A member of the Telenomus californicus Ashmead, 1893 complex parasitizing native cactus moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs in Mexico

Zootaxa. 2024 Aug 26;5497(3):444-450. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.5497.3.9.

Abstract

A collection of egg parasitoids in the Scelionidae are identified as members of the Telenomus californicus Ashmead, 1893 complex (californicus+dalmanni+arzamae groups). They were reared from eggs of the cactus zebra worm, Melitara cf. junctoliniella Hulst, 1900 (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) infesting Opuntia streptacantha Lemaire, 1839 (Cactaceae) at Bustamante, Nuevo León, Mexico. Lacking both male specimens and a revision of the complex, no species-level identification could be made. The taxonomic placement of these wasps is discussed as well as possible implementation of these egg parasitoids in new-association biological control of the invasive cactus moth Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg, 1885) (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) in North America.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Distribution
  • Animal Structures / anatomy & histology
  • Animal Structures / growth & development
  • Animals
  • Body Size
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mexico
  • Moths* / parasitology
  • Organ Size
  • Ovum / parasitology
  • Wasps* / anatomy & histology
  • Wasps* / classification