Terminal-instar larval morphology and systematics of Eulophidae and Eupelmidae species (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) parasitoids of gall wasps (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) communities from Europe

Abstract

As part of a wider study on the morphology and systematics of the terminal-instar larvae of Chalcidoidea parasitoids of gall wasps (Hym., Cynipidae) in Europe, a comparative study of the larval morphology of three species of Eulophidae, Aprostocetus eurytomae (Nees), Aulogymnus skianeuros (Ratzeburg) and Dichatomus acerinus Förster; and three species of Eupelmidae, Eupelmus aseculatus (Kalina), E. cerris Förster and E. microzonus Förster is presented. The studied taxa are key components of the communities associated with different galls on herbs, shrubs and oaks in different ecosystems of Mediterranean area. Main characters of interest found on the studied species were larval body shape, head capsule structure, mouthparts, mandibles and chaetotaxy pattern of body and head. Diagnostic characters of the families and species are described and illustrated for the first time with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Information on the biology of each species is discussed and illustrated with photographs, including new rearing records.