Gall-midge-parasitoid
Guides
Inostemma
Inostemma is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae, established by Haliday in 1833. Species within this genus are known to parasitize gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) across diverse habitats including pine forests, agricultural crops, and tropical vegetation. Several species have been documented as biological control agents of pestiferous gall midges, with well-studied examples including parasitoids of the invasive pine needle gall midge in eastern Asia. The genus exhibits cosmopolitan distribution with particular diversity in the Palearctic, Asia, and Madagascar.
Leptacis
Leptacis is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae. These wasps are known to parasitize gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), particularly those associated with freshly cut or damaged wood. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with documented species across multiple continents. Leptacis wasps are typically less than 2 mm in length and are often overlooked due to their small size.
Platygaster munita
Platygaster munita is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Platygastridae, described by Francis Walker in 1836. The species is recorded from Europe, with confirmed presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As a member of Platygastridae, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented.
Platygaster rubi
Platygaster rubi is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Platygastridae. The species was described by Ashmead in 1893. As a member of Platygaster, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), though specific host associations for this species remain unverified in the provided sources.
Platygaster uvulariae
Platygaster uvulariae is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Platygastridae. The genus Platygaster comprises minute wasps that are primarily parasitoids of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae). Species in this genus are typically associated with specific host plants through their gall midge hosts. The specific epithet "uvulariae" suggests an association with plants in the genus Uvularia (bellworts), likely indicating the host plant of the gall midge prey. Platygaster species are generally small, dark-colored wasps with reduced wing venation characteristic of the family.
Platygastridae
Platygastridae is a family of minute parasitoid wasps in the superfamily Platygastroidea, comprising approximately 1100-2000 described species. Members are exclusively parasitoids, with most species measuring only 1–2 mm in length. The family is divided into two traditional subfamilies: Platygastrinae, which are koinobiont parasitoids of cecidomyiid (gall midge) eggs and larvae, and Sceliotrachelinae, which are generally idiobionts attacking eggs of beetles or Hemiptera. Several genera, including Synopeas, Trimorus, and Telenomus, contain species of agricultural importance as biological control agents.
Platygastrinae
Platygastrinae is a subfamily of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae. Members are characterized by their extremely small size, often under 2 mm, and specialized parasitoid biology targeting gall midges (Cecidomyiidae). The subfamily includes approximately 50+ genera, with Synopeas, Leptacis, and Platygaster being among the most studied. Many species exhibit elongated metasomas, though the functional significance of this trait remains unknown. Several species have been documented as biological control agents for agricultural pests, including the recently confirmed parasitoid of soybean gall midge, Synopeas ruficoxum.
Synopeas
Synopeas is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in family Platygastridae, comprising approximately 400 described species. Species in this genus are known to parasitize gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), with several species documented as biological control agents of agricultural pests including the soybean gall midge (Resseliella maxima) and swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii). Some species exhibit distinctive morphological features such as greatly elongated metasomas. The genus is understudied and considered part of a 'dark taxon' with high diversity but limited ecological and taxonomic documentation.
Synopeas hopkinsi
Synopeas hopkinsi is a minute parasitoid wasp in the family Platygastridae, first described by Crawford and Bradley in 1911. Members of the genus Synopeas are known to parasitize gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), though the specific host associations for S. hopkinsi remain undocumented. The species is characterized by an extremely small body size and typical platygastrid morphology, including a short spine on the scutellum that distinguishes the genus from related taxa. Like other Synopeas species, adults likely locate hosts using chemical cues associated with host damage or activity.