Three new Microctonus species indigenous to New Zealand (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Abstract

Three new species of euphorine braconid, Microctonus zealandicus, Microctonus alpinus, and Microctonus falcatus are described. These are the first Microctonus species known to be indigenous to New Zealand, although the exotic species Microctonus aethiopoides Loan and Microctonus hyperodae Loan have been introduced for biological suppression of introduced pest weevils. A key separating the 5 species now known to occur in New Zealand is provided.

Keywords:

• parasitoid wasps
• Euphorinae
• Microctonus
• New Zealand
• biological control