Ophelimus

Haliday, 1844

Eucalyptus gall wasps

Ophelimus is a of minute in the . in this genus are inducers, causing the formation of leaf galls on Eucalyptus plants. Several species, including O. maskelli and O. eucalypti, have become pests in Eucalyptus plantations outside their Australian range. The genus is subject to efforts using such as Closterocerus chamaeleon.

Ophelimus by (c) Dave Richardson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dave Richardson. Used under a CC-BY license.

Ophelimus maskelli by (c) Michele Jones, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michele Jones. Used under a CC-BY license.

Ophelimus maskelli galls on Eucalyptus by Giancarlo Dessì. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ophelimus: //oʊˈfɛlɪməs//

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

Identification

Members of this are small chalcid , typically under 2 mm in length. -level identification requires examination of microscopic morphological characters; O. mediterraneus and O. maskelli can be distinguished using multivariate ratio analysis and molecular markers ( oxidase I, 28S).

Images

Habitat

Eucalyptus forests and plantations; associated with leaves of Eucalyptus .

Distribution

to Australia (Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales). and established in New Zealand, Europe (France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, UK, Greece), Asia (Israel, Turkey), Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), Indonesia (Sumatra), and Colombia.

Seasonality

; continuous breeding in suitable climates. Maximum of O. eucalypti observed in August and December in New Zealand.

Host Associations

Eucalyptus - on leavesPrimary for all Ophelimus
Eucalyptus globulus - for O. maskelli, O. eucalypti, O. migdanorum, and O. near migdanorum
Eucalyptus saligna - for O. eucalypti
Eucalyptus botryoides - for O. eucalypti
Eucalyptus camaldulensis - for O. maskelli
Eucalyptus grandis - for O. eucalypti
Eucalyptus deanei - for O. eucalypti
Closterocerus chamaeleon - Eulophid with greater longevity and survival than its Ophelimus ; used in
Aprostocetus causalis - Eulophid of O. eucalypti in Indonesia
Chrysonotomyia spp. - Prevalent of O. eucalypti in North Sumatra
Mikeius hartigi - that lays in induced by Ophelimus spp.

Life Cycle

(, , , ). development progresses through six color-differentiated stages. Larvae grow to fill the entire gall cavity prior to gall . Gall mass peaks when larvae are at one-third of maximum mass. Adults live approximately 10 days; females produce up to 350 eggs. Lifespan of O. eucalypti averages 44 days in greenhouse conditions.

Behavior

Induces formation of leaf on Eucalyptus. Gall and development rate influenced by microclimate; drier conditions favor larger gall size, faster development, and higher .

Ecological Role

and inducer on Eucalyptus. Acts as for multiple , supporting local parasitoid in invaded regions.

Human Relevance

Several are significant pests of commercial Eucalyptus plantations, causing foliar damage and reduced growth. Subject to classical and programs using . O. maskelli and O. eucalypti are particularly problematic in Mediterranean Europe, Indonesia, and New Zealand.

Similar Taxa

Ophelimus maskelliClosely related to O. mediterraneus; distinguished by molecular and morphological analysis
Ophelimus mediterraneus with O. maskelli in Mediterranean areas; previously confused with O. maskelli
Ophelimus eucalyptiSimilar biology and range; distinguished by characteristics and microscopic
Ophelimus migdanorumSimilar leaf- on E. globulus; specific diagnostic characters not detailed in available sources