Molecular identification of hymenopteran parasitoids and their endosymbionts from agromyzids

Abstract

AbstractThree polyphagous pestLiriomyzaspp. (Diptera: Agromyzidae) have recently invaded Australia and are damaging horticultural crops. Parasitic wasps are recognized as effective natural enemies of leafmining species globally and are expected to become important biocontrol agents in Australia. However, the hymenopteran parasitoid complex of agromyzids in Australia is poorly known and its use hindered due to taxonomic challenges when based on morphological characters. Here, we identified 14 parasitoid species of leafminers based on molecular and morphological data. We linked DNA barcodes (5′ endcytochrome c oxidase subunit I(COI) sequences) to five adventive eulophid wasp species (Chrysocharis pubicornis(Zetterstedt),Diglyphus isaea(Walker),Hemiptarsenus varicornis(Girault),Neochrysocharis formosa(Westwood), andNeochrysocharis okazakiiKamijo) and two braconid species (Dacnusa areolaris(Nees) andOpius cinerariaeFischer). We also provide the first DNA barcodes (5′ end COI sequences) with linked morphological characters for seven wasp species, with three identified to species level (Closterocerus mirabilisEdwards & La Salle,Trigonogastrella parasitica(Girault), andZagrammosoma latilineatumUbaidillah) and four identified to genus (Aprostocetussp.,Asecodessp.,Opiussp. 1, andOpiussp. 2). Phylogenetic analyses suggestC. pubicornis,D. isaea,H. varicornis,andO. cinerariaeare likely cryptic species complexes.Neochrysocharis formosaandAprostocetussp. specimens were infected withRickettsia. Five other species (Cl. mirabilis,D. isaea, H. varicornis, Opiussp. 1, andOpiussp. 2) were infected withWolbachia, while two endosymbionts (RickettsiaandWolbachia) co-infectedN. okazakii.These findings provide background information about the parasitoid fauna expected to help control the leafminers.