Two new species of Opiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) attacking fruit-infesting Tephritidae (Diptera) in western Kenya

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington

Publication Date

1-1-2002

Abstract

Two new species of Opiinae are described, Rhynchosteres mandibularis and Fopius okekai. Both were reared from puparia of fruit-infesting ceratitidine Tephritidae collected in western Kenya. The placement of these two species relative to the genera Fopius Wharton and Rhynchosteres Fischer is discussed, with emphasis on the transitional form of the clypeus. Arguments are presented for inclusion of these species in Rhynchosteres and the Fopius desideratus (Bridwell) species-group, respectively. This represents the first host record for the genus Rhynchosteres. Evidence is presented that suggests similarity in function has lead to convergence in shape of the ovipositor tip in certain Opiinae and Doryctinae.

Keywords

Araceae, Ceratitis, Flacourtiaceae, Fopius, Fruit, Parasitoids, Rhynchosteres

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