Abstract

Larvae of Strobilomyia flies (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) are serious pests in conifer-seed orchards because they feed on the seed inside the cones. Figitid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea) of Strobilomyia larvae in conifer cones are commonly reported but under various generic names. It is argued here that, across the entire Holarctic region, these figitids belong to Amphithectus and perhaps also to Sarothrus (Figitinae), but not to Melanips (Aspicerinae), contrary to some reports. We conclude that the identity of the commonly found figitid associated with conifer cones (Larix and Picea) in Europe and Asia is Amphithectus austriacus (Tavares, 1928) comb. n. This is most likely considering the original description and the host association, although the type specimen of Seitneria austriaca Tavares, 1928 is lost. This species name takes priority over the recently described Amphithectus coriaceus Paretas-Martinez & Pujade-Villar, 2013. Seitneria Tavares, 1928 becomes a new junior synonym of Amphithectus Hartig, 1840, and Amphithectus coriaceus Paretas-Martinez & Pujade-Villar, 2013 becomes a new synonym of Amphithectus austriacus (Tavares, 1928) comb. n.

Keywords

Hymenoptera; Cynipoidea; Figitidae; Amphithectus; Seitneria; Diptera; Anthomyiidae; Strobilomyia; parasitoid; conifer cones; cone insects; seed orchard; Larix; Picea; taxonomy; new combination; new synonymy

Published in

European Journal of Entomology
2018, Volume: 115, pages: 104-111
Publisher: CZECH ACAD SCI, INST ENTOMOLOGY

SLU Authors

• Nordlander, Göran

  • Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14411/eje.2018.008

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/95815