The first record of eucalyptus shoot psyllid Blastopsylla occidentalis Taylor (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and its parasitoids, Psyllaephagous spp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in Rwanda
Gasangwa Ivan and Ueno Takatoshi
Eucalyptus trees, which are native to Australia, are now a commercial resource worldwide, and planted forest cover in some African countries is often dominated by these trees. Here, we report, from Rwanda, the presence of Blastopsylla occidentalis (Hemipetra: Psyllidae), a serious invasive pest of Eucalyptus, and its natural enemy parasitoids for the first time. First, we confirmed the occurrence of this psyllid species from Rubavu, Bugesera and Gasabo Districts of the country. Second, we found many mummified nymphs of the psyllid and identified the associated parasitoid as Psyllaephagus blastopsyllae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). Furthermore, another psyllid parasitoid Psyllaephagus pilosus was also confirmed. A comprehensive study of the alien psyllid pests together with their natural enemies is necessary in Africa to develop biocontrol pest management and protection ofeucalypts.
Gasangwa Ivan, Ueno Takatoshi. The first record of eucalyptus shoot psyllid Blastopsylla occidentalis Taylor (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and its parasitoids, Psyllaephagous spp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in Rwanda. J Entomol Zool Stud 2019;7(3):43-46.