Diaeretellus nymphaealis sp. n. (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae) - a new member of aphid parasitoid guilds associated with wetland habitats, with a key for identification of Diaeretellus species

The genus Diaeretellus is a small group of Aphidiinae wasps, comprising five species from the Palaearctic so far. All members of the genus are highly specialised to semi-aquatic habitats and aphid hosts and plants that occupy them. Because they have practically no economic importance as biocontrol agents, the biology of Diaeretellus species is still somewhat unknown. We describe a new species of this genus, Diaeretellus nymphaealis sp. nov., another member of aphid-parasitoid guilds from wetland habitats and the first species of the genus to be described from the Nearctic. Wetland habitats are under considerable anthropogenic pressure and as such require intensive conservation efforts. Placing the focus of conservation strategies on hyperdiverse entomofauna, instead of only charismatic megafauna, can have positive effects on their outcomes.

Automated summary

The genus Diaeretellus is a small group of Aphidiinae wasps that inhabit semi-aquatic habitats and specialize in aphid hosts and plants. The biology of Diaeretellus species is still not well-known due to their lack of economic importance as biocontrol agents. This study describes a new species, Diaeretellus nymphaealis sp. nov., which is the first member of the genus to be described from the Nearctic region and is found in wetland habitats. Conservation efforts for wetland habitats, which are under anthropogenic pressure, should focus on hyperdiverse entomofauna to achieve positive outcomes.