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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Systematic Entomology Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #341432
Research Project: Systematics of Parasitic and Herbivorous Wasps of Agricultural Importance

Location: Systematic Entomology Laboratory

Title: Description of Afroserphus masneri, new species (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupidae) and clarification of the identity of Afroserphus bicornis Masner, 1961

Author
item Buffington, Matthew
item COPELAND, ROBERT - University Of Nairobi
item VAN NOORT, SIMON - Iziko Museums Of Cape Town

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/11/2017
Publication Date: 10/15/2018
Citation: Buffington, M.L., Copeland, R., Van Noort, S. 2018. Description of Afroserphus masneri, new species (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupidae) and clarification of the identity of Afroserphus bicornis Masner, 1961. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 120:687-707.

Interpretive Summary: Parasitoid wasps are potent natural enemies of many species of pest insect. Correct identification and name usage in parasitoid wasp biology are key factors in the success of biological control. This paper helps clarify the identity of a species of wasp that attacks beetle larvae, describes a new species, and expands the known distribution of the species throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Biological control workers, extension agents, and APHIS cooperators worldwide will find this research product essential for their own work.

Technical Abstract: Despite having only one named species, confusion surrounds the identity of Afroserphus wasps. We hereby describe Afroserphus masneri, new species, to accommodate all specimens previously attributed to Afroserphus bicornis except the holotype of the latter, and redescribe A. bicornis in the process. We also present new collection records for Afroserphus, as well as habitat preferences and phenological data.