Preliminary study of indigenous parasitoids of the citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella (Stainton) (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) in La Reunion

The citrus leafminer, #Phyllocnistis citrella# (Stainton) (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) was first detected in La Reunion in February 1995, and rapidly spread to all citrus growing areas of the island. Soon after, we recorded the presence of various species of indigenous parasitoids attacking the leafminer. During June and July 1996, a preliminary study was conducted in order to collect and identify the indigenous parasitoids present in the island, and to obtain a first assessment of their relative importance during the austral winter season. Samples of attacked flushes were collected on various citrus species and varieties, in 19 site representing various ecological conditions. Five species, belonging to the family Eulophidae, were collected during this study: #Cirrospilus cinctiventris# (Ferriere), #Sympiesis# sp., #Notanisomorphella borborica# (Giard), #Zagrammosoma crowei# (Kerrich) (Eulophinae), and #Neochrysocaris# sp. (Entedoninae). The most important species were #Neochrysocaris# sp., # Sympiesis# sp., or in a few cases, #C. cinctiventris#. Rates of parasitism appeared much variable, depending on the orchard characteristics, reaching a maximum of 78 % in one case. Another leafminer, common on coffee in the island, appears to be an alternative host for some of the leafminer parasitoids.