First record in Africa of the parasitoid Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) from tomato fields in Algeria

Abstract

The Neotropical parasitoid wasp Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris (Marsh, 1975) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), one of the most important biocontrol agents of the South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is reported for the first time from Africa, from tomato grown in open fields and greenhouses in several regions of Algeria. Color photos of specimens from Algeria, Spain and South America, as well as the holotype and one paratype are provided. Morphological and molecular details to better characterize and recognize the species are also provided. We speculate that D. gelechiidivoris arrived accidentally to Algeria from Spain, where it has recently been reported. The consequences for future biocontrol projects against T. absoluta in Africa are discussed.