DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF ALLOTROPA FÖRSTER 1856 (HYMENOPTERA: PLATYGASTRIDAE), AN ENDOPARASITOID OF THE CASSAVA MEALYBUG

ABSTRACT: The genus Allotropa Förster 1856 (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae: Sceliotrachelinae) comprises a group of primary endoparasitoids known for their critical role in controlling mealybug populations. In this study, authors reported the discovery and description of a new species within this genus, reared from Phaenacoccus manihoti (Matile-Ferrero) collected in a cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) field in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. The collected mealybugs were reared in a laboratory setting, where the emergence of the parasitoid led to the identification of a previously undocumented species. This new species, Allotropa suasaardi Sarkar sp. nov. was distinguished by several unique morphological characteristics. The holotype female and allotype male exhibit unusual yellow body coloration, in contrast to the typically blackish appearance of other described Allotropa species. Additionally, the male is characterized by exceptionally long bristles on the antennomeres. Other defining features include reduced wing venation and distinct sculpturing of the mesosoma. This discovery not only expands to the known diversity within the genus Allotropa but also highlights the potential of this new species as a biological control agent for managing mealybug infestations in cassava crops, thereby enhancing our understanding of parasitoid biodiversity in Southeast Asia. 

Keywords: Allotropa suasaardi, new record, parasitoid, Phaenacoccus manihoti, unusual yellow body