected and stored in emergence boxes. Parasitoids that emerge from these galls were collected and identified at the most detailed taxonomic level.Main results: The alien species D. kuriphilus was found in the Spanish Sistema Central. Infestation focal points were detected in the Valle del Jerte (South of Sierra de Gredos), Sierra de Francia and in the mountains southwest of Madrid. In all detected focal points of infestation, the available evidence indicates that introduction was caused by the accidental mobilization of infested chestnut material. Alongside other parasitoids recruited by D. kuriphilus, we found individuals of Torymus sinensis, constituting the first records of this foreign species in the Sistema Central.Research highlights: We updated the previously published distribution of D. kuriphilus in Spain, an alien species and pest of chestnut forests and orchards. We also reported the first list of recruited parasitoids by D. kuriphilus and, more specifically, the first records of T. sinensis in the Sistema Central.Keywords: Asian chestnut gall wasp; Torymus sinensis; parasitoids; galls; Iberian Peninsula; pest species; alien species.

Wolbachia infection in six species of gall wasps and their parasitoids

Abstract Wolbachia are endosymbiotic bacteria that are widely present in nematodes and arthropods and sometimes have a significant impact on the evolution, ecology, and biology of their hosts. The co-occurrence of Wolbachia within both Cynipid gall wasps and their parasitoids has rarely been studied. In this study, we report the occurrence of six species of gall wasps and 10 species of their parasitoids in central China. Wolbachia detection using the wsp gene showed that Wolbachia infected two species of gall wasps as well as their parasitoids, indicating that horizontal transmission of Wolbachia occurs between gall wasps and their parasitoids. Given that parasitoids will kill their hosts, Wolbachia may be horizontally transferred from gall wasps to their parasitoids. Using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis, five new strains of Wolbachia were identified, all of which belonged to supergroup A. The strains of Wolbachia that infected gall wasps were not the same as those that infected their parasitoids. This result indicated that Wolbachia may evolve independently in parasitoids after they have been transferred from the host gall wasps.

Revision of the Amphibolips species of the 'nassa' complex from Mexico and central America (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae).

The cynipid gall wasp species of Amphibolips (Cynipidae: Cynipini) belonging to the "nassa" complex are reviewed for Mexico and Central America. Five new species are described: A. bassae Cuesta-Porta Pujade-Villar n. sp., A. bromus Pujade-Villar Cuesta-Porta n. sp., A. kinseyi Cuesta-Porta Pujade-Villar n. sp., A. rulli Pujade-Villar Cuesta-Porta n. sp., and A. turulli Pujade-Villar Cuesta-Porta n. sp. Amphibolips quercuspomiformis (Bassett) comb. nov. is redescribed and Amphibolips malinche Nieves-Aldrey Maldonado is proposed as a new synonym of A. hidalgoensis Pujade-Villar Melika. The validity of A. dampfi is discussed. Diagnostic characters, distribution, host-plant relationships, and biology are provided. Also new diagnostic characters and new distribution data for earlier described species are given. Keys to adults and galls for all known "nassa" complex species from Mexico and Central America are presented.