Diaeretellus nymphaealis sp. n. (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae) – a new member of aphid parasitoid guilds associated with wetland habitats, with a key for identification of Diaeretellus species

Abstract

The genus Diaeretellus is a small group of Aphidiinae wasps, comprising five species from the Palaearctic so far. All members of the genus are highly specialised to semi-aquatic habitats and aphid hosts and plants that occupy them. Because they have practically no economic importance as biocontrol agents, the biology of Diaeretellus species is still somewhat unknown. We describe a new species of this genus, Diaeretellus nymphaealis sp. nov., another member of aphid-parasitoid guilds from wetland habitats and the first species of the genus to be described from the Nearctic. Wetland habitats are under considerable anthropogenic pressure and as such require intensive conservation efforts. Placing the focus of conservation strategies on hyperdiverse entomofauna, instead of only charismatic megafauna, can have positive effects on their outcomes.