Pupal Parasitoids of the Hessian Fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera Cecidomyiidae) in Cereal Fields in Northern Cyprus

Abstract

The Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is the primary pest insect affecting barley and wheat fields in Northern Cyprus. This research aimed to identify the parasitoids of M. destructor. Field studies were conducted in three locations representing Lefkoşa, Girne, Güzelyurt, Gazimağusa, and İskele during the cereal production seasons of 2012-2013. In each field, 100 plants were uprooted and placed in plastic bags, then kept in boxes covered with nets in the laboratory at 25±1°C and 65±5% relative humidity during the spring season. The findings revealed Arthrolytus maculipennis (Walker), Meraporus graminicola Walker (Pteromalidae), and Eupelmus microzonus Folster (Eupelmidae) species from the Hymenoptera order (Chalcidoidea). A. maculipennis, with a prevalence rate of 59.6%, was found to be widespread and predominant, followed by M. graminicola at 22.8% and E. microzonus at 17.6%. While E. microzonus was newly recorded in the fauna of Cyprus, both A. maculipennis and M. graminicola were documented for the first time in this study in the Cyprus fauna.