Zootaxa (2009) 2208, 25-43

Dominique Pluot-Sigwalt, Jean-Claude Streito and Armand Matocq (2009)
Is Montandoniola moraguesi (Puton, 1896) a mixture of different species? (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Anthocoridae)
Zootaxa 2208, 25-43
Abstract: The anthocorid Montandoniola moraguesi (Puton), an oligophagous predator of thrips, is widely used as a biological agent. It was introduced in 1964 from the Philippine Islands to control the Cuban laurel thrips (Gynaikothrips ficorum) in Bermuda, and then in Hawaii and other localities. Examination of specimens from various parts of the world, and a study of type specimens, indicate that several species have been confused since the 1960's under the name Montandoniola moraguesi (Puton, 1896). The present paper brings: (1) a redefinition of M. moraguesi; (2) the restoration and redefinition of two species erroneously synonymized with M. moraguesi: M. thripodes Bergroth, 1916 and M. pictipennis (Esaki, 1931); (3) and the description of a new species, M. confusa sp. nov., from Guadeloupe. Dorsal habitus views and illustrations of the metathoracic scent gland area and male and female genitalia are provided for each species. M. moraguesi seems to be restricted to the Mediterranean region and Africa. M. thripodes and M. pictipennis are known only by their type material described from Hong-Kong and Japan, respectively. M. confusa sp. nov. appears to be a widely distributed species: discovered in Guadeloupe, its presence is confirmed in Hawaii, USA, Bermuda, and Australia. Literature record indicates, apparently, that the species has often been confused with M. moraguesi and it is likely that the species was used - under this name - for biological control in several parts of the world.
Database assignments for author(s): Jean-Claude Streito

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
identification/taxonomy

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Montandoniola confusa (predator)			Guadeloupe