Acerophagus artelles sp. nov. (Hymenoptera Chalcidoidea Encyrtidae), a biocontrol agent of Dysmicoccus grassii (Leonardi) (Hemiptera Coccoidea Pseudococcidae) on banana in the Canary Islands (Spain)

Abstract

Acerophagus artelles sp. nov., an effective parasitoid of Dysmicoccus grassii on banana in the Canary Islands, is described, illustrated and compared with related species. A concise diagnosis and relevant taxonomic notes on the genus Acerophagus are also reported.

Keywords:

• parasitoid
• biological control
• Acerophagus maculipennis
• Acerophagus austriacus
• Acerophagus orientalis

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to thank Dr Estrella Hernandez and staff at ICIA for the material studied.