Pediobius cajanus sp n. (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), an important natural enemy of the Asian fly (Melanagromyza obtusa (Malloch)) (Diptera, Agromyzidae) in the Dominican Republic

Abstract:
Pediobius cajanus sp. n. is described based on material from the Dominican Republic, where it is widespread, and it is anticipated to have a much larger distribution in tropical America. It is compared to other species of Pediobius from the New World, and is also compared to P. vignae (Risbec), a similar species from Africa with similar biology. The new species is a gregarious endoparasitoid of the pupae of the Asian fly, Melanagromyza obtusa (Malloch), an agromyzid that causes major damage to pigeon pea, Cajanus cajan (L). Millspauh. In the Dominican Republic P cajanus sp. n. is the most important parasitoid of this pest. Details on its biology are provided.