High genetic diversity and a new cryptic species within the Ephedrus persicae species group (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae)

In this study we used molecular markers to characterize various populations of the Ephedrus persicae species group originating from different aphid hosts and different habitat types. Twelve different haplotypes were identified in 15 E. persicae specimens, and thus there were no shared haplotypes between specimens from different aphid hosts. All haplotypes were clustered in two distinct phylogenetic clades (“persicae 1” and “persicae 2”), the average genetic distance between these two clades being 3.1%. Ephedrus persicae specimens from the “persicae 1” clade parasitize leaf-curling aphids from Prunus and Malus orchards. Furthermore, there was significant differentiation of the “persicae 2” clade into two distinct evolutionary groups, with a genetic distance of 2.5% between them. On the basis of the genetically isolated position of Ephedrus specimens associated with Brachyunguis tamaricis on Tamarix gallica (more than 5.7% genetic distance), we describe Ephedrus tamaricis sp. n. as an additional member of the E. percicae species group. Key for identification of parasitoids belonging to the E. persicae species group is provided.