Rhopus
Förster, 1856
Rhopus is a of minute in the Encyrtidae, Tetracneminae. The genus was established by Förster in 1856. within this genus are known to parasitize mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), with documented associations including Tridiscus sporoboli and Trionymus species. The genus is represented in major entomological collections including the University of California Riverside Encyrtidae holdings, which contains multiple described species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhopus: /ˈroʊ.pʊs/
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Distribution
Recorded from the Canary Islands, Madeira, and Denmark based on GBIF distribution records. Additional records exist from North America, including described from California and Hawaii.
Host Associations
- Tridiscus sporoboli (Cockerell) - ofDocumented of R. nigroclavatus
- Trionymus sp. - ofDocumented of R. nigroclavatus
Ecological Role
of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), contributing to of these plant pests.
Human Relevance
in this have been studied for their potential in of mealybug pests. The UCR Encyrtidae collection contains voucher specimens from biological control projects conducted by California entomologists.
Similar Taxa
- PseudorhopusSimilar name and classification within Encyrtidae; distinguished by morphological characters and associations
- TetracnemusRelated in Tetracneminae; requires examination of antennal structure and wing venation for separation
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Encyrtid Holdings | Entomology Research Museum
- Interactions between the Parasitoid Rhopus nigroclavatus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and its Mealybug Hosts Tridiscus sporoboli (Cockerell) and Trionymus sp. (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae)