First report of eumerus mucidus (Diptera: Syrphidae) on Cistanche armena (Orobanchaceae) and from Armenia

Abstract

Summary Larvae of Eumerus mucidus (Diptera: Syrphidae) are reported for the first time as boring channels in the fresh tubers and shoots of the holoparasitic plant Cistanche armena (K. Koch) M.V. Agab. (Orobanchaceae), causing damage and breakage. Field surveys conducted in southern Armenia in May 2016 and Jun 2017 revealed infestations of C. armena with the larvae of E. mucidus in 1 locality in Ararat province, near Khor Virap, in semi-desert habitats. A single Cistanche plant was parasitized by several Eumerus larvae, and 20 to 30% of the total population was infested. This is the first record of E. mucidus outside Egypt and Israel.