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Metaphycus
Genus of wasps From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Metaphycus is a genus of wasps in the family Encyrtidae.[1] The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution.[1]
Members of the genus Metaphycus are small parasitoid wasps, typically ranging from 1.5 to 2 mm in length. They are known for their role in biological control, particularly against soft scale insects such as black scale, soft brown scale, and citricola scale.[2]
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Taxonomy
The genus is taxonomically complex, with over 400 described species, many of which are morphologically similar and require microscopic examination for accurate identification. Species are often grouped based on host specificity and morphological traits such as palpi segmentation and ocelli arrangement.[3]
Selected species
The following species are included in the genus Metaphycus:[1]
- Metaphycus acanthococci Myartseva, 1987
- Metaphycus aegle Noyes, 2004
- Metaphycus alberti Howard, 1898 – Introduced to California for biological control of cottony cushion scale.[4]
- Metaphycus helvolus Compere, 1926
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Human uses
One species, Metaphycus helvolus, was introduced to California from South Africa in the 1920s to control black scale infestations in citrus orchards. It has since become a widely used agent in integrated pest management programs.[4]
References
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