Encarsia citrina

(Craw, 1891)

Encarsia citrina is a minute in the that serves as an important agent of . The attacks multiple including euonymus scale (Unaspis euonymi), greedy scale (Hemiberlesia rapax), and Fiorinia externa. Research has demonstrated that applications can significantly reduce parasitoid and disrupt biological control services. The species exhibits temperature-dependent searching and host age preference in its foraging .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Encarsia citrina: /ɛnˈkɑːr.si.ə sɪˈtraɪ.nə/

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Habitat

Associated with plants infested by , particularly euonymus and kiwifruit. Floral resource plants have been shown to influence the effectiveness of this in programs.

Distribution

Recorded from Austria, New Zealand, and the Eastern United States. GBIF distribution records indicate presence on Flores, Pico, São Miguel, Terceira (Azores), and the Galápagos Islands.

Diet

of ; develop within .

Host Associations

  • Unaspis euonymi - euonymus , primary studied in research
  • Hemiberlesia rapax - greedy , target of mass release programs on kiwifruit
  • Fiorinia externa - studied for latitudinal synchrony patterns in Eastern United States
  • armoured scale (general) - broad range within

Behavior

Exhibits age preference when selecting targets for . Searching is temperature-dependent.

Ecological Role

agent of pests in agricultural and ornamental systems. applications can disrupt this -mediated control, necessitating careful strategies.

Human Relevance

Used in mass release programs for of pests on kiwifruit and other . Subject of research on compatibility and .

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Sources and further reading