Aphelinus mali
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Aphelinus mali | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Aphelinidae |
| Genus: | Aphelinus |
| Species: | A. mali |
| Binomial name | |
| Aphelinus mali Haldeman, 1851 | |
Aphelinus mali is a parasitoid wasp that exploits the woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum), a pest of apple trees.[1] It is native to the northeastern United States but has been introduced to other parts of the world as a biological pest control agent.
The adult A. mali is a tiny black wasp slightly smaller than its woolly aphid host. Its transparent membranous wings are longer than its abdomen and fold flat along its back. Although it can fly, it prefers to walk and jump, and often conceals itself under leaves. The larvae and pupae remain hidden inside the host; the larvae are yellow with red eyes, and the pupae are black.[2]
Distribution
This parasitoid is a parasite of aphids, particularly woolly aphids and is native to the northeastern parts of the United States. It was introduced in 1928 to the orchards of the Pacific Northwest in the region of Hood River and spread naturally.[2] It has since been introduced to many other parts of the world with the aim of keeping aphids under control.[3]
