Field studies and molecular forensics identify a new association: Idris elba Talamas, sp. Nov. Parasitizes the eggs of Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister)
Citation
Lomeli-Flores, J.R., Rodríguez-Rodríguez, S.E., Rodríguez-Levya, E., González-Hernández, H., Gariepy, T.D., Talamas, E.J. (2019). Field studies and molecular forensics identify a new association: Idris elba Talamas, sp. Nov. Parasitizes the eggs of Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister). Journal of Hymenoptera Research, [online] 93 125-141. http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/JHR.73.38025
Plain language summary
Here we describe a new association between an invasive stink bug pest and a native parasitoid in Mexico. A combination of traditional morphology and a molecular forensic technique were used to confirm the association by linking DNA from the wasp to the residual DNA left inside the pest egg when it emerged.
Abstract
A species of Idris Förster (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) is found to parasitize the eggs of Bagrada hilaris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and is described as new: Idris elba Talamas, sp. nov. This is the first association of an Idris species with a non-spider host, and the association is confirmed with molecular diagnostic tools that enable identification of parasitoid and host from the remains of parasitized eggs.