First record and new hosts of Coccophagus shillongensis Hayat and Singh, 1989 (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in Serbia

Abstract

During a study on soft scales (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) and their natural enemies in Serbia, the parasitoid Coccophagus shillongensis Hayat and Singh 1989 (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Aphelinidae), a new species for Serbia, was recorded. Originates from India, from where it was incidentally introduced to Europe and first recorded for in Greece in 2017. Since then, there are no other data on this parasitoid. During our research in 2016–2018, the species was registered in the area of Belgrade at eight localities. It was eclosed from six species of soft scales, five ofwhich were new hosts. In addition to adult females, it also parasitizes instar nymphs, which was not known until now. The finding of males of this species in Serbia represents the first record outside India.