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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 - University Of California - Cooperative Extension Service
item LOGARZO, GUILLERMO - US Department Of Agriculture (USDA)
item DE LEON, JESSE - US Department Of Agriculture (USDA)
item VIRLA, EDUARDO - Consejo Nacional De Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas(CONICET)

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.

Interpretive Summary: In 2001, the USDA-ARS began a survey of egg parasitoid of leafhoppers in South America to identify and evaluate candidate natural enemies for eventual release and establishment in California against the glassy-winged sharpshooter. The most commonly recovered wasp species of South America was studied in laboratory and in the field. These studies indicated that this apparent single species of the natural enemy was constituted by a complex of at least 4 species. Misidentifications of natural enemies with potential to be released for biological control are a mayor concern regarding non target effects. In the present article one of the members of the parasitoid complex was described, and genetically characterized. This will help towards the correct identification of the members of the parasitoid complex

Technical Abstract: Gonatocerus deleoni Triapitsyn, Logarzo & Virla sp. n., reared from sentinel eggs of Tapajosa rubromarginata (Signoret) (Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae: Proconiini) on citrus plants, a new member of the ater species group of Gonatocerus Nees (Mymaridae), is described from the state of Mendoza, Argentina. 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 the latter is redescribed and the male is newly described. Gonatocerus deleoni, G. tuberculifemur, and three forms (different molecular clades) comprise the G. tuberculifemur complex. These forms are identified but not formally described because of lack of morphologically distinguishing features. The taxonomic conclusions are supported by molecular data, and by results of reciprocal cross-breeding experiments between most of them.