A critical taxonomic analysis of the Hydrellia pakistanae species group (Diptera: Ephydridae)

Authors

D. L. Deonier, U.S.D.A. BioControl Laboratory, Gainesville, FL

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

September 1993

Comments

Published in Insecta Mundi Vol. 7, No. 3. September, 1993. Copyright © 1993 by Deonier.

Insecta Mundi, published by the Center for Systematic Entomology, is available online at http://centerforsystematicentomology.org/.

Abstract

Critical taxonomic analysis of the Hydrellia pakistanae species group yielded H. pakistanae Deonier, H. sarahae, n.sp. (composed of H. sarahae sarahae, n.ssp. in China and H. sarahae laticapsula, n.ssp. in India and Pakistan), H. balciunasi Bock known only from Australia, and a related species, H. bogorae, n.sp. from Java, Indonesia. These species all have the same primary host-plant species, i.e., Hydrilla verticillata, a fact making them all potential biocontrol agents for this aquatic plant pest in North America and other areas where it has pest status. Morphology is summarized as well as perceived synapomorphies of this species group.