Discodes

Foerster, 1856

Discodes is a of in the (: ). in this genus are known as parasitoids of (), with documented associations including Sphaerolecanium prunastri, the globose scale insect. The genus was established by Foerster in 1856 and contains multiple described species distributed across several continents.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Discodes: //ˈdɪskoʊdiːz//

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Habitat

Apricot plantations and orchards where occur; associated with supporting .

Distribution

Documented from Denmark, Norway, Puerto Rico, and Turkey (Malatya province); additional records from New Caledonia.

Host Associations

Sphaerolecanium prunastri - globose , primary in Turkish apricot orchards

Behavior

are susceptible to broad-spectrum ; laboratory studies show high mortality from neonicotinoids, , and within 24 hours of exposure.

Ecological Role

agent; member of natural complexes that suppress in orchard .

Human Relevance

Used in programs for pests; vulnerable to applications in contexts. Laboratory IOBC testing conducted for compatibility with protection products.

More Details

Pesticide Sensitivity

In laboratory trials, dimethoate, thiacloprid, acetamiprid, sulfoxaflor, and deltamethrin caused severe mortality (IOBC 4: 'very harmful') within 24 hours. Spirotetramat, spiromesifen, orange , and fluopyram+tebuconazole were classified as 'slightly effective' (IOBC class 1), indicating better compatibility with .

Taxonomic Status

The Discodes is classified in the Encyrtinae of . The UCR Research Museum holds specimens of D. aeneus, D. anthores, D. arizonensis, D. coccophagus, D. discors, and D. yasnoshae among its Encyrtidae collection.