Molecular Data Confirm Interspecific Limits of Four Alloxysta and One Phaenoglyphis Species of Parasitic Wasps within the Subfamily Charipinae (Cynipoidea: Figitidae)

The hymenopteran subfamily Charipinae (Cynipoidea: Figitidae) consist of a group of parasitic wasps that are exclusive hyperparasitoids of Hemipteran. The species boundaries in Charipinae have historically been unclear. While diagnostic morphological features have been established for the stepwise separation of species, it is recommended to confirm those limits using molecular data. Here, we focus on the genera Alloxysta Förster, 1869 and Phaenoglyphis Förster, 1869, both of which contain species that are hyperparasitoids of aphids. We sequenced three genes (mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA, and nuclear ITS2 rDNA) from specimens that were identified as belonging to five species: Alloxysta brevis (Thomson, 1862), A. castanea (Hartig, 1841), A. ramulifera (Thomson, 1862), A. victrix (Westwood, 1833), and Phaenoglyphis villosa (Hartig, 1841). The phylogeny resulting from concatenating these genes supported the species status of the five morphologically identified taxa, with P. villosa nested within Alloxysta. Our study thus indicates that these molecular markers can successfully distinguish charipine species, and also indicates that the genera Alloxysta and Phaenoglyphis may be more closely related than previously hypothesized. We also present the first estimates of genetic distances for these species. Future studies that include more species, loci, and/or genomic data will complement our research and help determine species relationships within the Charipinae subfamily.

Arsenophonus: A Double-Edged Sword of Aphid Defense against Parasitoids

It is widely accepted that endosymbiont interactions with their hosts have significant effects on the fitness of both pests and beneficial species. A particular type of endosymbiosis is that of beneficial associations. Facultative endosymbiotic bacteria are associated with elements that provide aphids with protection from parasitoids. Arsenophonus (Enterobacterales: Morganellaceae) is one such endosymbiont bacterium, with infections being most commonly found among the Hemiptera species. Here, black cowpea aphids (BCAs), Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae), naturally infected with Arsenophonus, were evaluated to determine the defensive role of this bacterium in BCAs against two parasitoid wasp species, Binodoxys angelicae and Lysiphlebus fabarum (both in Braconidae: Aphidiinae). Individuals of the black cowpea aphids infected with Arsenophonus were treated with a blend of ampicillin, cefotaxime, and gentamicin (Arsenophonus-reduced infection, AR) and subsequently subjected to parasitism assays. The results showed that the presence of Arsenophonus does not prevent BCAs from being parasitized by either B. angelicae or L. fabarum. Nonetheless, in BCA colonies parasitized by B. angelicae, the endosymbiont delayed both the larval maturation period and the emergence of the adult parasitoid wasps. In brief, Arsenophonus indirectly limits the effectiveness of B. angelicae parasitism by decreasing the number of emerged adult wasps. Therefore, other members of the BCA colony can survive. Arsenophonus acts as a double-edged sword, capturing the complex dynamic between A. craccivora and its parasitoids.

Association of the opposite sexes of Dryinus niger Kieffer, with notes on males of the other Western Palaearctic species of the same genus (Hymenoptera, Dryinidae)

In Fennoscandia, only one species of Dryinus (Hymenoptera, Dryinidae) is known, D. niger Kieffer, 1904. The species is very sporadically collected in that region, and the association of its opposite sex is difficult by its rarity. The capture of a male in Norway allowed us to describe it and place it in the new key to the males of Western Palaearctic Dryinus.

Additions to the knowledge of the fauna of the tribe Cryptini Kirby, 1837 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae) of Iran

Using Malaise traps, sweep nets and yellow pan traps during 20132015 in various localities of Iran, 18 species belonging to 11 genera in the tribe Cryptini Kirby, 1837 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae) were collected. Among them, five species including Aritranis longicauda (Kriechbaumer, 1873), Gambrus ornatus (Gravenhorst, 1829), Mesostenus dentifer (Thomson, 1896), Mesostenus kozlovi Kokujev, 1909 and Stenarella domator (Poda, 1761) are new records for the fauna of Iran. Sixty other species previously recorded from Iran are considered credible, bringing the number of known Iranian Cryptini to 65 species.

Resolving the Taxonomic Status of Potential Biocontrol Agents Belonging to the Neglected Genus Lipolexis Förster (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae) with Descriptions of Six New Species

Simple Summary

Lipolexis is small but widely distributed genus across Europe and Asia. Nevertheless, its taxonomic distinctiveness was subsequently questioned by some authors who considered it as a synonym of the genus Diaeretus. Although Lipolexis is widely distributed and one species (Lipolexis oregmae Gahan) is an important biological control agent, the last taxonomic study on it was conducted more than 50 years ago. Our study employs an integrative approach (morphology and molecular analysis (COI barcode region)), to examine Lipolexis specimens that were sampled worldwide, including specimens from BOLD database. It led to the description of six new species. Each of the new species possesses clear morphological characters that distinguishes it from its congeners. Our findings suggest that two groups can be differentiated within the genus—oregmae and gracilis. Furthermore, we present a key for the identification to all known Lipolexis species of the world.

Abstract

Lipolexis is a small genus in the subfamily Aphidiinae represented by one species in Europe (Lipolexis gracilis Förster) and by four in Asia (Lipolexis wuyiensis Chen, L. oregmae Gahan, L. myzakkaiae Pramanik and Raychaudhuri and L. pseudoscutellaris Pramanik and Raychaudhuri). Although L. oregmae is employed in biological control programs against pest aphids, the last morphological study on the genus was completed over 50 years ago. This study employs an integrative approach (morphology and molecular analysis (COI barcode region)), to examine Lipolexis specimens that were sampled worldwide, including specimens from BOLD database. These results establish that two currently recognized species of Lipolexis (L. gracilis, L. oregmae) are actually a species complex and also reveal phylogenetic relationships within the genus. Six new species are described and a global key for the identification of Lipolexis species is provided.

Trioxys liui Chou & Chou, 1993 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae): an invasive aphid parasitoid attacking invasive Takecallis species (Hemiptera, Aphididae) in the Iberian Peninsula

Biological invasion of aphids and other insects has been increased due to long distance commercial transportation of plant material. The bamboo-aphid-parasitoid association is strictly specific and even though it does not develop interactions with the local environment it should be listed as part of the fauna of southwestern Europe. On-going research regarding aphids and their aphidiine parasitoids in Spain has yielded a new association of Trioxysliui Chou & Chou, 1993 with an undescribed species of Takecallis aphids on bamboo, Phyllostachys spp. Here we present the first association of T.liui with aphids of the genus Takecallis that attack bamboos. Trioxysliui is known as a parasitoid of Cranaphisformosana (Takahashi, 1924) and Phyllaphoidesbambusicola Takahashi, 1921 on bamboos in China and Russia. The accidental introduction of this parasitoid species to southwestern Europe has been probably realized through transportation of contaminated bamboo plant material. In the current study, a new host association is recorded for T.liui. Its potential to invade other bamboo-associated aphids and the significance of the tritrophic bamboo-aphid-parasitoid interactions in the new environments are also discussed.

A new species of Pristomerus Curtis, 1836 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cremastinae) and key to the known species in Iran

Pristomerus mirzakhaniae Zardouei Rakhshani sp. nov., (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cremastinae) is described based on a specimen discovered in the Eastern part of Iran. A key to the known species of the genus Pristomerus Curtis, 1836 in Iran and a distribution map of the Iranian species based on published data are provided.

Taxonomy of Iranian Gonatopodinae (Hymenoptera, Dryinidae), with description of a new species

Gonatopodinae (Hymenoptera, Chrysidoidea, Dryinidae) of Iran, were taxonomically reviewed. A recent sampling in South-Eastern Iran has led to the identification of eight species belonging to three different genera, Echthrodelphax Perkins (one species), Gonatopus Ljungh (six species), and Haplogonatopus Perkins (one species). A new species, Gonatopus opsiicida Rakhshani Olmi sp. nov. is described and Illustrated. It was found  in association with leafhoppers on Tamarix stricta Boiss., in Hamoon international wetlands (Sistan, Iran). Two species, E. tauricus Ponomarenko and G. lunatus Klug, are recorded for the first time from Iran A description was also provided for the previously recorded species. The key for identification and distribution maps are also provided for the known species of Gonatopodinae in Iran.

A taxonomic review of the genus Diolcogaster Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) in Iran, distribution and morphological variability

The four species of the genus Diolcogaster Ashmead, 1900, present in Iran are reviewed. Field sampling was done during 2010 to 2016 in eastern and southeastern parts of Iran by various methods. The identity and morphological variability of D. alvearia (Fabricius), D. claritibia (Papp), D. mayae (Shestakov) and D. spreta (Marshall) were compared with other Palaearctic material. Three species, D. claritibia, D. mayae and D. alvearia, are illustrated and redescribed and the intraspecific variation of D. mayae is presented for the first time. Examination of the additional specimens revealed eleven new records: D. alvearia (Croatia), D. claritibia (Tunisia and Ukraine), D. mayae (Algeria, Israel, Russia and Yemen) and D. spreta (Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany and Spain). A key to the species found in Iran, as well as information about their distribution, are also provided.

A study of the Iranian species of Choeras Mason (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae), with the description of a new species

Sampling surveys were conducted in various regions of SE to West of Iran to collect the Microgastrinae specimens during 2013-2016. Reliable diagnostic morphological characters were used for comparing and identification of variable specimens. Four species of Choeras Mason, 1981 (Braconidae: Microgastrinae) from Iran are revised; three are illustrated, of which one is described as new species from SE and W Iran: C. taftanensis Ghafouri Moghaddam van Achterberg sp. n. Occurrence of C. dorsalis in Egypt, Jordan and Malta, C. tedellae in Bulgaria and C. tiro in Israel and Spain are also first recorded.

An Upgrade Pinning Block: A Mechanical Practical Aid for Fast Labelling of the Insect Specimens

A new mechanical innovation is described to deal with standard labelling of dried specimens on triangular cards and/or pinned specimens in personal and public collections. It works quickly, precisely, and easily and is very useful for maintaining label uniformity in collections. The tools accurately sets the position of labels in the shortest possible time. This tools has advantages including rapid processing, cost effectiveness, light weight, and high accuracy, compared to conventional methods. It is fully customisable, compact, and does not require specialist equipment to assemble. Conventional methods generally require locating holes on the pinning block surface when labelling with a resulting risk to damage of the specimens. Insects of different orders can be labelled by this simple and effective tool.

A review of the genus Dryinus Latreille, 1804 (Hymenoptera, Chrysidoidea, Dryinidae) from Iran, with description of a new species

Three species of the genus Dryinus Latreille, 1804 from Iran are reviewed and keyed. Dryinus tamaricicola sp. nov. is described and illustrated. Dryinus tarraconensis Marshall, 1868 is newly recorded from Iran. Key to the Palaearctic species of Dryinus group 3 are modified.

Aspilota isfahanensis, a new species of the genus Aspilota Foerster, 1863 from Iran (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Alysiinae)

A new species of Aspilota without mesoscutal pit, Aspilotaisfahanensis Peris-Felipo, sp. n., is described and illustrated from Iran. The new species is compared with its three morphologically most similar species, Aspilotacompressiventris Stelfox & Grahan, 1951, Aspilotamakita Papp, 2008 and Aspilotaspiracula Munk & Peris-Felipo, 2013, is provided. A key to the western Asian species of Aspilota is provided.

A review of the subfamily Rogadinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Iran

Specimens of the subfamily Rogadinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were collected in northern Iran during 2010-2011 with a series of Malaise traps. Twelve species belonging to three genera (Aleiodes Wesmael, 1838, Heterogamus Wesmael, 1838 and Clinocentrus Haliday, 1833) were identified, with one genus (Heterogamus) and seven species new for the fauna of Iran. An updated checklist of the genera and species of the subfamily Rogadinae is included. A total of 26 species belonging to four genera are listed for Iran after correction for misidentifications. A key to the genera and the species of Rogadinae known from Iran is provided.

Revision of the world Monoctonia Starý, parasitoids of gall aphids: taxonomy, distribution, host range, and phylogeny (Hymenoptera, Braconidae: Aphidiinae)

The present paper represents a contribution to the knowledge of the taxonomy of Monoctonia Starý aphid parasitoids obtained using the barcoding region of the mitochondrial COI gene. We discuss the phylogenetic position of the genus within the subtribe Monoctonina, redescribe known species, and describe Monoctonia japonica sp. n. from Japan in the association Pemphigus matsumurai Monzen/Populus maximowiczii. A key for species identification is provided. Also, we review and discuss the host records, origin, and geographical distribution of Monoctonia species. It is hypothesized that the genus Monoctonia evolved in Paleogene forests of the temperate (and subtropical) belt, most probably in the European part of the Mediterranean region, which is also the center of origin of their host plants. 

A survey of Euphorinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of southern Iran, with description of a new species

A faunistic survey of Euphorinae (Hym., Braconidae) in southern Iran, as well as an updated checklist of the genera and species in Iran, are presented. Sampling was performed using Malaise traps at different locations of Hormozgan province and Qeshm Island in Persian Gulf during 2011-2013. In total, 38 species belonging to 10 genera are listed from Iran. The recorded species belong to the following genera: Allurus Forster, 1862 (two species), Chrysopophthorus Goidanich 1948 (one species), Dinocampus Forster, 1862 (one species), Ecclitura Kokujev, 1902 (one species), Leiophron Nees von Esenbeck, 1819 (10 species), Meteorus Haliday, 1835 (12 species), Perilitus Nees von Esenbeck, 1819 (five species), Syntretus Forster 1862 (three species), Wesmaelia Foerster, 1862 (one species) and Zele Curtis, 1832 (two species). Allurus lituratus (Haliday 1835), Dinocampus coccinellae (Schrank, 1802), Leiophron (Peristenus) grandiceps (Thomson 1892), Meteorus rubens (Nees, 1811) and Wesmaelia petiolata (Wollaston, 1858) are new records for Hormozgan province and Leiophron (Peristenus) grandiceps (Thomson 1892) is recorded for the first time from Iran. In addition, Meteorus breviterebratus Ameri, Talebi & Beyarslan sp. n. is newly described and illustrated. 

Qualitative analysis of aphid and primary parasitoid trophic relations of genus Alloxysta (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea: Figitidae: Charipinae)

Charipinae hyperparasitoids affect effectiveness of the primary parasitoids of aphids by decreasing their abundance and modifying their behavior. As a result, increase of aphid populations can cause severe yield losses in some crops. Therefore, ecological studies on the subfamily Charipinae have a great economical and biological importance. Host specificity of these hyperparasitoids is still under debate and for many Charipinae species very little is known about their trophic relations. Here, we give a comprehensive overview of the trophic relationships between the Charipinae species of the genus Alloxysta Förster and their aphid and primary parasitoids hosts, worldwide. Within this subfamily, Alloxysta arcuata (Kieffer), Alloxysta brevis (Thomson), Alloxysta fuscicornis (Hartig), and Alloxysta victrix (Westwood) are the most generalist species sharing many aphid hosts, while for primary parasitoid hosts these are A. arcuata, A. brevis, Alloxysta pleuralis (Cameron), and A. victrix. Alloxysta citripes (Thomson), Alloxysta halterata (Thomson), Alloxysta leunisii (Hartig), and Alloxysta ramulifera (Thomson) appear, up to now, as the most specialized in relation to the primary parasitoid hosts. Primary parasitoids of the genera Aphidius Nees, Lysiphlebus Förster, Praon Haliday, and Trioxys Haliday are the most common hosts for Alloxysta species, and the common host aphid species belong to the genera Aphis L., Uroleucon Mordvilko, Myzus Passerini, and Sitobion Mordvilko. Host range is analyzed for each Alloxysta species, as well as the extent of overlap between them. We used Jaccard's distance and a hierarchical cluster analysis to determine the host range dissimilarity. A permutation test has been applied to analyze if the host range dissimilarity is significantly different from what is expected by chance. We have calculated additional qualitative measures that complement well the Alloxysta niche overlap analysis and evaluated their host specificity using different indices and bipartite networks.

Study of the genus Opius Wesmael (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Opiinae) in Southern Iran, with eleven new records

This study was carried out to determine the species of the genus Opius Wesmael, 1835 in Hormozgan province (Southern Iran). Malaise traps and sweep nets were used to obtain adult specimens from various habitats in Hormozgan province during 2011-2013. Fifteen species from the genus Opius belonging to ten subgenera were collected. The subgenera Merotrachys Fischer, 1972 and Opiostomus Fischer, 1972 and eleven species are recorded for the first time from Iran: Opius (Agnopius) nowakowskii Fischer, 1959; Opius (Agnopius) novosimilis Fischer, 1989, Opius (Allophlebus) staryi Fischer, 1958; Opius (Allotypus) damnosus Papp, 1980; Opius (Opiostomus) riphaeus Tobias, 1986; Opius (Opiothorax) minusculae Fischer, 1967; Opius (Pendopius) bajariae Fischer, 1989; Opius (Merotrachys) penetrator Fischer 1966; Opius (Hypocynodus) flavipes Szepligeti, 1898; Opius (Hypocynodus) latidens Fischer, 1990 and Opius (Hypocynodus) latipediformis Fischer 2004. A key for identification of Opius species from southern Iran is provided.

Molecular and morphological variability within the Aphidius colemani group with redescription of Aphidius platensis Brethes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae)

We have identified the following three taxa related to the Aphidius colemani species group, which are important biological control agents: Aphidius colemani, Aphidius transcaspicus and Aphidius platensis. Using partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene and geometric morphometric analysis of the forewing shape, we have explored the genetic structure and morphological variability of the A. colemani group from different aphid host/plant associations covering a wide distribution area. The topology of the maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood trees were identical with 98-100% bootstrap support, clustering A. colemani, A. platensis and A. transcaspicus into separate species. The distances among the taxa ranged from 2.2 to 4.7%, which is a common rate for the between-species divergence within the subfamily Aphidiinae. Differences in the shape of the forewing investigated within the biotypes of A. colemani group are congruent with their genetic diversification. Both A. platensis and A. colemani share a common host range pattern, and it would be interesting to estimate and compare the role of these two species in future biological control strategies against aphids of economic importance. Our results indicate that 'genetic screening' is a reliable approach for identification within the A. colemani group. The high variation in the wing shape among species, including a significant divergence in the wing shape among specimens that emerged from different hosts, makes the forewing shape and wing venation less reliable for species determination. Aphidius platensis is diagnostified and redescribed, and the key for the A. colemani group is presented.

First record of Microplitis rufiventris Kokujev, 1914 (Braconidae: Microgastrinae) from Iran

Occurrence of the genus Microplitis Forster (Braconidae, Microgastrinae) was surveyed in the Northern part of Iran. The specimens were collected using Malaise traps during 2010–2011. Two species, Microplitis rufiventris Kokujev, 1914 and M. ochraceus Szepligeti, 1896 were collected and identified of which the first species is newly recorded from Iran. Diagnostic characters and geographical distribution of the species are briefly discussed.

Study of the genus Bracon Fabricius, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of Southern Iran with description of a new species

A survey on the genus Bracon Fabricius, 1804 was conducted in Hormozgan province, Southern Iran, during February 2011-July 2012. In all, 19 species belonging to seven subgenera were collected and identified, of which seven species and the subgenus Asiabracon Tobias, 1957 are recorded for first time from Iran. Bracon (Orthobracon) persiangulfensis Ameri, Beyarslan & Talebi sp. n. is newly described and illustrated from the Queshm island of Persian Gulf. Morphological characters of the new species were compared with the congeneric species. The newly recorded species from Iran were as follow: B. (Asiabracon) quardrimaculatus Telenga, 1936; B. (Bracon) kozak Telenga, 1936; B. (Glabrobracon) immutator Nees; B. (Habrobracon) telengai (Mulyarskaya, 1955); B. (Habrobracon) variegator Spinola, 1808; B. (Orthobracon) epitriptus Marshall, 1885 and B. (Orthobracon) exhilarator Nees, 1834. A key is presented for identification of Bracon species collected in Hormozgan province as well as an updated checklist of all Bracon species occurring in Iran.

Interference of field evidence, morphology, and DNA analyses of three related Lysiphlebus aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae)

This study provides evidence on integrating the morphological, field, and laboratory data, and application of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) barcoding gene to the three asexual or sexual Lysiphlebus spp., i.e., Lysiphlebus cardui (Marshall), Lysiphlebus confusus Tremblay and Eady and Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae). New aphid- invasive plant association, Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemipreta: Aphididae) on Impatiens glandulifera Royle, has been used in the same model area in the Czech Republic under the same sampling and rearing method for several consecutive years and throughout the season. For molecular identification of these three species, we used DNA sequences of the barcoding region of the mitochondrial COI gene. Although our results confirmed ecological and morphological differences among L. cardui, L. confusus, and L. fabarum, genetic analysis on the basis of COI mitochondrial barcoding gene does not support species status of the mentioned Lysiphlebus taxa. The level of morphological differentiation in these Lysiphlebus Förster species is in accordance with the usual species variability within subfamily Aphidiinae. However, it should be examined how appearance of asexual lineages affects the morphological or genetical variability.

First record of Homolobus infumator (Lyle, 1914) (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Homolobinae) from Iran

Species of the genus Homolobus Förster, 1862 in northern Iran were taxonomically studied. The specimens were collected using Malaise traps from March to November of 2010 and 2011. Two species, Homolobus infumator (Lyle, 1914) and Homolobus truncator (Say, 1829) were collected and identified. The former was recorded for the first time in Iran. Diagnostic characters and geographical distribution of the species are briefly discussed. An illustrated key is provided for identification of the Iranian species.

Species of Adialytus Förster, 1862 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae) in Iran: taxonomic notes and tritrophic associations

The species of Adialytus Förster in Iran are taxonomically studied and new data on distribution and host associations are presented. The existence of a species complex, in the case of Adialytus ambiguus (Haliday), and the morphological variability in commonly used taxonomic characters has been discussed. In total, four valid species belonging to the genus Adialytus including Adialytus ambiguus (Haliday), Adialytus salicaphis (Fitch), Adialytus thelaxis (Starý) and Adialytus veronicaecola (Starý) have been identified and recorded from Iran. Also, we recognized two additional phenotypes: “Adialytus arvicola” (Starý) and “Adialytus cf. ambiguus” (Haliday). These phenotypes and Adialytus veronicaecola are newly recorded from Iran in association with Sipha and Aphis species, respectively. An illustrated key for identification of the species and two variable phenotypes is presented.

Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) of northeastern Iran: aphidiine-aphid-plant associations, key and description of a new species

Aphid parasitoids of the subfamily Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of northeastern Iran were studied in this paper. A total of 29 species are keyed and illustrated with line drawings. The aphidiines presented in this work have been reared from 42 aphid host taxa occurring on 49 plant taxa from a total of 33 sampling sites. Sixty-six aphidiine-aphid-plant associations are presented. Trioxys metacarpalis sp. nov. from Chaitaphis tenuicaudata Nevsky (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Kochia scoparia, is described. The species diversity based on the comparative faunistic analysis is discussed.

Checklist of eulophid wasps (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) of Iran

In the pesent paper a list of the Eulophidae species (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) and their associated hosts in Iran is provided. A total of 106 species belonging to 37 genera and to the following subfamilies are listed: Entedoninae (seven genera/19 species), Entiinae (one genus/one species), Eulophinae (16 genera/45 species), Tetrastichinae (13 genera/41 species).

New records of Cheloninae (Förster, 1862) and Braconinae (Nees, 1811) (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Iran

The occurrences of Chelonus erythrogaster Lucas, 1848 (Braconidae, Cheloninae) and Glyptomorpha nachitshevanica Tobias, 1976 (Braconidae, Braconinae) are noted here for the first time as members of the fauna of Iran. The specimens were collected from Fars province (Southern Iran). Morphological characters of both species are briefly described together with brief diagnostic comments and discussion about their distribution. 

Review of invasive grapevine aphid, Aphis illinoisensis Shimer, and native parasitoids in the Mediterranean (Hemiptera, Aphididae; Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae)

A summary of the study of Aphis illinoisensis Shimer on grapes, Vitis vinifera in the Mediterranean area brings references and new findings on its distribution in Crete/Greece, Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Malta, Israel, Montenegro, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya. Parasitoids of A. illinoisensis were only occasionally found (Aphidius matricariae Hal. - Cyprus, Turkey, Greece; Aphidius colemani Viereck - Libya; Lysiphlebus testaceipes Cress. - Algeria). Of the native species, i.e. A. colemani, and others similar to the native species, L. testaceipes seem to be a promising biocontrol agent within the framework of an ecologically friendly management in the area. Given the evidence of its expansion, A. illinoisensis is expected to expand further in several directions from the recently documented invaded area to all the grape-growing areas of the Mediterranean and even those of South-Eastern and Central Europe.