Recent occurrence of Aphanogmus dictynna (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronidae) in Kenya – an important hyperparasitoid of the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

Authors: Buffington, Matthew; POLASZEK, A. - London Natural History Museum

Submitted to: Zootaxa
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/15/2009
Publication Date: 8/1/2009
Citation: Buffington, M.L., Polaszek, A. 2009. Recent occurrence of Aphanogmus dictynna (Waterston) (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronidae) in Kenya – an important hyperparasitoid of the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae). Zootaxa. 2164:1-6.

Interpretive Summary: Pests of coffee throughout the tropical areas of the world cost the industry, on average, $500 million annually. Pests of the coffee berry are the most serious, such as the coffee berry borer, and are only controlled through the release of natural enemies into the coffee grove. In this paper, we highlight a species of wasp that attacks the natural enemy being released to control coffee berry borer. Biological control workers, extension agents and taxonomists will benefit from this work.

Technical Abstract: Aphanogmus dictynna (Waterston) was recently recorded in error as an undescribed species of Aphanogmus. This species is a primary parasitoid on larvae and cocoons of the bethylid Prorops nasuta Waterston, and probably a second bethylid species, Cephalonomia stephanoderis Betrem. Both bethylids are primary parasitoids, and important biological control agents, of larvae and pupae of the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei. New host and distribution records are provided for A. dictynna, as well as a diagnosis and comments on its taxonomic relationships.