Variations in Color, Size, and Thoracic Morphology of Pnigalio Species (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) Parasitizing Phyllonorycter elmaella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in Utah and Washington

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Abstract
The most common eulophid parasitoid attacking Phyllonorycter elmaella Doganlar & Mutuura in Utah and Washington is reported to be Pnigalio flavipes (Ashmead). Its distinguishing characteristics are a dark-colored thorax and a yellow and black gaster. Two other Pnigalio forms were reared from P. elmaella but in fewer numbers; they differed in color or size from P. flavipes. Identifications of these other species of Pnigalio have been inconclusive. Examination of the literature on Pnigalio revealed contradictory descriptions for P. flavipes. Scanning electron micrographs of the thorax of the reputed P. flavipes and the other Pnigalio forms revealed similarities with other species. Use of the most recent taxonomic reference on Pnigalio indicated that the major parasitoid of P. elmaella more closely resembles P. maculipes (Crawford) than P. flavipes. The taxonomic status of these two species is questioned, as well as the use of the name P. flavipes in previous P. elmaella parasitoid studies.