Parasitoid Research Articles

Seven New Species of Anastatus Motschulsky (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eupelmidae) from China Identified Based on Morphological and Molecular Data.

Anastatus is the second-largest genus in the family Eupelmidae, with 150 species found worldwide and fourteen known species in China. Most species in this genus are the primary parasitoids of insect eggs, particularly those of Lepidoptera and Hemiptera, and several species have been used for the biological control of various insect pests. In this paper, seven new species of Anastatus Motschulsky, 1859 (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) from China are described, of which A. caeruleus Wang and Peng n. sp. and A. garygibsoni Zhou and Peng n. sp. were reared from the eggs of Tessaratoma papillosa (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae), while A. daiyunensis Wang and Peng n. sp., A. makrysourus Zhou and Peng n. sp., A. polikiarkoudus Wang and Peng n. sp., A. taibaiensis Wang and Peng n. sp., and A. zdenekbouceki Zhou and Peng n. sp. were collected by malaise traps or sweeping. The new species are all described and illustrated based on female specimens, and the key to all 21 Chinese Anastatus species, based on females, is provided. Partial COI sequences of A. caeruleus n. sp., A. garygibsoni n. sp., and A. taibaiensis n. sp. are provided, and a phylogenetic reconstruction based on maximum likelihood analyses, while showing similar results at high taxonomic levels to our morphological feature classification results, provides additional information on the placement of Anastatus at the species level.

Are Dermaptera the hosts of the genus Orionis S. R. Shaw (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Euphorinae)?

An observed and photographed instance of apparent oviposition by the euphorine braconid Orionis coxator into an adult female of the earwig Apterygida albipennis is reported from Saxony, Germany. If verified by future work this would be the first host known for the genus Orionis and the first known ichneumonoid primary parasitoid of Dermaptera. This preliminary publication aims to enable others to seek the necessary confirmation.

Biological and population parameters of Telenomus remus and Trichogramma atopovirilia as biological control agents for Spodopterafrugiperda

Maize production faces a significant threat from Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) worldwide; historically, Trichogramma pretiosum Riley has served as the primary augmentative egg parasitoid for its biological control. However, since 2004, Telenomus remus Nixon has emerged as a viable global alternative. On a regional scale, in Mexico, Trichogramma atopovirilia (Oatman & Platner) was theorized to outperform T. pretiosum, proving superior in both laboratory and field conditions in 2020. To further the field efficacy of the augmentative use of parasitoids as biological agents of S. frugiperda, we conducted comparisons of biological and population parameters under laboratory-controlled conditions to determine whether T. remus would be more effective than T. atopovirilia, the best Trichogramma parasitoid in Mexico for S. frugiperda. We found that the former parasitoid had statistically significant longer female and male longevity, as well as a higher proportion of female offspring, and greater numerical values in net reproduction rate, intrinsic rate of increase, and finite rate of increase, but no differences were found in the number of days required for both parasitoids to develop from egg to female or egg to male, as well as in the mean generation time and doubling time. Under the conditions of these trials, T. remus had a 47.02% greater intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and may thus be a more effective biological control agent for S. frugiperda than T. atopovirilia. However, these biological and population parameter comparisons are the first execution worldwide; further studies are needed to validate these promising T. remus results.

Benefits of remating of a hyperparasitoid acting as a biocontrol agent

Encarsia sophia is the dominant parasitoid of invasive whitefly pest such as Bemisia tabaci. This heteronomous hyperparasitoid species lays fertilised diploid eggs in whitefly nymphs, which serve as primary hosts. Larvae develop as female progeny by consuming whitefly hosts, providing direct biocontrol benefits. However, male progeny originate from unfertilised eggs laid on secondary hosts (primary parasitoids within whitefly nymphs) and develop by consuming primary parasitoid larvae rather than whitefly hosts. Therefore, it is crucial for indoor rearing and field release of the hyperparasitoid to determine whether a female with single-mating experience can parasitise primary hosts and produce female progeny for a whole lifetime and, if not, whether it is remating events and prolong the period of female production, thereby increasing the amount of parasitism on whiteflies. Our fecundity experiments of females with single-mating experience, equally provided with primary and secondary hosts, showed that single mating was insufficient for E. sophia females to lay fertilised eggs in whitefly nymphs for their whole lifetime. In multiple mating experiments, 76.7 % of male adults completed their second mating 2 h after the first, whereas female adults accepted the second mating only if primary hosts were available thereafter. Remating was beneficial for female adults as it prolonged the ovipositional period of fertilised eggs (from 13.3 ± 0.6 days for single to 17.1 ± 0.7 days for twice mating) and increased parasitism on B. tabaci primary host (from 53.1 ± 3.8 for single to 76.4 ± 5.9 for twice mating respectively). The mating experience of males increased their copulation success, whereas that of females decreased it. In conclusion, recommendations are provided for large-scale indoor rearing and field release of E. sophia. Firstly, sufficient time for providing males can be shortened to within 2 h, and a single male can engage in 2–3 mating sessions. Following the 15-day peak oviposition period, the addition of newly emerged males is advised. Secondly, for field release of adult parasitoids, it is recommended to concentrate on releasing females after completing mating indoors. For the release of pupae cards, ensure a balanced ratio of males and females on each card to facilitate mating upon emergence. Additionally, release extra males and females 2 weeks after the initial batch of releases.

Composition of Parasitoid Wasps in Insect Pests of Rice (Rice Leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis Medinalis Guenée)

Biological control is one aspect of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The method focusses on natural enemies; beneficial insects are applied for biological control of agricultural insect pests and also provide an environmentally friendly approach. For the rice pests including Rice Leaf Folder (RLF), several parasitoids tend to be natural enemies that could be used to control the pest from the egg stage to pupa. This study was conducted with two varieties of rice, namely “Sen Kra Oub” and “Sro Ngea” at Battambang Province of Cambodia. Parasitoid wasps were collected from egg to pupa stages of RLF and rice yellow stem borer by rearing method, and stored in 70% of alcohol solution before sending for identification in Vietnam’s Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR) Laboratory. The outcomes revealed that five hymenopteran parasitic wasps of three different families were found, viz. Apanteles cypris Nixon, Bracon onukii Watanabe and Pentatermus striatus (Szepligeti) (Braconidae), Xanthopimla flavolineata Cameron (Ichneumonidae), and Telenomus rowani Gahan (Scelionidae) and being the primary parasitoids of rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenee; stemborer Scirpophaga incertulas Walker (Pyralidae) and black branded swift Pelopidas mathias (Hesperiidae). Parasitism was not found at the vegetative phase with Sen Kra Ob varieties but in reproductive phase. parasitism proportion was 16.66% and 28.57% to 50% in ripening phase, different from Sro Ngea variety where a proportion was found in vegetative phase 27.27%, reproductive phase at 28.57% to 40% and 28.57% to 43% in ripening phase. All the hymenopteran parasitoids were initially recorded in Cambodia, whereby all the parasitoids were potential agents for biological control for important rice insect pests. The outcome of this research suggests that the Government should invest more in the research and development for biological control in Cambodia.

A molecular approach to unravel trophic interactions between parasitoids and hyperparasitoids associated with pecan aphids.

Advances in molecular ecology can overcome many challenges in understanding host-parasitoid interactions. Genetic characterization of the key-players in systems helps to confirm species and identify trophic linkages essential for ecological service delivery by biological control agents; however, relatively few agroecosystems have been explored using this approach. Pecan production consists of a large tree perennial system containing an assortment of seasonal pests and natural enemies. As a first step to characterizing host-parasitoid associations in pecan food webs, we focus on aphid species and their parasitoids. Based on DNA barcoding of field-collected and reared specimens, we confirmed the presence of 3 species of aphid, one family of primary parasitoids, and 5 species of hyperparasitoids. By applying metabarcoding to field-collected aphid mummies, we were able to identify multiple species within each aphid mummy to unravel a complex food web of 3 aphids, 2 primary parasitoids, and upward of 8 hyperparasitoid species. The results of this study demonstrate that multiple hyperparasitoid species attack a single primary parasitoid of pecan aphids, which may have negative consequences for successful aphid biological control. Although further research is needed on a broader spatial scale, our results suggest multiple species exist in this system and may suggest a complex set of interactions between parasitoids, hyperparasitoids, and the 3 aphid species. This was the first time that many of these species have been characterized and demonstrates the application of novel approaches to analyze the aphid-parasitoid food webs in pecans and other tree crop systems.

Not just candy: A herbivore‐induced defence‐related plant protein in honeydew enhances natural enemy fitness

Abstract Herbivore feeding often increases secondary metabolite production in plants. These herbivore‐induced plant proteins might end up in honeydew excreted by phloem‐feeding insects. This is important because honeydew is one of the most abundant and accessible carbohydrate sources for natural enemies in many agroecosystems and these proteins can thus mediate many tri‐trophic interactions. Here, we hypothesized that defensive metabolites induced in the phloem by herbivory accumulate in the honeydew excreted by phloem‐feeding insects and, consequently, affect the fitness of the herbivores' natural enemies that feed on it. We used a tri‐trophic system consisting of citrus plants, the mealybug Planococcus citri and its primary parasitoid Anagyrus vladimiri. First, we assessed A. vladimiri fitness when fed on P. citri honeydew. We then collected honeydew of seven phloem‐feeding insects, including P. citri, and analysed their protein content. Finally, we analysed the effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme associated with plant defences that was commonly found in the analysed honeydews, on A. vladimiri fitness. The fitness of A. vladimiri increased when fed on honeydew compared to a sucrose‐based diet, demonstrating that honeydew can contain compounds that benefit natural enemies. Proteomic analyses showed that defence‐related plant proteins were present in honeydew of seven phloem‐feeding insects analysed. Among these, the enzyme SOD was present in honeydew of all of them. Moreover, the levels of SOD were 10‐fold higher in the phloem of plants infested by P. citri than in that of uninfested plants. SOD was also actively excreted in P. citri honeydew, and we proved that it increases the fecundity of the parasitoid A. vladimiri. We conclude that enzymatic proteins induced by herbivory in the phloem and involved in plant defence, accumulate in the honeydew excreted by phloem‐feeding insects and, contrary to the current paradigm, at least some of these can have positive effects on the third trophic level. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Making shelter for enemies: parasitoid-induced shelter-building behaviour in Paraponyx stagnalis

ABSTRACT Manipulative parasitoids manipulate the behaviour of their hosts in such a way as to benefit their own offspring. Paraponyx stagnalis Zeller is a leaf case worm caterpillar pest of rice and pupates in cases made out of cut leaf blades. These shelters are typically open-ended tubular cases. Its solitary primary endoparasitoid – Apanteles sp. – triggers changes in the way it sews the cases. The observed changes in the folded leaf shelter may serve various functions for the developing parasitoid, such as minimising the risk of hyperparasitism and predation, and enhancing structural stability. To obtain evidence to support these hypotheses, we (1) documented the morphotype of the cases/puparia constructed by unparasitised and parasitised P. stagnalis larval instars, (2) studied the overall rate of primary parasitism of P. stagnalis by Apanteles sp. and (3) studied the rate of hyperparasitism of primary parasitoids in 10 rice fields of south India. Unlike the unparasitised third-instar host larvae, the parasitised larvae sealed the open ends of the folded leaf shelter with silken threads, affixed the puparium to rice leaves and made small cases. The overall parasitism rate was about 40%. However, the hyperparasitism was between 0.6 and 1%. Though the primary parasitism by Apanteles sp. is considerably higher in all 10 fields, the meagre incidence of hyperparasitism strengthens our hypothesis that the modified puparium construction might be triggered by the primary parasitoid and beneficial for the offspring of the primary parasitoid. Our field observations suggest that future experimental studies can bring mechanical evidence for host manipulation by Apanteles sp.

New records of family Chalcididae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) on vegetables ecosystem from New Delhi, India

ABSTRACT Chalcidids are important primary parasitoids for controlling several economic insect pests, and some are secondary parasitoids. These specimens were collected by using different traps during the period extending from November 2021 to October 2022, from various vegetable crops grown in different localities at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi. The larvae and pupa of the pests were brought to the lab and reared for the emergence of parasitoids at 25 ± 0.5°C and relative humidity of 65 ± 5%. Eleven species belonging to four genera in three subfamilies were identified: Brachymeria bengalensis (Cameron, 1897); B. hime (Habu, 1960); B. kassalensis (Kirby, 1886); B. lasus (Walker, 1841); B. minuta (Linnaeus, 1767); B. podagrica (Fabricius, 1787) (Brachymeriinae); Dirhinus anthracia (Walker, 1846); D. auratus Ashmead, 1905 (Dirhininae) and Antrocephalus sepyra (Walker, 1846); Kriechbaumerella kraussi (Narendran, 1989); K. rufimanus (Walker, 1860) (Haltichellinae). Among them six species are newly recorded from New Delhi. On the other hand, B. hime was recorded for the first time as a parasite on Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera, Crambidae).

A simple PCR‐based method for detecting Anagyrus lopezi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and Prochiloneurus pulchellus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), primary and hyper parasitoids of the cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

AbstractEstimating parasitism rates in the field is essential for developing and evaluating biocontrol strategies using parasitoids. In this study, we developed a simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based method for detecting parasitism of the cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti Matile‐Ferrero (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) by the primary parasitoid Anagyrus lopezi De Santis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and its hyperparasitoid Prochiloneurus pulchellus Silvestri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). Primers were designed to amplify partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I genes of each species, and their sensitivity was evaluated with mealybugs that had been parasitized by A. lopezi 0, 3, and 6 days earlier, and mummified mealybugs containing A. lopezi pupae that had been parasitized by P. pulchellus 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days earlier. The detection rate of parasitism by A. lopezi was 100% for all ages of A. lopezi. The detection rate of parasitism by P. pulchellus ranged from 94.1% to 100%, depending on its developmental stage. For P. pulchellus, template DNA was diluted 10 times before PCR because PCR with the original concentration showed low detection rates, presumably due to the presence of PCR inhibitors. Overall, our primers can be considered sufficiently sensitive to be used for detecting each species.

Natural enemies of Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), with description of a new species of Leucopina Malloch (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae)

The Pink Hibiscus Mealybug (PHM), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) is a quarantine pest in Colombia, however, there is little information on its distribution within the country and its natural enemies. Samples of PHM were collected in several locations in Colombia from different host-plant species and kept in breeding chambers to extract their predators and parasitoids. Two novel natural enemies of M. hirsutus were recorded, i.e., Allotropa cf. citri Muesebeck (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and Leucopina nyiaybsa Gaimari & Montes, sp. n. (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae) described herein. Furthermore, information on the distribution range in Colombia of the parasitoids Anagyrus kamali Moursi and Gyranusoidea indica Shafee, Alam and Agarwal (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is provided. A species of Pachyneuron (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) was found as a possible parasitoid or hyperparasitoid somewhere in this system. Currently, in Colombia, the PHM is not considered an agricultural pest and its damage is restricted to primary hosts such as Hibiscus spp., Malvaviscus arboreus (Malvaceae) and soursop Annona muricata (Annonaceae). Prochiloneurus dactylopii (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was found as a possible hyperparasitoid. However, the number of recovered hyperparasitoids was low compared to the primary parasitoids that emerged in breeding chambers, which may explain why these species do not seem to interfere in the biological control of PHM. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Leucopina nyiaybsa Gaimari & Montes, sp. n. are considered important predators of PHM.

المكافحة الحيوية لآفة الحميرة (Batrachedra. Amydraula/ mayrick) باستخدام الطفيل المحلي طفيل الجينوزس Goniozus omanensis

GONIOZUS OMANENSIS (Hym. Bethylidae) has been found to be the most common parasitoid of the lesser date moth, Batrachedra amydraula not only in Sultanate of Oman but also in neighboring Gulf states and other date palm growing parts of the world. It is one of the most important pests on date palm that is reported to cause more than 50% loss of the crop. Batrachedra amydraula, the lesser date moth is a species of moth of the Batrachedridae family reported from Bangladesh to western Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Israel, Iraq, and Iran, as well as most of North Africa. The larvae feed on Phoenix dactylifera. There are three generations per year in Sultanate of Oman. The first larvae appear in April and damage newly formed fruits. They are dormant from August to March of the following year, resting between the bases of the terminal fronds. Pupation takes place in March and adults emerge in April. Goniozus omanensis is primary parasitoid of lesser date moth Batrachedra amydraula. The present investigation involved successful rearing of parasitoid in the laboratory on larvae of Galleria mellonella and release in three date palm orchards as a bio-control agent against such a pest (one release, two releases, and three releases). The results showed that one release was sufficient to control 80% of the pest population in comparison with two (50%) and three releases (40%). About 0.1 % of pest was found from the bottom in comparison with emerging adults’ pests from infested fruits from the top of the palm.

Egg parasitoids of Thaumetopoea pityocampa in the region of Gyumyurdzhinski Snezhnik in Eastern Rhodopes, Bulgaria

The region of Gyumyurdzhinski Snezhnik in the Eastern Rhodopes is the closest in Bulgaria to the Aegean Sea. However, the climate is characterized by specific parameters that are determined by its relief. It is poorly protected from the invasion of cold air masses from the north. From the south, the Gyumyurdzhinski Snezhnik hill restrains the Mediterranean influence. The orography of the area favors the retention of cold air masses and a further drop in temperatures. The experimental material for the study includes 5 generations of Thaumetopoea pityocampa (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022), collected in 31 locations of four State Forestry Enterprises: Kirkovo, Ardino, Momchilgrad, and Zlatograd. The sample for analysis included 693 egg batches with 148420 eggs in them. Seven primary egg parasitoids were established in this region: Ooencyrtus pityocampae, Baryscapus servadeii, Pediobius bruchicida, Anastatus bifasciatus, Eupelmus vesicularis, E. vladimiri, Trichogramma sp. and one hyperparasitoid (B. transversalis). Dominant parasitoids were B. servadeii and O. pityocampae, and E. vladimiri and P. bruchicida – occasional parasitoids. The hyperparasitoid B. transversalis participated in the complex with a relatively low share. The survival of the egg parasitoids in the laboratory conditions, in which the samples were kept, was low. The total mortality of the parasitoids in larval and adult stages was 47.8%. After collecting the samples, in laboratory conditions, a total of 442 individuals of the hyperparasitoid B. transversalis emerged, of which 56.3% were females and 43.7% were males. The average number of pine processionary moth eggs in a batch was 214.2. 70.8% of all the eggs in the samples hatched successfully. The egg parasitoids are a very serious natural factor, regulating the density of the pine processionary moth, but their impact varied from 2.1% to 30.3%. The natural characteristics of the area, the air temperature during the stages of eggs and young larvae, are favorable for the development of the pine processionary moth. Unhatched larvae without the influence of entomophages were 7.2%.

Diversity of parasitoid wasps (Insecta, Hymenoptera) in oilseed rape fields in Serbia

Oilseed rape is an important crop grown worldwide and used for various purposes, including oil extraction and animal feed. In Europe, there are six major pest species and several other minor pests that can significantly affect oilseed rape production, requiring growers to effectively control them in order to ensure crop yield. The host-parasitoid complexes of these pests have been studied in detail and recorded mainly in western, central and northern Europe. As an abundant source of pollen and nectar, oilseed rape may also be attractive to other parasitoids that do not have direct trophic interactions with oilseed rape pest species. The aim of this study is to fill the knowledge gap regarding the wider parasitoid community in oilseed rape fields, particularly in southern Europe. During the two-year study, a total of 3135 specimens of primary and secondary parasitoids were sampled, of which 2855 were found in oilseed rape fields and 280 in semi-natural habitats. We found 153 taxa, of which 119 were found in oilseed rape fields and 87 in semi-natural habitats. We identified 31 genera (33 species) as parasitoids of oilseed rape pests, 54 genera (97 species) parasitising non-pest species and 10 genera (23 species) as possible parasitoids of oilseed rape pests. This study shows that the parasitoid community in oilseed rape fields is very diverse and that includes parasitoids of both oilseed rape pest and non-pest species.

Topical and field‐tested residual effects of globally used insecticides on the parasitoid Tamarixia radiata released against the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri

AbstractTamarixia radiata (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is the key parasitoid of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), in several citrus‐producing regions of the world. Chemical control is common to suppress ACP. Insecticides from globally used classes of insecticides for controlling ACP were tested on its primary parasitoid, T. radiata. Evaluations included dose–response of dimethoate, fenpropathrin, and imidacloprid in a topical application and lethal and sublethal effects from residues of imidacloprid, fenpropathrin, horticultural mineral oil (HMO), pyrethrin, and spirotetramat at 1, 3, and 7 days after application (DAA) of sprays on citrus trees in the orchard. The parasitism potential of the females that survived insecticide exposure was evaluated on untreated nymphs of ACP developing on citrus shoots and untreated parasitoid females were evaluated on nymphs treated with insecticides. In the topical application, imidacloprid was 8× more toxic to T. radiata than dimethoate and fenpropathrin. The lethal effect of the residues from imidacloprid and fenpropathrin sprays was more detrimental than other insecticides. Parasitoid mortality from 1‐ to 3‐day‐old residues averaged 90–96% for imidacloprid, 83–94% for fenpropathrin, 38–77% for pyrethrin, 43–44% for HMO, and 17–33% for spirotetramat. Parasitism by females that survived insecticide exposure was reduced by 71–88% from fenpropathrin, 28–59% from pyrethrin, 31–55% from imidacloprid, 44–4% from spirotetramat, and 39–11% from HMO compared to untreated females. The lethal and sublethal effects of all insecticides on T. radiata were significantly reduced at 7 DAA, suggesting a lower impact on its establishment and performance if releases are made after a week from spray application.

Primary parasitoids of Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) occurring in Spanish mango orchards

The white mango scale (WMS), Aulacaspis tubercularis, is the main pest of mango crops in Southern Spain. Field surveys were carried out from July 2019 to May 2022 to investigate the identity, seasonal abundance and active parasitism rates of A. tubercularis primary parasitoid species, using yellow sticky traps and periodic leaf sampling. The combination of morphological characters and DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mtCOI) and 28S ribosomal (28S rDNA) genes allowed the identification of only two parasitoid species belonging to the genus Encarsia Förster (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). The most prevalent, E. citrina (Crawford), is a widespread species and proved to be the dominant species in the sampled mango orchards. Next, Encarsia sp., is an unidentified species genetically close to E. lounsburyi Berlese but significantly differs in the sequences of the mtCOI and 28S rDNA regions. Population abundance and active parasitism rates of Encarsia parasitoids depended on the presence of susceptible WMS stages for parasitism and on the abiotic conditions. The seasonal abundance of these parasitoid species fluctuated around the year, being lower during the winter but it increased in late spring, reaching the highest values at the end of summer. The average percentage of active parasitism was 12.48% for female scales and 13.97% for male scales but reached maximum values of 38.56 and 43.52%, respectively at specific seasons in the year. The highest rates of parasitism for female scales were observed in summer, while for male scales were observed in winter. The natural occurrence of parasitoids was unable to control the WMS populations and, consequently, complementary measures should be implemented to reduce its density levels.

A Taxonomic Study of Some Species of Hyperparasitoids Attacking the Primary Parasitoid Microterys nietneri of the Citricola Scale Insect, Coccus pseudomagnoliarum in Syria

Saleh, A.T. and A.M. Basheer. 2023. A Taxonomic Study of Some Species of Hyperparasitoids Attacking the Primary Parasitoid Microterys nietneri of the Citricola Scale Insect, Coccus pseudomagnoliarum in Syria. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 41(3): 292-305. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-41.3.292305 The citricola scale insect, Coccus pseudomagnoliarum, (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) is an economically important pest that occurs on citrus trees along the Syrian coast. The samples of host insects and infested plant parts were collected from April to June during 2016 and 2017 from two locations (Al-Sanobar, Dabba) in Lattakia Province and brought to the Biological Control Studies and Research Center (BCSRC), Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University. Based on the information gathered, Microterys nietneri (Motschulsky) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) may play an important role as a biological control agent of citricola scale insect, but high hyperparasitoids levels reduced M. nietneri efficiency as a citricola scale parasitoid. The objective of this study was to describe and identify naturally occurring hyperparasitoids. The following parasitoids were identified and reported for the first time in Syria: Cheiloneurus claviger (Thomson), Pachyneuron muscarum (Linnaeus), and Marietta leopardine (Motschulsky). Microscopic images were provided to illustrate the morphological and morphometric characteristics of these species. Keywords: Hyperparasitoids, Citricola scale, Microterys, Syria

Minimalist revision of Mesochorus Gravenhorst, 1829 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Mesochorinae) from Área de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica, with 158 new species and host records for 129 species

Introduction: Species of Mesochorus are found worldwide and members of this genus are primarily hyperparasitoids of Ichneumonoidea and Tachinidae. 
 Objectives: To describe species of Costa Rican Mesochorus reared from caterpillars and to a lesser extent Malaise-trapped. 
 Methods: The species are diagnosed by COI mtDNA barcodes, morphological inspection, and host data. A suite of images and host data (plant, caterpillar, and primary parasitoid) are provided for each species.
 Results: A total of 158 new species of Mesochorus. Sharkey is the taxonomic authority for all. 
 Conclusions: This demonstrates a practical application of DNA barcoding that can be applied to the masses of undescribed neotropical insect species in hyperdiverse groups.

Family Perilampidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera) as Parasitoids of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Other Insects

Species in the family Perilampidae are parasitoids of Lepidoptera, Diptera (Tachinidae) Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Neuroptera, Orthoptera and Raphidioptera. Most are primary parasitoids of beetles (Anobiidae and Platypodidae) and ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). In some species, the egg is deposited on the foliage and the larva is of the planidium type. It mounts a member of the secondary host species and eventually parasitizes the parasitoid of the larvae. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution, with about 250 described species and 12 genera. In the Neotropical region, there are 4 genera, with about 30 species: Perilampus (25 species), Burksilampus, Euperilampus and Crysolampus. The aim of the manuscript is to increase the knowledge of the family Perilampidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera). The bibliographic verification of Perilampidae was carried out from 1978 to 2022. Manuscripts published in scientific journals and digital platforms on the subject were examined. This paper expands the knowledge of the bionomy of Perilampidae.

Do hyperparasitoids disrupt the biological control of Pseudococcus longispinus in persimmon?

The long-tailed mealybug, Pseudococcus longispinus, represents a threat for several crops worldwide and has become the main pest of Mediterranean persimmon. Parasitoids are the primary natural enemies of P. longispinus, but their efficacy is highly variable among crops and countries. Here, we tested whether hyperparasitoids hinder the biological control of P. longispinus in Mediterranean persimmon. For this aim, we sampled 16 orchards across two consecutive years and measured the impact of primary parasitoids and hyperparasitoids on P. longispinus. Anagyrus fusciventris was the most abundant and widely distributed primary parasitoid. Population growth rate of the mealybug became negative when parasitism was higher than 30%. The hyperparasitoids Chartocerus sp. and Prochiloneurus sp. emerged mostly from large mealybug mummies that were used by A. fusciventris females. However, and contrary to our hypothesis, hyperparasitism did not affect the population growth rate of P. longispinus within the same year, suggesting that the high abundance of hyperparasitoids did not disrupt the biological control of this invasive mealybug. Based on these results, we propose several strategies based on conservation and augmentative biological control to improve the management of P. longispinus in persimmon.