Braconinae: Bracon Fabricius 1804
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Fig 1. Bracon phylacteophagus - male - lateral
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Fig.2 Bracon phylacteophagus - vertex of head
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Fig. 3 Bracon confusus female
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Fig. 4 Bracon confusus - vertex of head
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Fig. 5 Bracon hebetor female
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Fig. 6 Bracon hebetor male.
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Fig. 7 Bracon variegator female
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Fig. 8 Bracon variegator - male.
Diagnosis:
Characteristics of Bracon include: 1. Hypoclypeal depression deep and wide ("cyclostome braconids"); 2. Occipital carina absent; 3. First metasomal tergite (T1) with lateral parts flattened.
Distribution in NZ
North Island: AK, BP, GB, HB, WO. South Island: NN, MC, DN, OL.
Species in NZ
Four species, all non-native to New Zealand. Bracon hebetor is an accidental introduction. Bracon confusus and B. phylacteophagus are introduced biological control agents for the Eucalyptus leaf-blister sawfly (Phylacteophaga froggatti). Bracon variegator is an introduced biological control agent for Coleophora spissicornis (clover case bearer moth).
Sources of information
Parrott AW 1954. Records of some important braconid parasites in New Zealand. New Zealand Entomologist 1: 16-22.Thomas WP 1969. The establishment in New Zealand of Bracon variegator Nees (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) a parasite of Coleophora species (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae). New Zealand Journal of Science 12: 43-54
Faulds W 1990. Introduction into New Zealand of Bracon phylacteophagus, a biocontrol agent of Phlyacteophaga froggatti, Eucalyptus Leaf-mining fly. New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science 20(1): 54-64.
Faulds W 1991. Spread of Bracon phylacteophagus, a biocontrol agent of Phylacteophaga froggatti, and impact on host. New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science 21(2/3): 185-193.
Faulds W 1993. The present status of Eucalyptus leaf-mining sawfly (Phylacteopha froggatti) and its control. New Zealand Forestry AUGUST vol. 44.
Austin AD Faulds W 1989. Two Australian species of Bracon F. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitic on Phylacteophaga spp. (Hymenoptera: Pergidae). Journal of the Australian Entomological Society 28: 207-213.
Citation
Ward DF 2014. Braconidae of New Zealand. http://braconidae.landcareresearch.co.nzAccessed: 18 July 2024