NEW DISTRIBUTION RECORDS FOR THE ALFALFA WEEVIL EGG PREDATOR PERIDESMIA DISCUS (HYMENOPTERA: PTEROMALIDAE) IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES

Abstract

Peridesmia discus (Walker), a pteromalid egg predator of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), which was previously introduced form Europe as a biological control agent, recently was found to be established in the southeastern United States. During 1987 surveys, this beneficial wasp was found for the first time at several sites in five new states: DE, NJ, PA, VA, and WV. Recoveries of P. discus were obtained from 41% of the fields sampled. The current known distribution, which includes localities in ten states, is illustrated.