Eupelmus cushmani

(Crawford, 1908)

Eupelmus cushmani (Crawford, 1908) is a in the , classified within the subgenus Eupelmus (Eupelmus). It is known as a of the avocado branch borer Copturus aguacatae (: ), with documented occurrences in Mexico, Brazil, and Hawaii. The was previously described under the synonym Eupelmus amicus Girault.

Snodgrass mesonotum dorsal 42 46 41 d by Alandmanson. Used under a CC0 license.

Snodgrass 1911 Plate 9 by Snodgrass, R. E.. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eupelmus cushmani: /juːˈpɛlməs ˈkʌʃməni/

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Identification

Eupelmus cushmani is placed in the subgenus Eupelmus (Eupelmus), distinguishing it from in the subgenera Episolindelia and Macroneura. Within E. (Eupelmus), it is one of 14 recognized species in North America north of Mexico. Specific diagnostic features for distinguishing E. cushmani from such as E. dryorhizoxeni, E. cyaniceps, and E. cynipidis are detailed in illustrated provided by Burks (2011), though these morphological characters are not extracted in the available source material.

Images

Habitat

Avocado orchards in Nayarit, Mexico. The presence of this in Hawaii and Brazilian states (Minas Gerais, São Paulo) suggests association with agricultural or disturbed where its occurs.

Distribution

Documented from Nayarit, Mexico; Hawaii, United States; and Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo. The was originally described by Crawford in 1908, with modern records establishing its presence in the Neotropical and Pacific regions.

Host Associations

Copturus aguacatae Kissinger - Avocado branch borer (: ). First record of this association reported from Nayarit, Mexico in 2019.

Behavior

As a , females likely locate and oviposit into concealed within avocado branches, though specific behavioral details have not been documented.

Ecological Role

agent. Functions as a of Copturus aguacatae, an economically significant pest of avocado. Potential value in of avocado orchards.

Human Relevance

Agricultural significance as a of the avocado branch borer, a pest affecting commercial avocado production. May contribute to in avocado-growing regions of Mexico and potentially elsewhere.

Similar Taxa

Eupelmus dryorhizoxeni AshmeadPreviously confused taxonomically; Eupelmus ficigerae was synonymized under E. dryorhizoxeni in the same revision that clarified E. cushmani status. Both occur in E. (Eupelmus) and require morphological examination for separation.
Eupelmus cyaniceps AshmeadAnother member of E. (Eupelmus) with historical taxonomic confusion; E. momphae was synonymized under this . Similar body size and coloration patterns may cause misidentification without detailed examination.
Eupelmus cynipidis Ashmead in E. (Eupelmus) with which E. cushmani shares subgeneric . E. quercus was synonymized under E. cynipidis, indicating historical identification challenges within this group.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Eupelmus cushmani was originally described by Crawford in 1908. The name Eupelmus amicus Girault was newly synonymized under E. cushmani by Burks (2011) during revision of North Eupelmus. The is currently classified in the subgenus Eupelmus (Eupelmus) rather than Episolindelia.

Data Limitations

Most biological and ecological information for this remains undocumented. Available literature on taxonomic revision and a single record from Mexico. No published studies address , rates, or efficacy as a agent.