Encarsia is a large genus of minute
parasitic wasps of the family
Aphelinidae. The genus is very diverse with currently about 400 described species and worldwide distribution.[1] The number of existing species is expected to be several times higher because many species are still undescribed.[2]Encarsia is a very complex genus, with specimens showing both inter- and intra-specific variations, making morphological classification difficult.[3]
The adult wasps, tiny insects about 1 or 2 millimeters in size, are primarily
parasitoids of sessile stages of
Sternorrhyncha, in particular
whiteflies (Aleyrodidae) and
scale insects (Diaspididae). A few species are known to parasitize
aphids, eggs of shield-back bugs (Plataspidae), and eggs of
Lepidoptera. Females mostly develop as primary endoparasitoids, and males are commonly hyperparasitoids of the same or other species. This so-called heteronomy, a sexually dimorphic host relationship, occurs in quite a few species.[4][5]
Species of Encarsia are of particular interest because of their economic importance for
biological pest control, especially in horticulture and for crops grown under glass. Many seem to be extremely host-specific which is an important
trait for an acceptable and effective bio-control agent.
^Heraty, J. M., et al. (2008) Systematics and Biology of Encarsia. Chapter 4, pp. 71-87 In: Gould, J., et al. (Eds), In: Classical Biological Control of Bemisia tabaci in the United States. A review of interagency research and implementation. Progress in Biological Control 4. Springer Science and Business Media B. V. 1-343.
^Heraty, J. M., et al. (2008). Systematics and Biology of Encarsia. Chapter 4, pp. 71-87 In: Gould, J., et al. (Eds), In: Classical Biological Control of Bemisia tabaci in the United States. A review of interagency research and implementation. Progress in Biological Control 4. Springer Science and Business Media B. V. 1-343.
^Singh, S. P. (2004) Some success stories in classical biological control of pests in India. Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions, Publication 2004/2.