Neochrysocharis formosa

(Westwood, 1833)

Neochrysocharis formosa is a small in the . It is a larval parasitoid of () and has been recorded as a parasitoid of Tuta absoluta () and Diprion pini (). The exhibits -feeding and is widely used as a agent in agricultural systems. Both thelytokous and strains exist, with thelytokous strains showing superior potential. Sex ratios are typically female-biased.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neochrysocharis formosa: /niːoʊˌkrɪɒsəˈkɛərɪs fɔːrˈmoʊsə/

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

Habitat

Agricultural and horticultural environments; recorded from tomato agroecosystems, bean systems, and mountain pine forests. Mass rearing occurs on Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) plants under controlled laboratory conditions.

Distribution

Recorded from Argentina, Spain, Hawaii, and the conterminous United States. GBIF indicates presence in Norway, Hawaii, and the conterminous 48 United States.

Diet

-feeding ; parasitizes and host-feeds on larval stages of (), particularly , , and Tuta absoluta. Preference for second host has been observed. are and require sugar sources for and longevity.

Host Associations

Liriomyza huidobrensis - primary for mass rearing; ()Used in laboratory rearing systems on Phaseolus vulgaris
Liriomyza trifolii - ; ()
Tuta absoluta - ; tomato ()Newly recorded in Argentina; second preferred
Diprion pini - ; pine () in mountain forests of Spain
Phaseolus vulgaris - for rearing systemNot a ; used in mass rearing protocols

Life Cycle

Develops as larval inside . Development time decreases under 16:8 light-dark cycle. After one year of continuous laboratory rearing, declines by approximately 23% and sex ratio shifts toward males. Thelytokous strains reproduce without males; strains require mating.

Behavior

Exhibits positive phototactic response used for harvesting in mass rearing (94.5% ). -feeding occurs alongside . Shows preference for second host over first or third instars. Host-killing rate exceeds . Synchronized patterns observed under controlled .

Ecological Role

agent of pests in agricultural systems. Used in programs for vegetables and ornamentals. Coexists with other such as Diglyphus isaea. Supplements biological control of Tuta absoluta in tomato systems alongside Nesidiocoris tenuis and Necremnus spp.

Human Relevance

Important commercial agent for management in greenhouse and field . Mass rearing protocols developed for large- production. Sensitivity to varies: novaluron shows least lethal effects, while spinetoram is highly harmful. to λ-cyhalothrin observed in some .

Similar Taxa

Diglyphus isaeaCoexisting eulophid of ; both are -feeding parasitoids used in . N. formosa exhibits contrasting patterns of ovarian development and compared to D. isaea.
Ganaspidium nigrimanusAnother of ; differs in sensitivity to , with N. formosa showing potential to λ-cyhalothrin where G. nigrimanus does not.