Monograph of the Afrotropical species of Scelio Latreille (Hymenoptera, Platygastridae), egg parasitoids of acridid grasshoppers (Orthoptera, Acrididae)
Author | : Matthew J. Yoder |
Publisher | : PenSoft Publishers LTD |
Total Pages | : 194 |
Release | : 2014-02-17 |
ISBN-10 | : 9789546427175 |
ISBN-13 | : 9546427179 |
Rating | : 4/5 (75 Downloads) |
Book excerpt: Parasitic wasps of the genus Scelio (Hymenoptera: Platygastri-dae) attack and destroy the eggs of short-horned grasshoppers (Acrididae). Included among these hosts are some of the most destructive of all insects, the plague locusts. As a result, species of Scelio are potential allies in the biological control of these pests. This paper is the first comprehensive examination of the species of Scelio of the Afrotropical region in over 50 years. A total of 62 species were found, 77% of which are new to science. Descriptions and keys for identification are provided, and each species is extensively illustrated. This work is a product of the Platygastroidea Planetary Biodiversity Program and was conducted using biodiversity informatics tools and applications developed as part of that project.