Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #131576
Title: SURVEY OF THE PARASITIC HYMENOPTERA ON LEAFMINERS IN CALIFORNIA.

Author
item GATES, MICHAEL - PSI,SEL, BARC-WEST
item HERATY, J. - UNIV.OF CALIF.,RIVERSIDE
item Schauff, Michael
item WAGNER, D. - UNIV.CONNECTICUT, STORRS
item WHITFIELD, J. - UNIV. OF ILLINOISM
item WAHL, D. - AM.ENT.INST.,GAINESVILLE

Submitted to: Journal of Hymenoptera Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/10/2002
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Leafminer parasitoids are an important component in aiding in the control of many economically important pests. This paper deals with native leafminer parasitoids that could provide control of the citrus leafminer which has recently entered California citrus. We have found many of the same parasitoid genera that have been documented to switch from native hosts to the citrus leafminer in other areas (Florida and Texas). By allowing native parasitoids to provide control for introduced pests (where possible), it can reduce costs associated with exploration for and rearing of exotic parasitoids for release. This information will be of use to biological control workers and pest managers working in citrus.

Technical Abstract: Hymenoptera parasitoids of leafminers in California based upon reared materials are reviewed and an illustrated key to genera is presented. Leafmineer surveys conducted by Michael Gates (MWG) and John Heraty (JMH) between 1996 and 1999, sought to assess native parasitoid fauna in preparation for the anticipated arrival of the citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, in California. These records are augmented with leafminer parasitoid rearing records of David Wagner (DLW) and Jim Whitfield (JBW) accumulated between 1979-1986. Comparison of California parasitoid fauna with CLM parasitoids from other regions would indicate which native species are likely to shift onto CLM as potential fortuitous biocontrol agents. Members of the families Eulophidae, Encyrtidae, Pteromalidae, Chalcididae, Eurytomidae, Eupelmidae, Torymidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), Bethylidae (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea), Braconidae, and Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonoidea) were recovered with >80% of these belonging to Eulophidae.