Psyllaephagus brachiatus and Psyllaephagus sp. HH (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in infestations of Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) in Brazil

Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), a pest of Australian origin, has spread to many countries where it damages plants of the Eucalyptus genus. The parasitoid Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is the most widely employed biological control strategy to manage this pest. The identification of Psyllaephagus species present in Brazil is essential, as they may compromise the effectiveness of the biological control of G. brimblecombei. The objective of this study was to report species of Psyllaephagus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in infestations of G. brimblecombei in Brazil. Psyllaephagus spp. adults were collected, identified, stored in 90% ethanol at -20°C, and identification verified by molecular methods. The DNA of the adult insects was extracted and amplified using the primers CP1 and CB2. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed the association of the parasitoid lineage found to Psyllaephagus brachiatus Riek and Psyllaephagus sp. HH (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) reported in Australia as heteronomous hyperparasitoids (autoparasitoids) with females developing in unparasitized psyllids and males in those parasitized by conspecific females or heterospecific parasitoids. The biology of these Psyllaephagus lineages and its impact as hyperparasitoids in their hosts in Brazil requires further studies. Psyllaephagus brachiatus and Psyllaephagus sp. HH, were identified for the first time in Brazil, and their detection in infestations of G. brimblecombei highlights the need to better understand their relationship with this pest and its parasitoid P. bliteus.