Field studies and molecular forensics identify a new association: Idris elba Talamas, sp. nov. parasitizes the eggs of Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister)

A species of Idris Förster (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) is found to parasitize the eggs of Bagrada hilaris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and is described as new: Idris elba Talamas, sp. nov. This is the first association of an Idris species with a non-spider host, and the association is confirmed with molecular diagnostic tools that enable identification of parasitoid and host from the remains of parasitized eggs.

8. Molecular forensics

A key challenge for molecular biology is to use research outcomes to meet the demands of modern society. ‘Molecular forensics’ shows that molecular markers are having a substantial impact; from bench to boardroom or even courtroom. DNA profiling plays a role in helping to solve crimes and miscarriages of justice. Although 99.5 per cent of the human DNA sequence is the same for everyone, there are small regions of variability that are specific to each individual giving each person a unique DNA profile, or fingerprint. DNA profile applications are increasing and are now used to identify food counterfeits and contamination of food; to tackle pandemics and epidemics; and in biosecurity measures.