Biological control and the species status of two host‐associated populations of Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae).

Populations of the morphologically defined taxon Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) from two major hosts (Nezara viridula [L.] and Agonoscelis rutila [F.]) were tested, using biological criteria, to determine whether they represented populations of one genetical species, or whether they represented populations of two host‐associated sibling species. Individuals from both hosts exhibited no obvious courtship differences and they selected mates at random in mate‐choice experiments. In addition, female wasps produced offspring of both sexes after mating with a male from either population. We conclude that the individuals of the two populations tested constitute a single genetical species.