First record of Ooencyrtus nezarae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of Megacopta cribraria (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) in Florida
Abstract
During our study on egg parasitoids of the kudzu bug in Florida, we collected egg masses of Megacopta cribraria on kudzu and catnip for laboratory rearing. We found a new egg parasitoid, Ooencyrtus nezarae on M. cribraria, which represents the first Florida record of this parasitoid species. The wasp is widely distributed in Asia, and it will strengthen biological control of the kudzu bug in Florida. Future studies will assess comparative parasitism levels of Paratelenomus saccharalis and O. nezarae, as well as the dynamics of populations of these biological control agents.
Resumen
Durante nuestro estudio sobre los parasitoides de huevos del chinche del kudzu en la Florida, recolectamos masas de huevos de Megacopta cribraria sobre el kudzu y la hierba gatera para la cría en laboratorio. Encontramos un nuevo parasitoide de huevo, Ooencyrtus nezarae en M. cribraria, que representa el primer registro de esta especie parasitoide en la Florida. La avispa está ampliamente distribuida en Asia y fortalecerá el control biológico del chinche del kudzu en la Florida. Los estudios futuros evaluarán los niveles de parasitismo comparativo de Paratelenomus saccharalis y O. nezarae, así como la dinámica de las poblaciones de estos agentes de control biológico.
Key Words: kudzu bug; egg parasitoid
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