A host record for a strictly specific aphid parasitoid Aphidius smithi (Braconidae: Aphidiinae): the food plant-host aphid-parasitoid association puzzle acquires a new piece

Aphidius smithi Sharma & Subba Rao (Hymenoptera: Aphidiinae) is reported parasitising Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae, cowpea aphid) which feeds on Medicago sativa L. (Fabales: Fabaceae, alfalfa) arable lands. This is the first record for this food plant-host aphid-primary parasitoid association. The known host range and global distribution for Aphidius smithi are reviewed and discussed. An overview of the relationship between this novel primary parasitoid-host aphid, their symbionts, and host changes is addressed.

Automated summary

This study reports the first record of Aphidius smithi parasitizing the cowpea aphid Aphis craccivora on alfalfa. The host range and global distribution of Aphidius smithi are reviewed, and the relationship between the parasitoid, aphid, and host changes is addressed.