Egg parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea and Platygastroidea) of stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in soybean in Brazil: A new species, synonymy, host records, and geographic distribution

Biological control is an important ally in the control of pests, for example, the stink bugs, in large-scale crops, such as soybean. Taxonomic identification and knowledge of the genetic diversity of parasitoid populations are important steps for the success of biological control programs. The best-known hymenopteran egg-parasitoids of pentatomid pests in Brazil belong to Chalcidoidea and Platygastroidea, mainly the species of genera Telenomus Haliday and Trissolcus Ashmead (Scelionidae). However, other less studied species of several genera, namely Anastatus Motschulsky (Eupelmidae), Neorileya Ashmead (Eurytomidae), Ooencyrtus Ashmead (Encyrtidae), and Gryon Haliday (Scelionidae), which are found in soybean, may also play an important role in the control of pentatomids. Nevertheless, due to taxonomical difficulties, they are often overlooked, and their importance as natural enemies is possibly underestimated. Here, we discussed the pentatomid eggs parasitoid species from the soybean crop in Brazil. New hosts and geographic records and the preference relationship between parasitoid-host were also studied. Additionally, a new species of Trissolcus, from flavipes group, which was found parasitizing eggs of Euschistus heros (Fab.), Edessa meditabunda (Fab.) and Nezara viridula (L.), in soybean in Brazil, is described.

Key words: Biological control, Glycine max, insect hosts.