Species Of Aphidiinae Research Articles

Uncovering Norway: Descriptions of Four New Aphidiinae Species (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) with Identification Key and Notes on Phylogenetic Relationships of the Subgenus Fovephedrus Chen.

With only 33 reported species, Norway ranks among the European countries with the lowest documented diversity of parasitoids from the subfamily Aphidiinae. The "MUST Malaise" project, carried out by Museum Stavanger in Norway, aimed to assess insect abundance and biodiversity and create a reference base for future studies. The preliminary results of our study revealed four species new to science, indicating that the current number of recorded species in Norway is significantly lower than the actual diversity. All species possess unique combinations of morphological characters, distinguishing them from other known Aphidiinae species. Molecular analysis of the barcoding region confirmed that these specimens all belong to the previously undescribed species. In this study, we describe Aphidius norvegicus sp.n., Praon breviantennalis sp.n., Ephedrus gardenforsi sp.n., and Ephedrus borealis sp.n., all collected in Norway. We also provide an identification key and discuss the phylogenetic relationships within the subgenus Fovephedrus Chen, 1986.

The mitochondrial genome of Binodoxys acalephae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with unique gene rearrangement and phylogenetic implications

BackgroundSpecies in the subfamily Aphidiinae from the Braconidae of Hymenoptera are endoparasitic wasps that exclusively utilize aphids as hosts. Some Aphidiinae species are widely used as biological agents. However, there were only one species with determined complete mitochondrial genome from this subfamily.Methods and resultsIn this study, we sequenced and annotated the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Binodoxys acalephae, which was 15,116 bp in size and contained 37 genes. The start codon of 13 protein-coding genes was ATN, and the complete stop codon TAA and TAG was widely assigned to 11 protein-coding genes. The lrRNA contains 43 stem-loop structures, and srRNA contains 25 stem-loop structures. Translocation and inversion of tRNA genes was found to be dominant in B. acalephae. In contrast to Aphidius gifuensis from the same subfamily Aphidiinae, inverted tRNALeu1 was translocated to the gene cluster between tRNALeu2 and COX2, and the control region between tRNAIle and tRNAMet was deleted in the mitogenome of B. acalephae. Within Braconidae, gene clusters tRNATrp-tRNACys-tRNATyr and CR-tRNAIle-tRNAGln-tRNAMet were hotspots for gene rearrangement. Phylogenetic analysis showed that both Bayesian and maximum-likelihood methods recovered the monophyly of Aphidiinae and suggested that Aphidiinae formed sister clades with the remaining subfamilies. The phylogenetic analyses of nine subfamilies supported the monophyly of Cyclostomes and Noncyclostomes in Braconidae.ConclusionThe arrangement of mitochondrial genes and the phylogenetic relationships among nine Braconidae subfamilies were constructed better to understand the diversity and evolution of Aphidiinae mitogenomes.

Early monitoring of parasitism by Aphidiinae parasitoids on the grain aphid Sitobion miscanthi in wheat fields using DNA barcoding.

Sitobion miscanthi is a major wheat pest at the grain-filling stage found in China. Identifying parasitoid species and understanding parasitism rates are keys to controlling the aphids via natural enemies in the wheat field. In the present study, a method based on DNA barcoding for early determination of the community composition of Aphidiinae parasitoids and parasitism on the aphid was developed. The proposed method detected Aphidius gifuensis as the predominant parasite, with parasitism rates of 40.1 ± 2.8% in 2019 and 65.7 ± 3.7% in 2022, and found that the rate varied significantly among different wheat varieties. COI primers efficiently amplified the Aphidiinae parasitoids COI fragments and amplified the aphid COI fragments derived from parasitized (mummified) S. miscanthi. Thus, the COI barcode is not sufficiently specific to unambiguously detect immature parasitoids inside their S. miscanthi hosts. However, it can be used to detect the DNA extracted from mummified aphids. In contrast, the 16S and LWRh primers effectively amplified and identified the parasitoids in parasitized aphids. The 16S primer was reliable even in the early stages of parasitism (24 h) and for DNA samples stored at -20 °C for 5 days. The three barcodes from COI, 16S, and LWRh genes could not clearly distinguish a few certain Aphidiinae species owing to relatively low intraspecific and interspecific diversity. The morphological features remain indispensable when identifying Aphidiinae species. Nonetheless, the COI and 16S primers could be used in combination for monitoring the parasitism rates on S. miscanthi in wheat fields. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Additional data on Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) fauna of Kyrgyzstan, with description of a new species

Here we present additional data on the Aphidiinae fauna of Kyrgyzstan. We identified 18 Aphidiinae species. One species new to science (Trioxys depressussp. nov.) is described, while 11 species are reported for the first time:Aphidius avenaeHaliday,A. erviHaliday,A. matricariaeHaliday,A. salicisHaliday,A. urticaeHaliday,Ephedrus cerasicolaStarý,E. nigerGautier, Bonnamour & Gaumont,Lysiphlebus cardui(Marshall),L. confususTremblay & Eady,Monoctonus crepidis(Haliday), andPraon yomenaeTakada. Current knowledge of Kyrgyz Aphidiinae is summarized and discussed.

Use of plants by Myzus persicae in agroecosystems: Potential applications in conservation biological control

AbstractMyzus persicae (Sulzer) is a highly polyphagous aphid species that attacks several economically important crop plants. Here, trophic webs involving M. persicae, its host plants and its parasitoids were described and quantified in wheat, oat and alfalfa agroecosystems from central Argentina, with special emphasis on the sub‐habitats where interactions occur: crops and adjacent field margins. Three fields cultivated with each crop species and their margins were sampled during three years; aphid abundance and mummification percentage were compared among crop plants and the diverse natural vegetation in the borders. Interactions were described using a quantitative food web approach, and abundance and mummification percentage e data were analysed using a generalized linear model. Four plant species present in the borders (Capsella bursa‐pastori, Rapistrum sp., Melilotus sp. and Trifolium repens) hosted M. persicae and its parasitoids. The alfalfa agroecosystem produced a significantly higher number of aphids than oat and wheat; however, in all cases, crops and borders sustained similar aphid abundance. A total of six Aphidiinae species attacked M. persicae, with no significant differences in the richness of parasitoid species between the borders and the crops, but with significant differences in parasitoid abundance, being higher in the crops. Mummification percentage were higher in crops than in the borders, with Lysiphlebus testaceipes, Aphidius colemani and A. ervi being the most abundant species. Almost 70% of M. persicae individuals were collected from fields borders, which highlights the importance of including these sites in studies of trophic interactions in crop fields.

Review of Aphidiinae parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of the Middle East and North Africa: key to species and host associations

In this study, a total of 108 Aphidiinae species, belonging to 18 genera, associated with 240 aphid species in 16 countries of the Middle East and North Africa are reviewed. 743 host aphid-parasitoid associations are listed. New material was collected from various regions of Saudi Arabia during 2011–2013. Three species including Aphidius avenae Haliday, 1834, Aphidius platensis Brèthes, 1913 and Praon barbatum Mackauer, 1967 are first recorded for the fauna of this country. Lysiphlebus marismortui Mescheloff & Rosen, 1990 syn. nov. is classified as the junior synonym of Lysiphlebus confusus Tremblay & Eady, 1978. An illustrated up-to-date key to all known species of Aphidiinae that occur in the Middle East and North Africa is provided. The findings are discussed in relation to the overall parasitoid-aphid associations in the target investigated region.

Aphid–parasitoid diversity in urban green areas: a background for conservative control strategies

ABSTRACT Plant–aphid–parasitoid associations in urban green areas of the north-eastern Iberian Peninsula were analysed to identify the diversity of aphid parasitoid species, their trophic relationships and to improve the results of biological control efforts. In 245 tritrophic plant–aphid–parasitoid associations, 33 Aphidiinae species belonging to 13 genera were identified. Only two species, Pseudopraon mindariphagum and Trioxys phyllaphidis, can be considered to be monophagous. Most of the species were narrow, moderate or broad oligophagous but an as-native species, Lysiphlebus testaceipes, was recorded to be associated with 39 aphid species and with seven subfamilies/tribes of aphids in 81 tritrophic associations. The potential role of L. testaceipes and other native and commercialised parasitoid species is discussed. Our results point out that the conservation and enhancement of the both native and as-native local parasitoids is crucial for an aphid biological control strategy in urban green areas.

Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) of Aphids Feeding on Ornamental Trees in Southeastern Europe: Key for Identification and Tritrophic Associations

Ornamental trees are valuable natural elements which provide several economic, aesthetic, and ecological benefits to humans. They are seriously infested by numerous pests and diseases, among which aphids are of high importance. Here we present a comprehensive list of Aphidiinae parasitoid species that attack aphids on ornamental trees in southeastern Europe, some of which are potential biocontrol agents. Thirty-eight species of Aphidiinae are recorded, keyed, and illustrated. Fifty-six out of 120 recorded tritrophic (parasitoid – aphid – plant) associations were previously unknown. The results are discussed in relation to the overall parasitoid – aphid – tree associations in the target region, as well as potential of parasitoid use in biological control programs.

Differences in the reproductive durations of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) parasitized by three aphidiid parasitoids

The reproductive durations of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) after parasitization by three species of Aphidiinae were compared and the mechanisms for differences in duration were examined. The lifetime fecundities of adult aphids parasitized by Aphidius colemani Viereck, Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead, and Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) were 3.96, 6.40, and 6.48, respectively. These values were much smaller than that of healthy adults (61.43 nymphs). The time of termination of reproduction by the aphids coincided with the time that the parasitic wasp larvae reached second instar. We infer that first-instar larvae of all three species initially attack conspecific and/or heterospecific competitors and that consumption of the aphid’s ovaries and other reproductive organs commences in the second instar. The modified intrinsic rates of natural increase (rparasitized) calculated from post-parasitized fecundity were 0.185 by A. colemani, 0.233 by A. gifuensis, and 0.234 by D. rapae. Parasitization of 100 % of the adult aphids by A. gifuensis or D. rapae decreased the growth rate to a minimum of 24.4 % while A. colemani more moderately suppressed the growth of the aphid population (39.9 %). We propose the possibility that the effectiveness of species of Aphidiinae as biological control agents is influenced by differences in the duration of aphid reproduction following parasitization.

Aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) in cultivated and non-cultivated areas of Markazi Province, Iran

The fauna of aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae), as well as their diversity and tritrophic (parasitoid-host aphid-host plant) associations in cultivated and non-cultivated areas of Markazi province, was studied during 2004–2009. Thirty species of Aphidiinae belonging to 9 genera were identified. There are presented, in total, 73 associations with 32 host aphids occurring on 42 host plants. Five parasitoid-aphid associations are newly recorded from Iran. Lysiphlebus cardui (Marshall) is newly recorded for the fauna of Iran. Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall) and Diaeretiella rapae (M’Intosh) were the most abundant species in non-cultivated (72.96%) and cultivated (41.17%) areas, respectively. In the non-cultivated areas, L. fabarum was found on eight aphid species, while in cultivated areas it was only found on Aphis craccivora Koch. In cultivated areas, Sitobion avenae (F.) has the greatest diversity of parasitoids (Shanon-Weiner H = 0.875) whereas in non-cultivated areas the greatest diversity of parasitoids was recorded upon Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Shanon-Weiner H = 1.149). Significant differences were found between diversity of two ecosystems based on the overall diversity indices. Both species diversity and evenness were greater in cultivated ecosystems. The results are discussed in relation to the over-all parasitoid-aphid-plant associations in the area.

A universal method for the detection and identification of Aphidiinae parasitoids within their aphid hosts

Molecular methods are increasingly used to detect and identify parasites in their hosts. However, existing methods are generally not appropriate for studying complex host-parasite interactions because they require prior knowledge of species composition. DNA barcoding is a molecular method that allows identifying species using DNA sequences as an identification key. We used DNA amplification with primers common to aphid parasitoids and sequencing of the amplified fragment to detect and identify parasitoids in their hosts, without prior knowledge on the species potentially present. To implement this approach, we developed a method based on 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene and LWRh nuclear gene. First, we designed two primer pairs specific to Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera), the main group of aphid parasitoids. Second, we tested whether the amplified regions could correctly identify Aphidiinae species and found that 61 species were accurately identified of 75 tested. We then determined the ability of each primer pair to detect immature parasitoids inside their aphid host. Detection was earlier for 16S than for LWRh, with parasitoids detected, respectively, 24 and 48 h after egg injection. Finally, we applied this method to assess parasitism rate in field populations of several aphid species. The interest of this tool for analysing aphid-parasitoid food webs is discussed.

Aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) in wetland habitats in western Palaearctic: key and associated aphid parasitoid guilds

This paper presents over 66 tritrophic parasitoid-aphid-plant associations from wetland habitats in western Palaearctic, comprising 24 parasitoid species, 24 aphid hosts and over 30 plant species, based on records from 25 countries. Seven new associations are documented. About half of the established tritrophic associations (34) were recorded rarely, while 6 associations have been documented more than 100 times each, based on 4 common and widespread Aphidiinae species. The majority of recorded parasitoid species (16) are involved in only 1–2 tritrophic associations, 7 species were recorded in 3–5 associations, and one species (Praon necans) is a member of even 16 different associations based on wetland habitats. Generally, the most frequently recorded associations are based on some very common and widespread parasitoids not specific for this class of habitats. On the basis of distribution, host range and habitat specialization we have divided aphid parasitoid associations in wetland habitats into three ecological categories. The most specialized group, containing rarely recorded parasitoid species whose distribution and aphid hosts are strictly associated with wetland habitats, is potentially highly vulnerable to extinction. The role of aphids associated with wetland habitats as reservoirs for economically important parasitoid species is discussed and a key for the identification of aphid parasitoids in wetland habitats is provided.

Identification of molecular markers for DNA barcoding in the Aphidiinae (Hym. Braconidae)

Reliable identification of Aphidiinae species (Braconidae) is a prerequisite for conducting studies on aphid-parasitoid interactions at the community level. However, morphological identification of Aphidiinae species remains problematic even for specialists and is almost impossible with larval stages. Here, we compared the efficiency of two molecular markers [mitochondrial cytochrome c oxydase I (COI) and nuclear long wavelength rhodopsin (LWRh)] that could be used to accurately identify about 50 species of Aphidiinae that commonly occur in aphid-parasitoid networks in northwestern Europe. We first identified species on a morphological basis and then assessed the consistency of genetic and morphological data. Probably because of mitochondrial introgression, Aphidius ervi and A.microlophii were indistinguishable on the basis of their COI sequences, whereas LWRh sequences discriminated these species. Conversely, because of its lower variability, LWRh failed to discriminate two pairs of species (Aphidius aquilus, Aphidius salicis, Lysiphlebus confusus and Lysiphlebus fabarum). Our study showed that no unique locus but a combination of two genes should be used to accurately identify members of Aphidiinae.

Survey of the Aphid Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) of Costa Rica with Information on Their Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea): Plant Associations

Species of Aphidiinae (Braconidae) have never been surveyed in Central America. Here we present the results of an initial inventory of the aphidiine species of Costa Rica and record the presence of ten species (four undetermined), in six genera. The material was obtained by rearing aphids from both crop and noncrop plants throughout the country. In total 2832 aphidiine specimens were reared from 24 species of aphids.Aphidius colemaniandLysiphlebus testaceipes, which are probably not native to Costa Rica, accounted for nearly 90% of all the specimens. Many of the other aphidiines are also probably exotic species, as are most of their host aphids.

Redescription of two species of Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from high mountain areas of south-eastern Europe, with biological and biogeographical notes on co-occurring guild members

Praon spinosum Mackauer, 1959 reared from Thrzpsaphis verrucosa Gillette,1917 on Carex nigra and Diaeretellus macrocarpus Mackauer, 1961 reared from the conspecific aphid on Carex rostrata association from Mt. Durmitor Biosphere Reserve in Serbia and Montenegro are redescribed, diagnosed and illustrated with photographs from SEM and line drawings. The taxonomic position of P. spinosum within the genus Praon is discussed. Furthermore, some rare and endemic aphid — aphid-parasitoid associations from high-montane areas of southeastern Europe are reviewed and their distribution and origin is discussed.

Parasitism of canola aphids in France in autumn

In light of a recent increase in the aphid populations on young canola (Brassica napus) in autumn in Northwestern Europe, we carried out a survey of their parasitoid species during this season. The study was done in France from 1998 to 2001 using different sampling methods. Results highlighted the presence of two main species of Aphidiinae, Aphidius matricariae and Diaeretiella rapae (and to a lesser extent Aphidius ervi) on Myzus persicae, and of D. rapae on Brevicoryne brassicae. Nine other Aphidiinae species were found occasionally as well as some Aphelinidae parasitoids and hyperparasitoids. There was no difference in parasitoid species pattern between fields in Northern and Southern France. The principal parasitoid species found in the fields were reared in the laboratory to confirm their ability to develop on the canola aphids. Aphidius matricariae and D. rapae were reared successfully on M. persicae, but a low parasitism rate was obtained for A. ervi on this aphid. This study showed that A. matricariae and D. rapae could develop on aphids on canola and that they are present naturally in canola in autumn. However, the parasitism rate is low in autumn, so the options could be the use of these parasitoids in augmentative release biological control programs or in an IPM project on canola fields during this time of the year.

Larval morphology and development ofAphidius rhopalosiphi(Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae)

AbstractThe aphid parasitoidAphidius rhopalosiphiis the most abundant species of Aphidiinae in cereal fields in northern Europe. Although the larval morphology of other Aphidiinae has been described, the morphology and immature development ofA. rhopalosiphiremain unknown. Our goal is to relate growth and larval developmental stages to morphological changes during parasitoid development, using light and scanning electron microscopy.Aphidius rhopalosiphidevelops through three larval stages with clear differences in the morphology of the mouthparts, tegument sculpturing, and respiratory features that can be related to the different constraints that the larvae have to face. In the first instar, adaptations to physical combat with competitors take the form of strong mandibles, active caudae, and dorsal spines that allow crawling motion. In the third instar, the larva is adapted to tear tissues with short hooked mandibles and to face aerial respiration. All instars possess sensory structures. The "three instars" hypothesis is supported here by the observation of larvae in exuviation. No differences were found between our observations and descriptions of otherAphidiusspecies, supporting the idea that species of this genus cannot be distinguished by larval morphology but only by morphometric analysis. Some new features of the genus are presented for the first and second instars.

Characterization of Aphidius ervi (hymenoptera, braconidae) ribosomal genes and identification of site-specific insertion elements belonging to the non-LTR retrotransposon family

We performed a molecular analysis of the Aphidius ervi ribosomal gene structure. This insect belongs to a set of closely related Aphidiinae species of the genus Aphidius Nees, of relevant interest in biological control. We constructed A. ervi genomic libraries, cloned and characterized several rDNA repeating units and sequenced different regions of the rDNA cistrons. We have found that insertion sequences interrupt the A. ervi 28S rDNA genes: the sequences of the two 5′ and 3′ insertion-28S junctions show that the elements are present at the position where R1 elements have been found in various insect species. In addition, the insertion of the element produces a duplication of the 14 nt target region. The sequence analysis indicates that the A. ervi elements belong to the R1 retrotransposon family with a highly conserved reverse transcriptase domain.

Biological Notes on Pacific Coast Aphid Parasites, and Lists of California Parasites (Aphidiinae) and Their Aphid Hosts (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)1

Biological notes on distribution, new rearing data, hyperparasites, diapause, and other observations are given for 18 California species and 5 British Columbia species of Aphidiinae, based on scrutiny of 1500 specimens reared from 1956 to 1958. In addition, distribution, hosts, and diapause are noted for 9 species of secondary parasites. There are now 26 described species of Aphidiinae known from California, 18 of which occur in southern California. These parasites attack 68 species of aphids in 24 genera, of which 23 species and 4 genera are added as new hosts. Parasite-host and host-parasite lists are added for easy reference. New records for California aphid parasites are Aphidius (Aphidius) nigripes Ashmead, A. (A.) pisivorus Smith, A. (Lysiphlebus) chrysoaphidis Smith, and Praon unicus Smith. Asaphes fletcheri (Crawford), a primary parasite of Aphidius (A.) nigriteleus Smith, is also a new California record. New records for British Columbia aphid parasites are Aphidius (Aphidius) ohioensis Smith, A. (A.) pisivorus Smith, A. (A.) ribis Haliday and Ephedrus californicus Baker. Euneura lachni (Ashmead), a primary parasite of Aphidius (Protaphidius) ponderosae Muesebeck, is also a new British Columbia record.