Systematic studies on Eulophid parasites (Hym., Chalcidoidea), mostly of coffee leaf-miners in Africa

Abstract

This paper is designed to improve the definition of some Eulophid parasites, mostly of coffee leaf-miners (Leucoptera spp.) and of the web spinner Odites artigena (Meyr.), which are being studied in East Africa. Some of these were previously unknown or without valid names. It is convenient to include a tropicopolitan parasite of Agromyzidae leaf-mining in vegetables and a parasite of a Coleophorid case-bearer from the Bahamas.In the Elachertine genus Cirrospilus Westw., a key is given for the separation of the African species affecting coffee leaf-miners. These are compared with the European species, and the new species also with its closest American relative. Evidence suggests that the supposed subgeneric divisions cannot be maintained.In the Eulophinae, Crateulophus Masi is recalled from synonymy and is compared with Sympiesis Först. Relevant species are placed accordingly, and keys are given to species of both genera. A new parasite of Odites is ascribed to Microlycus Thorns., a genus previously known only in continental Europe.In the Entedontinae, a key is given to the relevant species now placed in Achrysocharis Gir. Derostenus Westw. and some related genera are more closely defined. A new genus is proposed for Derostenus coffeae Ferrière 1936, and a further new genus for another parasite of Leucoptera and its relatives. A recorded but previously unnamed species is placed in Chrysocharis Först., and both this and C. lepelleyi Ferrière are compared with European species of that genus.The genus Proacrias Ihering 1913, based on the South American species P. coffeae Ihering, has been placed in synonymy with Neochrysocharis Kurdyumov 1912. Attempts to trace the unique type of Perinetia coffeae Risbec 1952 have not met with success.