Proactive biological control of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) on the west coast: Host range of Anastatus orientalis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) and US native Anastatus spp

Anastatus orientalis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is an egg parasitoid of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), a polyphagous invasive pest of ornamental and forest trees and several crops including grapes. Lycorma delicatula is rapidly spreading on the east coast and it is anticipated that this pest will invade the western US. In response to this anticipated invasion, a proactive biological control program is being developed in California. With respect to non-target species in the west, the host range and aspects of the reproductive biology of A. orientalis shows that the release of this parasitoid species could be harmful for the local fauna. As a new approach, we investigated if the US native Anastatus spp. can parasitize L. delicatula. Three native Anastatus species have been tested against L. delicatula egg masses inside quarantine facility. In addition, intraguild competition of the native Anastatus species and A. orientalis has been investigated. An improved understanding of the biocontrol function that native Anastatus species could have on L. delicatula will reveal if west coast of USA has biotic resistance against this invasive pest and will also help with the development of biological control programs targeting L. delicatula.