Life history investigations of hemipterans selected for non-target host-suitability studies of the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) biocontrol agent Anastatus orientalis, with molecular investigations of local Anastatus taxa

Abstract

This project consisted of two separate objectives. First, the phylogenetics of the genus Anastatus (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) north of Mexico was investigated by extracting and amplifying the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) to use as a comparison and identification tool. This genus was the focus due to the genus containing species that have attacked spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) eggs in Asia. Five species of Anastatus were extracted but only A. reduvii was successfully amplified. This resulted in no phylogenetic investigation into the genus. The second objective was to investigate the life histories of native hemipteran species and establish rearing colonies to acquire eggs and nymphs from said species. Those eggs and nymphs were collected to provide material for cooperating labs conducting non-target host suitability testing for the biological control of the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). Fourteen species in total were studied during the course of this research and eggs were obtained from eight of them (Poblicia fuliginosa (Fulgoridae), Rhynchomitra microrhina (Dictyopharidae), Flatormenis proxima (Flatidae), Acanalonia conica, Acanalonia bivittata (Acanaloniidae), Thelia bimaculata (Membracidae), Arilus cristatus (Reduviidae), Anasa tristis (Coreidae)).Nymphs were obtained from six (Poblicia fuliginosa (Fulgoridae), Rhynchomitra microrhina (Dictyopharidae), Flatormenis proxima (Flatidae), Acanalonia conica, Acanalonia bivittata (Acanaloniidae), Anasa tristis (Coreidae)).