Revision of Canadian Eurytomidae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) associated with galls induced by cynipid wasps of the genus Diplolepis Geoffroy (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae)

Authors: ZHANG, YUANMENG - University Of Central Florida; Gates, Michael; SHORTHOUSE, JOSEPH - Laurentian University

Submitted to: Journal of Hymenoptera Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/13/2017
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Galls are deformities of plants often induced by insects such as gall wasps. These galls can impact plant health and desirability and can impact native and cultivated plants where found. The inducers are usually attacked by parasitic wasps which can reduce the incidence and extent of the gall infestations, saving on cost of control. This work reviews parasitic eurytomid wasps attacking a genus of gall wasp on rose bushes occurring in Canada. This work will be useful to ecologists, entomologists, and others working with roses in North America.

Technical Abstract: Eurytomids are small parasitic wasps associated with many communities of phytophagous insects. In most cases, the accurate identification of eurytomids is impeded by inadequate species descriptions that do not include figures of diagnostic features, and keys that are difficult to use. Here, diagnostic features and redescriptions are provided for both sexes of the eurytomids associated with galls induced by cynipid wasps of the genus Diplolepis Geoffroy found on shrub roses across Canada. Consequently six species of Eurytoma Illiger, along with Tenuipetiolus ruber Bugbee, were found. One new species, Eurytoma shorthousei Zhang & Gates sp. n. is described. New synonyms include E. hebes Bugbee and E. spina Bugbee under E. longavenae Bugbee. Several new host and distribution records are reported, including new Canadian records. A dichotomous key is provided for both sexes of all seven species using photographs and scanning electron microscopy images.