Coccophagus lycimnia

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Chalcidoidea
Family: Aphelinidae
Subfamily: Coccophaginae
Genus: Coccophagus
Species: lycimnia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coccophagus lycimnia: /kɒkˈkɒfəɡəs lɪˈsɪmniə/

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Summary

Coccophagus lycimnia is a parasitoid wasp species known for its role in controlling scale insect populations, primarily in greenhouse environments. It exhibits sexual dimorphism with a yellow scutellum in females and is part of the cosmopolitan genus Coccophagus.

Physical Characteristics

Females have a conspicuous yellow spot on the scutellum; spot absent in males.

Identification Tips

Look for the yellow spot on females to distinguish them from males.

Habitat

Commonly found in greenhouses where scale insects are present.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan; found worldwide.

Diet

Parasitoid of various scale insects.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg, larval, and adult stages, with larvae developing inside the host scale insects.

Reproduction

Reproduces through oviposition into host scale insects where larvae develop.

Ecosystem Role

Natural control agent for pest scale insects in greenhouses.

Economic Impact

Used for biological control of scale insects, potentially reducing chemical pesticide use.