Diversity and host associations of aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) in the farmlands of western Iran

Abstract

This study presents the results of a survey of aphid parasitoids of the subfamily Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in western Iran. Thirty nine species of aphid parasitoids belonging to nine genera were collected and identified in association with 54 aphid species occurring on 77 host plants. In all, 129 parasitoid-aphid associations were recorded, 49 of which are new to Iran. Praon pubescens Starý, 1961 is newly recorded for the fauna of Iran in association with Nasonovia ribisnigri (Mosley, 1841) on Lactuca sativa. The possible existence of endemic subspecies for Praon necans Mackauer, 1959, member of which attack a wider range of host aphids, is discussed. An illustrated key for identification of the genera and species of Aphidiinae in western Iran is presented.