Parasitoids of Prodiplosis longifila Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and other Cecidomyiidae species in Colombia

Abstract

Several species of Synopeas Förster (Hymenoptera: Platygasteridae) are parasitoids of gall midges and bug midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) worldwide. In Neotropical region, the bug midge Prodiplosis longifila Gagné causes severe economic losses, particularly in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crops. Prodiplosis longifila is found in North and South America, and it is a potentially invasive species that is also found throughout Caribbean Islands. To diminish the impact of P. longifila on crops and to delay its geographical expansion it is necessary to identify its natural enemies and to improve its biological control. As a first step in this direction, in this study, four species of Synopeas: S. aff. curvicauda, S. aff. longiventre, S. reticulatifrons and S. varipes were collected from Prodiplosis longifila, Prodiplosis floricola and Dasineura sp. larvae sampled on Solanaceae crops (Solanum lycopersicum, Capsicum annuum and C. frutescens) and Tahiti lime (Citrus x latifolia) in Colombia. Parasitoid species were identified based on morphological characteristics. Results indicate that Synopeas species can parasitize species of both Prodiplosis Felt and Dasineura Rondani genera and they are potential biological control agents to integrate into pest managements strategies against P. longifila

Keywords

• Biological control
• Citrus x latifolia
• Capsicum annuum
• Solanum lycopersicum L.
• Dasineura
• Prodiplosis
• Synopeas.