Vikberg Veli

Homoporus anthrisci sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) reared from puparia of Melanagromyza nigrissima Spencer in stems of Anthriscus sylvestris in South Finland

Introduction

Homoporus anthrisci sp. N. (hymenoptera: pteromalidae) reared from puparia of melanagromyza nigrissima spencer in stems of anthriscus sylvestris in south finland. Homoporus anthrisci sp. n., a new solitary endoparasitoid, described from South Finland. Reared from Melanagromyza nigrissima puparia in Anthriscus sylvestris stems. New host records.

Abstract

The female and male of Homoporus anthrisci sp. n. are described from Janakkala, South Finland. The species was reared as a solitary endoparasitoid from puparia of Melanagromyza nigrissima Spencer (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in stems of Anthriscus sylvestris. Two other species of Pteromalidae, Syntomopus incisus Thomson and Chlorocytus spicatus (Walker) were also reared from puparia of Melanagromyza nigrissima in Janakkala, which is a new host for these two species.

Review

This manuscript presents the formal description of a new species, *Homoporus anthrisci* sp. n., a significant addition to the extensive Pteromalidae family (Hymenoptera). The authors meticulously detail both the female and male specimens, which were successfully reared as a solitary endoparasitoid from puparia of the agromyzid fly *Melanagromyza nigrissima*. This host, in turn, infests the stems of *Anthriscus sylvestris* in South Finland. The discovery and comprehensive description of this new species are crucial for advancing our taxonomic understanding of Pteromalidae and for elucidating specific host-parasitoid interactions within this ecologically important group. Beyond the primary description, the study provides valuable ecological insights by identifying new host associations for two other Pteromalidae species, *Syntomopus incisus* Thomson and *Chlorocytus spicatus* (Walker). Both were also successfully reared from *Melanagromyza nigrissima* puparia collected from the same locality, Janakkala. These new host records considerably expand our knowledge of the host range for these established species and highlight the complexity of the parasitoid guild associated with *M. nigrissima*. Such detailed rearing studies are instrumental in uncovering cryptic diversity and unraveling the intricate trophic relationships that underpin natural ecosystems, particularly in regional biodiversity inventories. Overall, this paper represents a strong contribution to entomological taxonomy and ecology. The description of *Homoporus anthrisci* sp. n. is a fundamental step in cataloging global biodiversity, while the concurrent identification of new host records for other pteromalids enriches our understanding of host-parasitoid dynamics. The research underscores the continued importance of painstaking rearing efforts in discovering new species and clarifying ecological roles. Given its clear findings and taxonomic significance, this manuscript is well-suited for publication and will be of considerable interest to hymenopterists, dipterists, and researchers focused on insect-plant interactions and biological control.

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