Telenomus species (Hymenopetra: Scelionidae) attacking eggs of pyralid pests (Lepidoptera) in Africa: a review and guide to identification

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Abstract
The taxonomy and host-records of 11Telenomusspecies recorded from eggs of ten species of pyralid pests in Africa are reviewed. Three species,T. bini,T. creusaandT. nemesis, are described as new. Primary type material of nine previously described species was examined:T. applanatusBin & Johnson,T. etielliphaga(Risbec) (comb. n.),T. nepheleNixon,T. procasNixon,T. soudanensis(Risbec),T. thestorNixon,T. tolliRisbec,T. ullyettiNixon andT. versicolorBin & Johnson. A lectotype is designated forT. etielliphaga(Risbec), which is transferred toTelenomusfromMicromymar. Lectotypes are also designated forT. soudanensisandT. tolli. The monotypic genusMicromymarRisbec is synonymized withTelenomus. A method for the preparation, mounting and identification ofTelenomusspecimens reared from eggs of African pyralid pests is given. Host-records based on previously misidentifiedTelenomusspp. are corrected, and records in which the host has been apparently misidentified are commented upon. The relevance ofTelenomusspp. to biological control and integrated pest management of African pyralid pests is discussed.