Microterys

Thomson, 1876

Species Guides

Microterys yolandae

Microterys is a large of in the Encyrtidae (Chalcidoidea), with its center of distribution in the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere. are important natural enemies of various scale insects (Coccoidea), including soft scales (Coccidae), wax scales (Ceroplastes), and mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). The genus has been extensively studied for applications, particularly for managing pest scale insects on citrus and other crops. Several species have been introduced to new regions as biocontrol agents, including Microterys flavus in California.

Microterys speciosissimus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Microterys: //ˌmaɪ.kroʊˈtɛr.ɪs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Microterys can be distinguished from other Encyrtidae by features of the mesosoma and metasoma, though specific diagnostic characters require microscopic examination. Intraspecific variation and the validity of morphological diagnostic characters have not been critically evaluated across the . Species-level identification typically requires examination of type material and reference to original descriptions, particularly for the numerous species described by A.A. Girault from Australia.

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Distribution

Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere with highest diversity in northern regions; also present in Australia, China (Zhejiang, Fujian, Yunnan, Guangdong, Jilin, Northeast China), India, Europe (Czech Republic), and California. The M. flavus has been recorded from multiple continents.

Host Associations

Coccus hesperidum - brown soft scale, of M. flavus
Coccus pseudomagnoliarum - , of M. nietneri
Parthenolecanium corni - European fruit lecanium, of new from Northeast China
Metaceronema japonica - on Camellia oleosa
Cerococcus muratae - on Magnolia officinalis
Ceroplastes ceriferus -
Ceroplastes japonicus - Japanese
Chloropulvinaria aurantii - citrus snow scale
Kerria lacca - lac insect
Chaetococcus - mealybug from India
Phenacoccus aceris - cottony maple scale, of M. chalcostomus
Kermes - gall-like , of M. chalcostomus
Gascardia destructor - soft , of M. australicus
Sphaerolecanium prunastri - plum , of M. turanicus
Laccifer lacca - lac insect

Behavior

Female Microterys flavus exhibit a complex oviposition process consisting of body penetration, assessment of internal organs, envenomation, deposition, and potential host feeding. The ovipositor system includes two pairs of valvifers, three pairs of valvulae, female T9, and nine paired ovipositor muscles. Three muscles (1st valvifer-genital muscle, 2nd valvifer-venom gland muscle, T9-genital membrane muscle) were recently discovered in related and described for encyrtids in M. flavus. Behavioral analysis shows distinct motion patterns during different phases of parasitization.

Ecological Role

agent of pest scale insects (Coccoidea). in this act as primary that can significantly reduce of economically important insect pests on citrus, other fruit crops, and ornamental plants. However, hyperparasitoids such as Cheiloneurus claviger, Pachyneuron muscarum, and Marietta leopardine can attack Microterys nietneri and reduce its as a biocontrol agent.

Human Relevance

Important for of agricultural and horticultural pests. Microterys flavus was introduced to California for control of lecaniine coccids, with -specific or races being selected for particular target pests. Multiple have been evaluated or deployed in programs against scale insects damaging citrus and other crops.

Similar Taxa

EncyrtusFormerly included now placed in Microterys; distinguished by mesosomal and metasomal characters requiring microscopic examination
MetaphycusAnother large encyrtid parasitizing scale insects; separation requires careful examination of antennal structure and wing venation
AnagyrusSimilar encyrtid of mealybugs and soft scales; differs in details of the , funicle, and ovipositor structure