Two new and one newly recorded species of Zagrammosoma Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) from Israel

Two new species Zagrammosoma ramotensis sp. n. and Z. lasallei sp. n. from Israel are described and illustrated. Zagrammosoma dulanense Ca & Zhu, 2014 is record in Israel for the first time. A key to the Israeli species of Zagrammosoma is provided. Leucoptera scitella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Leucopteriidae) is a new host record for Zagrammosoma talitzkii (Bouček, 1961).   Cite as: Yefremova, Z. & Kishinevsky, M. 2021. Two new and one newly recorded species of Zagrammosoma Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) from Israel. Israel Journal of Entomology 51: 47–59. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.4736115 urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D6341520-7626-431F-AC75-2EC68164F1F

On spider families (Arachnida: Araneae) new to Armenia

In this paper, 11 families (Agelenidae, Filistatidae, Hahniidae, Liocranidae, Mi­metidae, Mysmenidae, Oecobiidae, Pholcidae, Phrurolithidae, Sparassidae and Uloboridae), 18 genera and 18 species of spiders new to Armenia are reported. One genus, Mesiotelus Simon, 1897 (Liocranidae) is new to the entire Caucasus. Illustrations are provided for six species

Confirmed occurrence of Ploiaria domestica (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) in Cyprus

The presence of Ploiaria domestica Scopoli, 1786 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) in Cyprus was considered doubtful. Hereby we report the first confirmed occurrence of this species in the island. Images of a living specimen and diagnostic characters for recognition of this species are provided. Whether this species has a native population in this island remains to be found.   Cite as: Hadjiconstantis, M. & Davranoglou, L.-R. 2018. Confirmed occurrence of Ploiaria domestica (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) in Cyprus. Israel Journal of Entomology 48 (1): 63–67. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1299614 urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:523004B2-044D-430C-8228-6E611F42581

First host record for Old World Yelicones (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Rogadinae) adds to evidence that they are strictly parasitoids of Pyralidae (Lepidoptera)

The highly distinctive parasitoid wasp genus Yelicones is cosmopolitan and not infrequently collected, but very little is known about its biology. Here we report that Y. iranus is a parasitoid of caterpillars of the pyralid moth Phycita diaphana in Israel, the first host record for the genus from outside of the Americas. We illustrate the wasp’s mummified host, emergence hole and the wasp’s own cocoon which is constructed within the tanned mummified host remains. We hypothesize that a physiological or behavioural association of Yelicones parasitoids with the Pyralidae commenced at least during the early Miocene (ca. 16 Mya).   Cite as: Quicke, D.L. J., Kuslitzky, W.S. & Butcher, B.A. 2018. First host record for Old World Yelicones (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Rogadinae) adds to evidence that they are strictly parasitoids of Pyralidae (Lepidoptera). Israel Journal of Entomology 48 (1): 33–40. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1244102 urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EDE7EEB0-7B36-4C68-A8E6-090A056C90B

Forty years of biological control in Mediterranean tomato greenhouses: The story of success

The article highlights major landmarks in the development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes for tomato greenhouses in the Mediterranean region. This is the story of how biological control has been succesfully implemented as a cornerstone of IPM programmes in Catalonia (Northeastern Spain), one of the pioneering areas in the Mediterranean basin for the implementation of biological control in greenhouses. In the 1970s, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was the key pest in the area and first programmes in protected tomato crops were based on inoculative releases of the parasitoid Encarsia formosa (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). However, failures caused by the expansion of Encarsia pergandiella (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and the increasing importance of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) propitiated the change to use heteropterans of the Miridae family as biocontrol agents. These generalist predators were already observed during the first trials in the 1970s, but their use was not widespread until B. tabaci and the South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) became serious problems. Despite scepticism of many IPM practitioners about the usefulness of these generalist natural enemies, mirid predators are currently widely used for protecting Mediterranean tomato crops. Papers on the biology, behaviour and ecology of the Miridae have gained importance in the scientific literature published over the last 35, which undoubtedly has promoted their inclusion in IPM programmes. The activities of the IOBC/WPRS Working Group “Integrated Control in Protected Crops, Mediterranean Climate” has had a major impact on the progress of biological control strategies in Mediterranean tomato greenhouses over last decades. RESUMEN El artículo destaca los principales hitos en el desarrollo de los programas de Gestión Integrado de Plagas (GIP) del tomate de invernadero en la región mediterránea. Es la historia de cómo el control biológico se ha implementado de forma exitosa como parte fundamental de los programas GIP en Cataluña (noreste de España), una de las áreas de la cuenca mediterránea pioneras en la implementación del control biológico en invernaderos. En la década de 1970, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) era la plaga más importante en la zona y los primeros programas en tomate protegido se basaron en las liberaciones inoculativas del parasitoide Encarsia formosa (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). Sin embargo, los fallos causados por la expansión de Encarsia pergandiella (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) y la creciente importancia de Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) propiciaron el cambio al uso de heterópteros de la familia Miridae como agentes de control biológico. Estos depredadores generalistas ya se habían observado en los primeros ensayos realizados durante la década de los 70, pero su uso no se extendió hasta que B. tabaci y la polilla del tomate Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) no se convirtieron en problemas importantes para el cultivo. A pesar del escepticismo de muchos especialistas en GIP sobre la utilidad de estos enemigos naturales generalistas, en la actualidad son agentes de control biológico ampliamente utilizados en los cultivos de tomate en el mediterráneo. Los artículos científicos sobre la biología, comportamiento y ecología de estos depredadores han ganado importancia en la literatura científica producida en los últimos 35 años, lo que sin duda ha facilitado su inclusión en los programas de GIP. Las actividades del Grupo de Trabajo de la IOBC/WPRS "Control Integrado en Cultivos Protegidos, Clima Mediterráneo" han tenido un gran impacto en el progreso de las estrategias de control biológico en los invernaderos mediterráneos de tomate en las últimas décadas. Cite as: Arnó, J., Castañé, C., Alomar, O., Riudavets, J., Agustí, N., Gabarra, R. & Albajes, R. 2018. Forty years of biological control in Mediterranean tomato greenhouses: The story of success. Israel Journal of Entomology 48 (2): 209–226. <published 14 November 2018> DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1486574 urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F764F0C3-0FB6-41A5-8417-0F0564EA3EC

The incidence of Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) and its parasitoids on cassava and associated plants in Uganda

Biotic and abiotic factors can influence the population dynamics of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), a key pest of cassava and a vector of several viral diseases, and that of its parasitoids. To gain a better understanding of possible roles these factors, different crops/cropping systems and weeds play in determining B. tabaci population dynamics, cassava fields were surveyed monthly from November 2003 to December 2004 in Buliisa (Buliisa district), Busukuma (Wakiso district) and Lyantonde (Lyantonde district), Uganda. Bemisia tabaci and its parasitoids were more abundant on cassava than on both intercrops and weeds. Eretmocerus mundus Mercet (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) was the most abundant parasitoid species followed by Encarsia sophia Girault & Dodd (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). An undescribed Encarsia sp. was relatively rare. The level of parasitism on cassava was highest at Busukuma (41.7%), followed by Buliisa (37.2%) and Lyantonde (32.2%). The only companion crop that harboured B. tabaci nymphs was sweet potato with 22 nymphs from 20 plants and 68% parasitism. Similarly very low numbers of nymphs were observed on the following weeds: Commelina benghalensis (4 parasitized nymphs from 1340 plants), Melhania sp. (over 76 nymphs from 60 plants with about 60% parasitism), Bidens pilosa (2 parasitized nymphs from 1080 plants) and Euphorbia sp. (8 nymphs from 580 plants with 75% parasitism). This demonstrates that cassava companion crops and weeds in the surveyed locations are not major hosts of B. tabaci. For these two reasons, cassava is the only significant source of cassava-colonizing B. tabaci. Whitefly and disease control on cassava should therefore focus on an integrated management strategy, including breeding for resistance to both constraints, and enhancing natural enemies, in a manner that addresses specific agro-ecosystems.   Cite as: Otim, M., Kyamanywa, S., Ecaat, S., Legg, J. & Gerling, D. 2018. The incidence of Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) and its parasitoids on cassava and associated plants in Uganda. Israel Journal of Entomology 48 (2): 157–176. <published 27 August 2018> DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1403999 urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:2C2E529A-241D-4253-9BC7-F90367F66EB

Distribution patterns of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) eggs, nymphs and adults in a Malaysian citrus orchard

Spatial distribution of eggs, nymphs and adults of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) was studied in a commercial orchard in SW Sarawak, Malaysia, using mean–variance test, the index of dispersion, and the negative binomial distribution. To further ascertain and confirm the distribution pattern in the population of the psyllid, dispersion indices (index of mean crowding, Lloyd’s index of patchiness, Taylor’s power law and Iwao’s patchiness regression) were calculated. Measurable tests showed that distribution of eggs and nymphs in naturally occurring psyllid populations was highly aggregated, resulting from initially aggregated migration of adults and a contagious dispersion of them on flushes as the population density increased.   Cite as: Leong, S.S., Leong, S.Ch.Te., Abang, F., Beattie, G.A.C. & Kueh, R.J.H. 2018. Distribution patterns of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) eggs, nymphs and adults in a Malaysian citrus orchard. Israel Journal of Entomology 48 (1): 49–62. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1298369 urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1663B320-F264-4FF-8B05-A023FCA370D

The genus Phaestacoenitus Smits van Burgst (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Phrudinae) in Israel, with description of a new species and an identification key

A review of the genus Phaestacoenitus Smits van Burgst, 1913 in Israel is presented. A new species, Ph. fuscipennis n. sp., is described and Ph. longicaudus n. stat. is recorded from Israel for the first time; both species are illustrated along with the type species of genus, Ph. demeyerei Smits van Burgst, 1913. All known Phaestacoenitus species are keyed.   Cite as: Kasparyan, D.R. & Kuslitzky, W.S. 2018. The genus Phaestacoenitus Smits van Burgst (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Phrudinae) in Israel, with discription of a new species and an identification key. Israel Journal of Entomology 48 (1): 41–47. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1284111 urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C8A85B02-BC40-49CD-9F9C-833186CB965

Addendum to the Israeli Noctuoidea fauna (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae, Erebidae)

Seventeen species of Noctuoidea (Lepidoptera) are newly recorded for Israel, bringing the owlet moth fauna to 565 species. Four species are new records for the Levant, others have been known from Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, and Jordan. Most of new records are done in the northern and southern parts of the country. The ‘southern’ group is represented by the Afrotropical and Pan-Eremic species, which reached the northern limit of their distribution. The ‘northern’ group is represented by species on the southern border of their distribution, including Trans-Palearctic and Mediterranean elements at the forested medium elevations, the Mediterranean–Iranian species in the montane steppes, and the alpine and xeromontane species at elevations over 2000 m. The pattern of occurrence of the new records reflects the position of Israel in the region as a transitional area between a more humid Mediterranean part in the north and a more arid part in the south.   Cite as: Kravchenko, V.D., Poltavsky, A.N. & Müller, G.C. 2018. Addendum to the Israeli Noctuoidea fauna (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae, Erebidae). Israel Journal of Entomology 48 (1): 89–98. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1473586 urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8FA 80F01-6B78-4677-B2A6-88DBF48801D

Description of Aleiodes (Hemigyroneuron) dangerlingi n. sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Rogadinae) from New South Wales, Australia, and first description of female of A. (H.) glandularis Butcher & Quicke from South Africa

A new species Aleiodes (Hemigyroneuron) dangerlingi n. sp. (Hymenoptera: Bra­conidae: Rogadinae) from Australia (New South Wales) is described, illust­rated and distinguished from other members of the subgenus. It is the second species of the subgenus known from Australia to date, and on the basis of its mor­phology is most closely related to Aleiodes (H.) ellingsenae Butcher & Quicke from Tasmania. The previously unknown female of A. (H.) glandularis Butcher & Quicke from South Africa is also briefly described and illustrated.   Cite as: Quicke, D.L.J. & Butcher, B.A. 2018. Description of Aleiodes (Hemigyroneuron) dangerlingi n. sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Rogadinae) from New South Wales, Australia, and first description of female of A. (H.) glandularis Butcher & Quicke from. Israel Journal of Entomology 48 (2): 23–31. <published 21 March 2018> DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.1204907 urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A70FAE 4C-8B65-451E-A508-184E76028A2