HYMENOPTEROUS PARASITOIDS OF PECAN LEAFMINERS1,2

Abstract

Thirty-seven hymenopterous parasitoids, representing the families Braconidae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, and Eupelmidae were reared from the larvae and pupae of each of the pecan leafminers Stigmella juglandifoliella (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae), Cameraria caryaefoliella (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), Phyllonorycter caryaealbella (Chambers) (Lepdioptera: Gracillariidae), and Coptodisca lucifluella Clemens (Lepidoptera: Heliozelidae). Six of the parasitoids were secondary or hyperparasitoids, 10 were gregarious parasitoids and 4 were multiple parasitoids. Parasitoid exuviae and meconium in the host mine were useful diagnostic characteristics for distinguishing parasitoid species.