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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Newark, Delaware » Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #287771
Title: Hymenopteran Parasitoids Attacking the Invasive Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Western and Central Pennsylvania

Author
item Duan, Jian
item Taylor, Philip
item Fuester, Roger
item Kula, Robert
item MARSH, PAUL - Kansas State University Extension Center

Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/17/2012
Publication Date: 4/1/2013
Citation: Duan, J.J., Taylor, P.B., Fuester, R.W., Kula, R.R., Marsh, P.M. 2013. Hymenopteran Parasitoids Attacking the Invasive Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Western and Central Pennsylvania. Florida Entomologist. 96:166-172.

Interpretive Summary: The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a serious invasive pest that has destroyed millions of ash trees in the U.S. Biological control with natural enemies may be an important means of reducing infestations. In this study, we surveyed the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, and natural enemies (larval parasitoids) in western and central Pennsylvania (Cranberry and Granville Townships) in the spring and fall of 2009. The survey procedure involved removing the bark from sections of the main trunk of EAB-infested ash tree. Three species of natural enemy parasitic wasps were consistently recovered from EAB larvae observed in both survey sites, including two native and one exotic natural enemy parasitic wasp. In addition, there are three unidentified species of parasitic wasps. The native North American parasitic wasps may play a complementary role in controlling EAB.

Technical Abstract: We conducted field surveys of the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, and associated larval parasitoids in western and central Pennsylvania (Cranberry and Granville Townships) in the spring and fall of 2009. The survey procedure involved destructively debarking sections of the main trunk (bole) of EAB-infested ash tree from the ground to the height of 2 m. Three species of the hymenopteran parasitoids were consistently recovered from EAB larvae observed in both survey sites, including two indigenous species of braconids, Spathius laflammei Provancher (= Spathius benefactor Matthews) and Atanycolus nigropyga Shenefelt and the exotic (accidentally introduced) eupelmid Balcha indica (Mani & Kaul). In addition, there are three unidentified species of hymenopteran parasitoids including two braconids Atanycolus sp. [possibly Atanycolus disputabilis (Cresson)] and Spathius sp. (at Cranberry site) and one ichneumonid Dolichomitus sp. (at Granville site). These parasitoids together parasitized 0.5 - 4.6% and 0.5 – 1.5% of the sampled EAB hosts at the Cranberry and Granville sites, respectively. Parasitism rate by each species or group of those hymenopteran parasitoids varied between the two survey sites – with parasitism rates were generally higher in Cranberry Township than Granville Township. Studies are needed to determine if those new associations of North American indigenous braconid parasitoids with EAB may play a complementary role in controlling this invasive pest.