Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Euphorinae), a new record for New Zealand

Abstract

Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael) (Braconidae: Euphorinae) is newly recorded from widely separated localities throughout New Zealand. A brief description is provided and host associations are discussed. Most hosts recorded from New Zealand are introduced lepidopteran pest species, but one native host from a modified habitat has been identified. It is predicted that M. pulchricornis will become a relatively common component of the parasitic hymenopteran fauna in modified habitats, and that it may move onto endemic hosts in native habitats.

Keywords:

• Hymenoptera
• Braconidae
• Euphorinae
• Meteorus pulchricornis
• new record
• lepidopteran parasitoid
• New Zealand