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Aphytis (insect)

Aphytis is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Aphelinidae. There are about 130 species.

Description

Adults of this genus are less than a millimetre in length. They are usually yellowish or grayish in colour, sometimes mottled. In each antenna, the funicle is usually 3-segmented while the clava is 1-segmented. The pronotum is divided. The propodeum is relatively long and bears crenulae. The forewing has a well-defined linea calva.

Ecology

Aphytis are ectoparasitoids of armoured scale insects (Diaspididae). Adult female wasps lay eggs under scale covers onto the bodies of scale insects, which hatch into larvae that feed on the scales until the point of death. Adult wasps also feed on scales directly (host feeding).

Biological control

Various Aphytis species are used for biological control of armoured scales. Of these, the most polyphagous and widespread is A. chrysomphali, which has been reared from over 50 hosts. Other species used in biological control are A. melinus, A. lingnanensis and A. holoxanthus.

Aphytis wasps can be harmed by pollutants in environments where they are used, such as insecticide residues and dust.

Species

References