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Title: The first state record for Dirhinus Texanus Ashmead (Hymenoptera; Chalcididae) from Utah, USA

Author
item PECH, L. - University Of Wisconsin
item Gates, Michael
item GRAHAM, T. - Us Geological Survey (USGS)

Submitted to: Southwestern Naturalist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/19/2010
Publication Date: 6/15/2011
Citation: Pech, L.L., Gates, M.W., Graham, T.B. 2011. The first state record for Dirhinus Texanus Ashmead (Hymenoptera; Chalcididae) from Utah, USA. Southwestern Naturalist. 56(2):275-276.

Interpretive Summary: Many human-associated flies are pests due to blood-feeding behavior that can spread disease and annoy humans and domestic animals. Chemicals can control fly populations, but cost millions of dollars annually, must be reapplied regularly, and can damage the environment. Parasitic wasps can also control these flies and reproduce themselves, providing an environmentally safe, biological alternative to chemical control. A parasitic wasp known to attack these flies is newly reported from Utah. This information will aid scientists, ranchers, and biocontrol workers seeking to control human-associated flies and their parasites in the western United States.

Technical Abstract: Dirhinus texanus Ashmead (Hymenoptera; Chalcididae) was collected in Salt Creek Canyon, Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah, USA. This is the first state record for D. texanus in Utah.