Selitrichodes neseri n. sp, a new parasitoid of the eucalyptus gall wasp Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae)

Selitrichodes neseri Kelly & La Salle n. sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae), is described as a parasitoid of the invasive eucalyptus gall wasp Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae), which is causing substantial damage particularly in commercial Eucalyptus plantations. Selitrichodes neseri was originally collected in Australia in 2010 when searching for biological control agents of L. invasa. It has since been reared in quarantine in South Africa where it is being evaluated for release as a biological control agent of L. invasa.The University of Pretoria, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute and the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme.http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/ab201

Six recently recorded Australian insects associated with Eucalyptus in South Africa

The increased movement of goods and pathways to transport these goods around the world, combined with the global homogenisation of cultivated areas has resulted in an increase in insect movement and establishment (McCullough et al. 2006; Roques et al. 2008;Aukema et al. 2010; Garnas et al. 2012). This pattern has been evident in South Africa (Giliomee 2011), including plantations of Eucalyptus where an increase in the rate of introduction of non-native insect herbivores has been reported (Wingfield et al. 2008; Garnas et al. 2012; Hurley et al. 2016). Indeed, in just three years (2012–2014), at least six insect species native to Australia and associated with Eucalyptus trees have been detected in South Africa for the first time. This short communication serves to formally report these six species, namely Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Spondyliaspis cf. plicatuloides Froggatt (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), Ophelimus maskelli Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Closterocerus chamaeleon Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Psyllaephagus blastopsyllae Tamesse, Soufo, Tchanatame, Dzokou, Gumovsky & Coninck (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae).Members of the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF).http://reference.sabinet.co.za/sa_epublication/entohttp://www.entsocsa.co.za/Publications.htm2018-09-30am2016Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI)GeneticsZoology and Entomolog

Biology and rearing of Cleruchoides noackae (Hymenoptera : Mymaridae), an egg parasitoid for the biological control of Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera : Thaumastocoridae)

Cleruchoides noackae Lin and Huber (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) is a solitary egg parasitoid of Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero and Dellapé (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae). The parasitoid was first described in 2009 and its biology and rearing are poorly understood. A key obstacle to the use of C. noackae as a biological control agent has been the ability to consistently rear it under quarantine conditions. This study reports on a series of experiments conducted in quarantine to rear C. noackae and to examine the effects of diet on longevity, per capita reproduction, and progeny sex ratio, as well as to determine development time, and preference and suitability of host eggs of different ages. When supplemented with honey solution, the longevity of C. noackae females increased significantly by 2.4 d and that of males by 1.7 d, relative to the unfed adults. Mean per capita reproduction for the honey-fed wasps was 7.7 offspring per female, with progeny sex ratio slightly skewed toward males. Mean percentage parasitism was 32.2%. C. noackae was capable of parasitizing and completing development from oviposition to adult eclosion within 15.7 d in host eggs between 0 and 5 d old. The ability of C. noackae to parasitize a wide range of host egg ages increases the period of vulnerability of T. peregrinus to attack, increasing its potential efficacy as a biological control agent. The methods and results reported here represent a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to develop this potential biological control system.The Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the University of Pretoria, South Africa.http://esa.publisher.ingentaconnect.com/content/2015-10-31hb2013ab201

Selitrichodes neseri Kelly & La Salle, sp. nov.

<i>Selitrichodes neseri</i> Kelly & La Salle, sp. nov. <p>Figs 2–11</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis</b>. <i>Selitrichodes neseri</i> is the only known species of <i>Selitrichodes</i> with a distinctly infumated patch behind the marginal vein (Fig. 7). Other diagnostic characters are forewing with 2 setae on submarginal vein and head and body almost entirely dark brown to black without yellow markings, except for the male where the face is yellow.</p> <p> <b> Description. <i>Female</i></b> (Figs 2–8). Length 0.87–1.08 mm. Head black. Antenna with scape dark brown (may be lighter apically); flagellum brown. Mesosoma black; gaster dark brown. Coxae black (may be lighter apically); trochanters dark brown; femora dark brown to black; fore and middle tibiae light brown to yellow; hind tibia dark brown with apical third brown to yellow.</p> <p> <i>Head</i> (Fig. 4). Ocellar triangle without grooves. POL about 2.5 times as long as OOL. Scrobal area without distinct median carina; with a small transverse crack-like suture about halfway between frontal suture and torulus. Torulus level with ventral margin of eye. A broad depression (supraclypeal area) below torulus extending to clypeus and with some pilosity. Gena swollen and with malar sulcus somewhat curved near mouth margin. Clypeal margin bidentate.</p> <p> <i>Antenna</i> (Fig. 5) with 2 anelli, 3 funicular and 3 claval segments. First anellus longer than second. First and second funicular segments slightly longer than wide (F1 1.13–1.38; F2 2.00–1.38), third slightly wider than long to subquadrate (F3 0.90–1.2). Relative length of funicular segments to pedicel as follows: PDL: F1: F2: F3 = 1: 0.50–0.64: 0.55–0.60: 0.43–0.65. Clava 1.90–2.58 times longer than wide, wider than funicle, with terminal spine; C3 very short and its end broad, tapering slightly apically. Scape slightly flattened.</p> <p> <i>Mesosoma</i> (Fig. 6). Pronotum very short medially in dorsal view. Midlobe of mesoscutum with one row of 5 adnotaular setae on each side (some setae may form a partial second row). Scutellum with anterior pair of setae located behind middle. Dorsellum rounded posteriorly and overhanging propodeum. Mesosternum convex just in front of trochantinal lobes and without precoxal suture. Propodeum in dorsal view medially shorter than dorsellum. Propodeal spiracle with entire rim exposed and separated from anterior margin of propodeum by less than its largest diameter; rim of spiracle with a seta (seta of left spiracle broken in Fig. 6). Paraspiracular carina absent. Callus with 0 or 1 seta.</p> <p> <i>Forewing</i> (Fig. 7). Hyaline, with a distinct infumated patch behind marginal vein. Submarginal vein with 2 dorsal setae. Costal cell with one or more setae and a line of ventral setae near apex. Relative length of wing veins to stigmal vein as follows: CC: MV: STV: PMV = 2.83–4.33: 3.08–4.78: 1: 0.33–0.45: PMV one-third to just less than one-half length of stigmal vein. Speculum small and open posteriorly, the cubital line of setae not extending to basal line; speculum with one or more setae dorsally and with one to a few small setae on underside of wing. Wing disk beyond speculum densely pilose.</p> <p> <i>Metasoma</i> (Fig. 8). Gaster distinctly longer (1.56–1.66 times) than mesosoma. Hypopygium reaching less than half length of gaster. Cercus with 3 setae, subequal in length and slightly curved. Ovipositor sheath slightly protruding, short in dorsal view.</p> <p> <i>Male</i> (Figs 9, 10). Length 0.65–0.73 mm. Head dark brown to black, with yellow markings on lower face generally extending dorsally from mouth margin beyond toruli for about half distance to anterior ocellus, and laterally to inner eye margin and not reaching malar sulcus except in lighter specimens sometimes extending beyond malar sulcus onto gena. Antennae light yellow to white, funicle darker in some specimens. Legs light yellow to white, except for darker femora. Mesosoma and gaster dark brown to black, with base of gaster lighter. Gastral petiole very light yellow to white.</p> <p> <i>Antenna</i> (Fig. 10) with 2 anelli, 3 funicular and 3 claval segments. F1 and F2 quadrate to slightly longer than wide, F3 wider than long, with each successive segment increasingly broader. Funicle and clava without compact subbasal whorls of long setae. Scape with ventral plaque less than one-quarter length of and situated near apex of scape.</p> <p> <b>Material Examined.</b> Holotype female (ANIC): Laboratory reared at the Agricultural Research Council, Plant Protection Research Institute, emerged in culture x.2010 (originally from Australia, Queensland, Nanango, S. 26º41’19.3”S; E. 151º59’02.75”E, S. Neser, ex. leaf, petiole and twig galls on <i>Eucalyptus</i> sp., ix 2010).</p> <p>49Ψ 115ɗ paratypes. Same data as holotype (49Ψ 54ɗ as follows: 17Ψ 24ɗ ANIC; 17Ψ 15ɗ SANC; 5Ψ 5ɗ BMNH; 5Ψ 5ɗ USNM; 5Ψ 5ɗ QMB); same data as holotype except emerged in culture ix.2010 (61ɗ ANIC).</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> Named in honour of Stefan Neser, who first collected the species and provided valuable information on its biology.</p> <p> <b>Notes on biology.</b> Specimens of <i>S</i>. <i>neseri</i> were exposed to ungalled <i>Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus camaldulensis</i> (hybrid/clone number: GC540) potted plants to determine their possible role as a gall former or primary parasitoid. Unlike its congener <i>S. globulus</i> (La Salle <i>et al.</i> 2009), it was confirmed that <i>S. neseri</i> is not a gall former.</p> <p> <i>Selitrichodes neseri</i> were reared on galled <i>E. grandis</i> x <i>E. camaldulensis</i> (GC540) potted plants in the FABI quarantine facility at an average room temperature of 26º C. Males and females were released into a sleeve enclosing the galled branches and leaves, and honey paper added to the sleeves to extend the longevity of adults. Galls exposed to <i>S. neseri</i> contained mature larvae or pupae of <i>L. invasa</i>. The sleeves were removed and the branches cut shortly before the anticipated emergence of the <i>S. neseri</i> offspring. Plant material was subsequently placed in large, unventilated polyethylene containers (“cake savers”) to allow monitoring of emerging specimens. Developmental time in the laboratory (egg-to-egg) ranged from 18–30 days. <i>Selitrichodes neseri</i> can be successfully reared under laboratory conditions, even in mature galls on severed shoots (Stefan Neser, pers com.), as is evident by the number of generations (10) and large numbers of adults reared within the first year. Dissections of <i>L. invasa</i> galls exposed to <i>S. neseri</i> showed single, relatively large eggs present externally on mature <i>L. invasa</i> larvae or pupae (Fig. 11), as well as <i>S. neseri</i> larvae feeding on mature <i>L. invasa</i> larvae and pupae. This indicated that <i>S. neseri</i> is a primary parasitoid of <i>L. invasa</i> and not an inquiline.</p> <p> Galls induced by <i>Quadrastichus gallicola</i> Prinsloo & Kelly on <i>Erythrina lysistemon</i> (Fabaceae) resemble galls of <i>L. invasa</i>, but were not found to be suitable for oviposition by <i>S. neseri</i>. More detailed studies of the biology and host range of <i>S. neseri</i> are underway.</p> <p> The biological control of <i>L. invasa</i> has to remain a priority for all countries involved in the commercial production of susceptible species of <i>Eucalyptus</i>. <i>Selitrichodes neseri</i> is an additional parasitoid that shows much promise for biological control of this pest.</p>Published as part of <i>Kelly, Janine, Salle, John La, Harney, Marlene, Dittrich-Schröder, Gudrun & Hurley, Brett, 2012, Selitrichodes neseri n. sp., a new parasitoid of the eucalyptus gall wasp Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae), pp. 50-57 in Zootaxa 3333</i> on pages 52-56, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/213853">10.5281/zenodo.213853</a&gt

Selitrichodes Girault

<i>Selitrichodes</i> Girault <p> <i>Selitrichodes</i> Girault (1913) was treated by Kim <i>et al</i>. (2008) who resurrected the genus from synonymy under <i>Aprostocetus</i> Westwood, provided a generic diagnosis and list of included species, and newly described <i>S. kryceri</i> as a potentially beneficial parasitoid of <i>Leptocybe invasa</i>. At that time they recognised 12 species of <i>Selitrichodes</i> from Australia. No species are known from outside of Australia except for those which have moved (intentionally or not) with <i>Eucalyptus</i>. Most Australian species are known from Queensland through collections made by A.A. Girault, although indications from rearing activities and specimens in collections are that this genus has wide distribution across Australia. It was recognized that most species were associated with galls, but little detailed biological information was available for most species and there was no indication that any of the species were gall inducers. Subsequently, <i>Selitrichodes globulus</i> La Salle & Gates was described as an invasive species from California that induces galls on blue gum, <i>Eucalyptus globulus</i> (La Salle <i>et al</i>. 2009).</p>Published as part of <i>Kelly, Janine, Salle, John La, Harney, Marlene, Dittrich-Schröder, Gudrun & Hurley, Brett, 2012, Selitrichodes neseri n. sp., a new parasitoid of the eucalyptus gall wasp Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae), pp. 50-57 in Zootaxa 3333</i> on page 52, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/213853">10.5281/zenodo.213853</a&gt

FIGURES 9–11. 9 and 10 in Selitrichodes neseri n. sp., a new parasitoid of the eucalyptus gall wasp Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae)

FIGURES 9–11. 9 and 10, Selitrichodes neseri male: 9, dosolateral habitus; 10, antenna in lateral view. 11, Selitrichodes neseri eggs on a pupa of Leptocybe invasa (more than one egg probably a cage artefact) (Photo: Stefan Neser)

Biology and Rearing of <I>Cleruchoides noackae</I> (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), an Egg Parasitoid for the Biological Control of <I>Thaumastocoris peregrinus</I> (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae)

Cleruchoides noackae Lin and Huber (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) is a solitary egg parasitoid of Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero and Dellapé (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae). The parasitoid was first described in 2009 and its biology and rearing are poorly understood. A key obstacle to the use of C. noackae as a biological control agent has been the ability to consistently rear it under quarantine conditions. This study reports on a series of experiments conducted in quarantine to rear C. noackae and to examine the effects of diet on longevity, per capita reproduction, and progeny sex ratio, as well as to determine development time, and preference and suitability of host eggs of different ages. When supplemented with honey solution, the longevity of C. noackae females increased significantly by 2.4 d and that of males by 1.7 d, relative to the unfed adults. Mean per capita reproduction for the honey-fed wasps was 7.7 offspring per female, with progeny sex ratio slightly skewed toward males. Mean percentage parasitism was 32.2%. C. noackae was capable of parasitizing and completing development from oviposition to adult eclosion within 15.7 d in host eggs between 0 and 5 d old. The ability of C. noackae to parasitize a wide range of host egg ages increases the period of vulnerability of T. peregrinus to attack, increasing its potential efficacy as a biological control agent. The methods and results reported here represent a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to develop this potential biological control system.The Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the University of Pretoria, South Africa.http://esa.publisher.ingentaconnect.com/content/2015-10-31hb2013ab201

Biology and host preference of Selitrichodes neseri : a potential biological control agent of the Eucalyptus gall wasp, Leptocybe invasa

Selitrichodes neseri (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a parasitoid of the invasive gall-forming wasp Leptocybe invasa (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), which has caused serious damage to Eucalyptus plantations in many parts of the world. S. neseri is a recently discovered parasitoid considered to be a potentially important biological control agent of L. invasa. The aim of this study was to provide the first basic data on the biology of S. neseri, which is essential for its application in biological control. S. neseri was shown to be a biparental ectoparasitoid. Observation from dissected galls indicated that the parasitoid developed on late larvae, pupae and callow adults, although development did occur in a range of gall ages. Observed nominal parasitism in captivity ranged from 9.7% to 71.8%. Adult S. neseri specimens, fed with honey-water and galled Eucalyptus leaves, survived an average of 26 days at 26 C. The average developmental time from oviposition to emergence was 19.3 days ± 0.2 days. There was no pre-oviposition period. A single female produced a maximum of thirty-nine offspring, with a maximum of ten per day. Dissection of the ovaries showed that twelve ovarioles were present. The sex ratio of S. neseri observed in this study was 1:3.43 males:females. Galls of native insects most closely related to L. invasa and to galls of similar morphology to L. invasa-induced galls, were not suitable for S. neseri oviposition. S. neseri showed considerable potential as a biological control agent of L. invasa due to its relatively short developmental time, long adult life span when supplemented with carbohydrates, ability to utilize a range of gall ages and the fact that it has a high level of host specificity.The Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP), the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP), the Department of Science and Technology (DST).http://www.elsevier.com/locate/ybconhj201