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Title: A new Gonatocerus (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) from Argentina, with taxonomic notes and molecular data on the G. tuberculifemur species complex

Author
item TRIAPITSYN, SERGUEI - UNIV. OF CA - RIVERSIDE
item LOGARZO, GUILLERMO - USDA, ARS, SABCL
item De Leon, Jesus
item VIRLA, EDUARDO - CONICET-PROIMI, ARGENTINA

Submitted to: Zootaxa
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/8/2008
Publication Date: 12/3/2008
Citation: Triapitsyn, S.V., Logarzo, G.A., De Leon, J.H., Virla, E.G. 2008. A new Gonatocerus (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) from Argentina, with taxonomic notes and molecular data on the G. tuberculifemur species complex. Zootaxa. 1949:1-29.

Interpretive Summary: The current study presents data (molecular, cross-mating, and morphological) on the Gonatocerus tuberculifemur species complex from Argentina for a neoclassical biological control program in California against the glassy-winged sharpshooter. Natural enemies (egg parasitoids) were sought from climate matched regions in Argentina that had positive matches between Argentina and California but not the rest of the southeastern U. S. The results of this study demonstrated that the G. tuberculifemur complex consists of five species or strains. One of the species belonging to clade 2 is described herein as a novel species, G. deleoni sp. n. This novel species that was discovered has a unique climate match to California, but not to the rest of the southeastern U.S., thus making it the most promising species to release in California. The risk factors of releasing this new species are greatly reduced, meaning that it is not predicted to migrate to the southeastern U. S. and attack non-target leafhoppers.

Technical Abstract: A new member of the ater species group of Gonatocerus Nees (Mymaridae) is described from the state of Mendoza in Argentina. Specimens of G. deleoni Triapitsyn, Logarzo & Virla sp. n. were first reared in San Rafael from sentinel eggs of the proconiine sharpshooter Tapajosa rubromarginata (Signoret) (Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae: Proconiini) on citrus plants. Taxonomic notes and host association data are provided to help differentiate this new species from the morphologically similar but genetically distinct taxon, G. tuberculifemur (Ogloblin), the female of which is redescribed and the male is newly described, and also from the three other forms (different molecular clades) that comprise the G. tuberculifemur complex within the morrilli subgroup of the ater species group together with G. deleoni sp. n. and G. tuberculifemur. The presented taxonomic conclusions are supported by the molecular data that are given on the members of this species complex, and also by the results of the reciprocal cross-breeding experiments between most of them.