Parasitic Hymenoptera associated with scale insects on citrus trees in the Maltese Islands

Abstract

A taxonomic account of the parasitic Hymenoptera associated with scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) on citrus trees in the Maltese Islands is provided. Previous literature is reviewed. All species of parasitic Hymenoptera were reared from samples of scale insects collected by the author between January 1996 and December 1997. Rearing methods and the preparation of microscope slides for identification purposes are described. A total of 25 species were found in the Maltese Islands. These include both parasitoids and hyperparasitoids from five families of the superfamily Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera). Of these, 20 species are recorded for the first time. The new records include Aphytis hispanicus, A. lepidosaphes, A. melinus, Coccophagus nr. rusti, C. scutellaris, Encarsia citrina, E. herndoni and Marietta exitiosa (Aphelinidae ); Anagyrus pseudococci, Cerapterocerus mirabilis, Comperiella bifasciata, Encyrtus lecaniorum, Gyranusoidea advena, Leptomastidea abnormis, Metaphycus nr. stanleyi and Paraceraptrocerus italicus (Encyrtidae); Aprostocetus nr. toddaliae (Eulophidae); Dicopus sp. (Mymaridae ); Pachyneuron concolor (Pteromalidae) and Chartocerus kurdjumovi (Hym: Signiphoridae ). Coccophagus lycimnia, Metaphycus flavus and Microterys nietneri were previously recorded by Borg, P. (1919) and again by Borg, J. (1922) who also recorded Scutellista caerulea for the first time. Signiphora flavopalliata was later recorded by Borg, J. (1932). For all species, information is provided on their general distribution, biology and ecology. Original drawings of important morphological features of all recorded species are included. Dichotomous keys for the identification of females are also provided.