Eretmocerus (genus - parasitoids)
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Eretmocerus (genus - parasitoids)
This genus contains around 50 species of minute wasps (~ 1 mm long) which parasitize whitefly nymphs. A number of species are important biological control agents and several of these are commercially available. They are widely used, mainly in greenhouses against pests like Bemisia tabaci or Trialeurodes vaporariorum. The most important parasitoid species are Eretmocerus mundus and E. eremicus.
The female parasitoid lays an egg underneath a whitefly nymph (often 2nd instar) and the hatching larva enters the host. Unfertilized eggs develop into males, fertilized eggs into females. Development from egg, through 3 instars, to adult parasitoid takes around 2 weeks and the adults live around 10 days. The adults also pierce whitefly nymphs and feed on their hemolymph, contributing to whitefly mortality.
Taxonomically, the genus is characterized by the morphology of the antennae, the forewings and the 4-segmented tarsi. Females have 5 antennal segments and males three. The antennal club is more than 3 times longer than wide.
Currently, the following species have been entered into the system:
