An integrative study ofNecremnusThomson (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) associated with invasive pests in Europe and North America: taxonomic and ecological implications.
The species ofNecremnusattacking two invasive pests of tomato and canola in Europe and North America, respectively,Tuta absoluta(Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) andCeutorhynchus obstrictus(Marsham) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), have been revised using an integrative taxonomy approach. Molecular data from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidasecsubunit I and the nuclear D2 expansion region of the 28S ribosomal subunit and internal transcribed spacer 2, the discovery of new morphological features, and study of type material resulted in the delineation of three species groups, theNecremnus artynes,Necremnus cosconius, andNecremnus tidiusgroups, the discovery of four new species, and the resurrection of three taxa from synonymy. Lectotypes have been designated for 13 species originally described inEulophusby Walker. AlthoughNecremnushas not been revised, an illustrated key is given to differentiate 23 recognized European species. The key, type images, and treatments of the three species groups will enable more accurate identification of the valid species ofNecremnusin the future. They will also benefit biological control practitioners of pest species. The ecological consequences of the new taxonomic concepts are discussed.
CNR - Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle Plante UOS di Portici - Via Università 133, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy ; Department of Entomology, The University of Arizona 410 Forbes Bldg., Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
Marco
M
Gebiola
CNR - Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle Plante UOS di Portici - Via Università 133, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy.
Umberto
U
Bernardo
C/Lleida 36 25170 Torres de Segre, Lleida, Spain.
Antoni
A
Ribes
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes K. W. Neatby Building, 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0C6.
Gary A P
GA
Gibson
Ceutorhynchus obstrictus; Tuta absoluta; cryptic species; integrative taxonomy; morphology; parasitoids; phylogenetics