Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830 has served as a model insect for over a century. Sequencing of the 11 additional Drosophila Fallen, 1823 species marks substantial progress in comparative genomics of this genus. By comparison, practically nothing is known about the genome size or genome sequences of parasitic wasps of Drosophila. Here, we present the first comparative analysis of genome siz...

the family of pteromalidae (hym: chalcidoidea) is one of the largest families of parasitic wasp. members of this family wasp comprise of important natural enemies of many harmful insects in major insect orders such as coleoptera, diptera, lepidoptera, hymenoptera and homoptera; therefore they have an important role in biological control of agricultural pests. the chalcid wasps belonging to this...

A faunistic survey on the parasitic wasps of subfamily Pteromalinae Dalman, 1820 (Hym., Chalcidoidea, Pteromalidae) South-Eastern Iran (Kerman province) was done. In total 46 specimens representing 10 genera and 16 species are identified, among them, Dinarmus altifrons (Walker, 1862) Syntomopus incurvus Walker, 1833 recorded for first time fauna Iran. Previously from this area also reviewed lis...

Male insects may increase their chance of successful reproduction by releasing pheromones that attract females or elicit sexual acceptance. In parasitic wasps, male pheromones have been suggested for a few species but no chemicals have been identified so far. Here we report the first identification of a male sex pheromone in parasitic Hymenoptera. In abdomens of male jewel wasps, Nasonia vitrip...

Parasitic taxa span an antagonistic continuum, with some parasites inflicting no fitness costs to some that kill the host after feeding. Host-associated differentiation is postulated as a major process facilitating speciation in many parasitic taxa. Here, I examined the importance of host-associated differentiation in a parasitoid wasp that develops on yucca moths in the genus Prodoxus. Prodoxu...

Since its introduction in France 10 years ago, the yellow-legged Asian bee-hawking hornet Vespa velutina has rapidly spread to neighboring countries (Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, and Germany), becoming a new threat to beekeeping activities. While introduced species often leave behind natural enemies from their original home, which benefits them in their new environment, they can also suffer...