Leafhopper host plant associations for Anagrus parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia.

Anagrus spp. are important natural regulators of leafhoppers infesting grapes, tree fruits, and other crops in south central British Columbia (BC). Predominantly four species of these egg parasitoids, A. atomus (L.), A. avalae Soyka, A. daanei Triapitsyn, and A. erythroneurae Triapitzyn and Chiappini, were reared from dormant host plants and from summer host plants in the Okanagan Valley. The largest numbers of Anagrus specimens were collected from roses, Rosa spp; blackberry, Rubus spp; apple, Malus domestica; and other members of the rose (Rosaceae) family. Species of mint, family Lamiaceae, were important host plants for several species, with lavender, Lavendula angustifolia, and garden sage, Salvia officinalis, being both a summer and winter host plant for some species. The most likely leafhopper host on these plants is the mint leafhopper, Eupteryx melissae Curtis. This study contributes to our knowledge of the biology of Anagrus species in south central BC and could contribute to future efforts to preserve or enhance populations of these beneficial insects.