Aphid-parasitoid (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae) associations on willows and poplars in Iran

Abstract

Aphids and their parasitoids on willows (Salix spp.) and poplars (Populus spp.) were investigated in Iran and the tritrophic associations were reviewed. Eight species of aphid parasitoids were reared from 17 associations in different localities. The most common parasitoid was Adialytus salicaphis (FITCH) parasitizing Chaitophorus spp. on both Salix and Populus. Eua-phidius cingulatus (RUTHE) attacks species of Pterocomma. Aphids of the genus Cavariella on Salix spp. had a more diverse spectrum of parasitoids, but all of them were rare; among the collected species, Ephedrus chaitophori GÄRDENFORS and Binodoxys heraclei (HALIDAY) were detected in Iran for the first time. The role of aphid-parasitoid associations on willows and poplars in biocorridors is discussed together with some ecosystem relationships.