Pepper-weevil
Guides
Jaliscoa
Jaliscoa is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, established by Bouček in 1993. The genus was redefined in a 2013 taxonomic revision and currently includes four species: J. nudipennis (type species), J. bouceki, J. hunteri, and J. vulgaris. The most extensively studied species, J. hunteri, is a parasitoid of weevils in the genus Anthonomus, particularly the pepper weevil (A. eugenii), and has been investigated as a biological control agent. Unlike many parasitoids, J. hunteri exhibits significant host feeding behavior that contributes to pest suppression.
Jaliscoa hunteri
Jaliscoa hunteri is a pteromalid parasitoid wasp native to North America that functions as a biological control agent of weevil pests in agricultural systems. Originally described as Catolaccus hunteri in 1908, it was transferred to Jaliscoa in a 2013 revision. The species is best known for parasitizing and host-feeding on pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii) larvae in pepper crops, and has been evaluated for control of hibiscus bud weevil (Anthonomus testaceosquamosus). Laboratory studies demonstrate strong attraction to volatiles emitted by weevil-infested pepper plants and fruit.