First record and characterization of Aganaspis daci (Weld, 1951) (Hymenoptera, Figitidae, Eucoilinae), a parasitoid of fruit flies, from Italy

• Published in: Journal of Hymenoptera research Vol. 96; no. 12; pp. 863 - 877
• Main Authors: Bernardo, Umberto, Pica, Feliciana, Carbone, Carmela, Nugnes, Francesco, Viggiani, Gennaro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sofia Pensoft Publishers 23.10.2023
• Subjects: Aganaspis daci; Agricultural production; Agriculture; Analysis; Biological control; Flowers & plants; Fruits; Haplotypes; Hymenoptera; Identification and classification; Mediterranean fruit-fly; Morphology (Animals); Parasitoids; Pests; Puparia; Italy; Spain
• ISSN: 1070-9428; 1314-2607
• DOI: 10.3897/jhr.96.110000

Aganaspis daci , a larval-pupal parasitoid of several tephritid species, was unexpectedly recovered in the Campania region (Southern Italy), where it had not been intentionally released. An integrative approach was used to conduct a comprehensive characterization of this parasitoid, confirming its identification through a comparison with specimens obtained from laboratory rearing. While A. daci emerged from puparia of Ceratitis capitata during this study, its original association was recorded with Bactrocera dorsalis . The presence of A. daci in Italy highlights its successful establishment, possibly facilitated by the recent invasive process of its host, B. dorsalis , offering promising prospects for future tephritids control strategies. It is intriguing to note that the mt-haplotypes found in Italy were only partially shared with those observed in specimens originating from a Spanish rearing, suggesting likely distinct origins for at least part of the Italian population.