Agrypon flaveolatum
(Gravenhorst, 1807)
Agrypon flaveolatum is a in the Ichneumonidae, first described by Gravenhorst in 1807. Native to Europe and Asia, it was introduced to eastern and western Canada in the mid-20th century as a agent against the winter moth (Operophtera brumata). The has established in Nova Scotia and British Columbia, where it parasitizes winter moth larvae on apple and oak trees. It has been distinguished from closely related native North American species through morphological characters and morphometric analysis of antennal flagellomere annuli.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Agrypon flaveolatum: //ˈæɡrɪˌpɒn ˌflæviˈoʊlətəm//
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Identification
Can be distinguished from the native North American Agrypon provancheri and A. alaskensis by specific morphological characters and by morphometric analysis of the number of annuli on the antennal . Species-specific characters correlate with differences in insect, host plant, and geographic distribution.
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Habitat
Associated with deciduous trees, particularly apple and oak, where its larvae feed on foliage.
Distribution
Native to Europe and Asia. Introduced and established in Nova Scotia and British Columbia, Canada. Records also indicate presence in Belgium, Denmark, and Norway.
Host Associations
- Operophtera brumata - Primary ; parasitizes larvae. Used in introductions to Canada.
Behavior
females parasitize winter moth larvae. Has been observed to accompany its to new locations following winter moth range expansion.
Ecological Role
of geometrid larvae. Functions as a agent in managed , contributing to suppression of winter moth . In Nova Scotia, winter moth densities declined from over 1,000 per tree in 1954 to fewer than one per tree by 1963 following parasitoid establishment.
Human Relevance
Used in programs in Canada starting in 1949. Its introduction to Massachusetts in the 2000s was avoided due to concerns about potential non-target of rare native geometrid .
Similar Taxa
- Agrypon provancheriNative North American ; distinguished by morphological characters and antennal flagellomere annuli count
- Agrypon alaskensisNative North American ; distinguished by morphological characters and antennal flagellomere annuli count
- Cyzenis albicansTachinid fly also introduced for winter moth control; co-occurs in established programs
More Details
Biological Control History
Introduced to Nova Scotia in 1949 as one of six imported to control winter moth. One of only two species (along with Cyzenis albicans) that successfully established. Later introduced to British Columbia, where it co-occurs with native beetles that also prey on winter moth pupae.