The first record of Eurytoma сoleopterae Zerova, 1978 (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) as larval parasitoid of weevils and jewel beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Buprestidae) in Turkey and Turkmenistan

The parasitic chalcid wasp Eurytoma coleopterae Zerova, 1978 (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) is re-described and illustrated. For the first time parasitoid E. coleopterae is reared from the larvae of weevil Metapion sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), developing in seeds of Ruta sp. (Rutaceae) in Turkey. Also for the first time chalcid wasp E. coleopterae was reared from larvae of jewel beetle Meliboeus cyaneus Kiasw. (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), developing in stems of Cousinia polycephala Rupr. (Asteraceae) in Turkmenistan. Re-description of type material, a new data on the distribution, biology, host–parasitoid and host–plant trophical associations are given. Material is deposited at the collection of I.I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Kyiv, Ukraine).

Development of Galls in Eucalyptus Due to Infestation of Leptocybe invasa and Its Effects on Growth of Seedlings.

Leptocybe invasa Fisher & LaSalle (Hymenoptera : Eulophidae), commonly known as blue gum chalcid wasp, is a major gall making insect species of eucalyptus, causing serious damage to seedlings in nursery stage. An insectary/nursery of eucalyptus was developed at this Institute to study the stages of gall development, number of galls formed with the age of seedling and effects of galls on the growth of seedling. Results revealed that there are five distinct stages of gall development, first stage initiates by the insertion of eggs on the epidermis of soft young leaves, petioles and stems and final stage ends with the emergence of adult wasps from galls through exit holes. It was observed that the development of galls start after one month age of seedlings, and there was significant (P<0.05-P<0.01) variation in growth (height and collar diameter), number of galls in leaves, petioles and stems, and total number of galls/seedling in respect of age. The data clearly exhibited that one month old seedlings were free from the attack of L. invasa as because there was complete absence of galls. Further, it was recorded that seedlings growth (height and collar diameter) was affected by the development of galls, minimum growth was recorded in case of maximum galls developed whereas less galls were noticed for maximum growth of seedlings. There was an inverse relationship exists between seedling growth and development of galls. The practical application of findings was discussed in the light of the present observations.

Distribution and Host Record of Bruchophagus Robiniae (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae) in Turkey

For the first time the phytophagous chalcid wasp B. robiniae was reared from host seeds of Robinia viscosa Ventenat, in the environs of Ankara, Turkey. New data on biology and distribution are given.

Contribution to the ecological management of the seed chalcid wasp Eurytoma plotnikovi Nikol’skaya (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) in pistachio orchards

Aspects related to the management of the pistachio seed wasp Eurytoma plotnikovi Nikol’skaya (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), were investigated. E. plotnikovi has internal feeding habits. However, the external appearance of the fruits could be used to distinguish between infested and uninfested fruits, since fruits partly blackish or brownish and shriveled had higher infestation levels than those without any discolouration. The adult emergence from the fruits was completed within a short period of 12 days, from the middle until the end of May. This pest overwinters as larva inside the mummified fruits. The application of sanitation measures for the control of this pest was experimentally investigated. The results showed that no adults emerged from fruits that were buried in the soil but also from those that remained on the soil surface during winter. Thus, it seems that there is no need for burying them by tillage under the soil as it had been proposed. This result might be essential in the wider adoption of this method in the management of this pest.

Description, DNA barcoding and phylogenetic placement of a remarkable new species of Eopelma (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) from Borneo

Eopelma gibsoni sp. nov. is described based on a male recently collected in Borneo. It is the second species of the genus to be described, and the first species of chalcid wasp in which a pattern of dark stripes on the compound eye is described. The presence of similar dark stripes on the eyes of other chalcid wasps is discussed, highlighting the importance of citizen science. The description is accompanied by a DNA barcode sequence to assist future identification and association of the sexes. The phylogenetic position of E. gibsoni based on 28S DNA sequences is discussed.