The first record of Aphidius ervi Haliday in Slovenia

Abstract

In 2008, a lucerne aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi Haliday was first recorded in Slovenia. This oligophagous parasitoid is used as biological control agent against bigger aphid species. By sampling aphid mummies on different locations in Slovenia in 2008, we found parasitoid Aphidius ervi on nine host plants (corn, pea, alfalfa, red clover, winter wheat, oat, onion, potato and winter barley). Among 1812 primary parasitoids found in Slovenia in 2008, there were 46 individuals of Aphidius ervi; 21 male and 25 female parasitoids. In the present paper description of the species, its geographic distribution and host plant-aphid-parasitoid associations are given.

Keywords

• Aphidius ervi
• parasitoid
• first record
• biological control
• Slovenia