Necremnus Thomson (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) Accidently Recorded on the Almond Bark Beetle, Scolytus amygdali Geurin-Meneville (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) in Tunisia

Abstract

The almond bark beetle Scolytus amygdali Geurin-Meneville (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) is a main pest of almond orchards in Tunisia. Among many chalcidoids species collected in rearing cages of this pest, three specimens were identified by morphological and molecular tools as belonging to the genus Necremnus Thomson. A comprehensive survey of published literature concluded that Necremnus species have been previously recorded as parasitoids associated with the almond bark beetles. Further information about their use as biocontrol agents is still required.