Two New Chalcid Wasps (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae and Megastigmidae) Are Parasitoids of Ophelimus bipolaris (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) on Eucalyptus in China

Insects 2026 Open access

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Authors: Jin-Bo Sun, Guo-Bao Qin, Jian-Zhong Ning, Yan Qin, J Li, Zoya Yefremova, Xialin Zheng
DOI: 10.3390/insects17050449
Cited by: 1
References: 27

Abstract

Two new species, Aprostocetus eucalyptus Zheng & Yefremova sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Megastigmus bipolaris Zheng & Yefremova sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Megastigmidae), were discovered on populations of the invasive gall wasp Ophelimus bipolaris (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) infesting Eucalyptus in Guangxi, China. An integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological characterization and 28S rRNA-based phylogenetic analysis was used for species identification and classification. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and an identification key for both sexes are provided. Field parasitism data confirm their potential as native natural enemies, supporting their utility for the biological control of this economically important pest.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Hymenoptera taxonomy and phylogeny Insect-Plant Interactions and Control Phytoplasmas and Hemiptera pathogens

Publication details

Journal / source
Insects
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
17
Issue
5
Pages
449–449
Publication date
24 April 2026
Language
EN