Utilization of an Introduced Weed Biological Control Agent, Megamelus scutellaris (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), by a Native Parasitoid

Abstract

A native parasitoid, Kalopolynema ema (Schauff and Grissell) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), has begun utilizing a new host, Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), the introduced biological control agent for waterhyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Commelinales: Pontederiaceae). Parasitism rates varied between outdoor M. scutellaris rearing tanks and sentinel plants placed in the field, with parasitism rates in the tanks being higher.