Introduction and preliminary evaluation of a new aphid parasitoid, binodoxys communis (hymenoptera: aphidiinae) in Hawaiʻi

Abstract

I introduced a new aphid parasitoid, Binodoxys communis, into Hawaii to help improve biological control of invasive aphid pests. This thesis research identified B. communis' potential host range among commonly found aphid species in Hawaii; evaluated the parasitoid's initial establishment in the field after it was released; assessed the preliminary impact of the introduction on aphid populations; and, finally, investigated the susceptibility of B. communis to hyperparasitism.