Ophelimus mediterraneus sp. n. (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae): a new Eucalyptus gall wasp in the Mediterranean region

Abstract

AbstractWe report here for the first time the presence ofOphelimus mediterraneussp. n. in Mediterranean Europe. This species appears to be closely related toOphelimus maskelli, a well-known invasive pest ofEucalyptus. Based on molecular (cytochrome oxidase I, 28S), morphological (multivariate ratio analysis) and bio-ecological investigations, our study gives unambiguous relevant criteria that allow the discrimination between these two species. A full description ofO. mediterraneussp. n. is also provided. The geographic distribution ofO. mediterraneussp. n. as well as its impact onEucalyptusspecies needs to be more widely assessed since its presence may have been confused withO. maskelliin their sympatric introduced areas. Further investigations of potential parasitoids in the native area may thus be welcomed to evaluate classical biological control achievability.