Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington (2002) 104, 79-80

Susan W. Kimani-Njogu and Robert A. Wharton (2002)
Two new species of Opiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) attacking fruit-infesting Tephritidae (Diptera) in western Kenya
Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 104 (1), 79-80
Abstract: Two new species of Opiinae are described, Rhynchosteres mandibularis and Fopius okekai. Both were reared from puparia of fruit-infesting ceratitidine Tephritidae collected in western Kenya. The placement of these two species relative to the genera Fopius Wharton and Rhynchosteres Fischer is discussed, with emphasis on the transitional form of the clypeus. Arguments are presented for inclusion of these species in Rhynchosteres and the Fopius desideratus (Bridwell) species-group, respectively. This represents the first host record for the genus Rhynchosteres. Evidence is presented that suggests similarity in function has lead to convergence in shape of the ovipositor tip in certain Opiinae and Doryctinae.
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Database assignments for author(s): Susan W. Kimani-Njogu

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.
Rhynchosteres mandibularis (parasitoid)			Kenya
Fopius okekai (parasitoid)			Kenya