Biology:Metaphycus
Metaphycus is a genus of wasps belonging to the family Encyrtidae.[1] The genus has cosmopolitan distribution.[1]
Members of the genus *Metaphycus* are small parasitoid wasps, typically ranging from 1.5 to 2 mm in length. They are known for their role in biological control, particularly against soft scale insects such as black scale (*Saissetia oleae*), soft brown scale (*Coccus hesperidum*), and citricola scale (*Coccus pseudomagnoliarum*).[2]
One notable species, *Metaphycus helvolus*, was introduced to California from South Africa in the 1920s to control black scale infestations in citrus orchards. It has since become a widely used agent in integrated pest management programs.[3]
The genus is taxonomically complex, with over 400 described species, many of which are morphologically similar and require microscopic examination for accurate identification. Species are often grouped based on host specificity and morphological traits such as palpi segmentation and ocelli arrangement.[4]
Species
Species:[1]
- Metaphycus acanthococci Myartseva, 1984
- Metaphycus acanthococci Myartseva, 1987
- Metaphycus aegle Noyes, 2004
- Metaphycus helvolus Compere, 1926
- Metaphycus alberti Howard, 1898 – Introduced to California for biological control of cottony cushion scale.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Metaphycus Mayr, 1917" (in en). https://www.gbif.org/species/1374887.
- ↑ "Metaphycus". https://www.goodbugs.org.au/Good%20bugs/metaphycus.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Metaphycus alberti". https://biocontrol.entomology.cornell.edu/parasitoids/metaphycus.php.
- ↑ "Metaphycus species". https://www.waspweb.org/Chalcidoidea/Encyrtidae/Encyrtinae/Metaphycus/Metaphycus_species.htm.
Wikidata ☰ Q4044087 entry
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