First occurrence of Euneura sopolis (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae) hyperparasiting Xenostigmus bifasciatus (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) in Brazil: implications for biological control of pine aphids

It is estimated that the planting of pinus in Brazil exceeds 2 million hectares comprising mainly two species Pinus taeda and P. elliottii. Due to the expansion of this culture and the often inappropriate cultural methods, this crop became increasingly susceptible to pest insects (Zaleski et al., 2005). Among these the aphids are outstanding due to their characteristics such as high fertility, presence of both wingless and winged forms, thus facilitating dispersal, parthenogenetic reproduction that coupled to the favorable Brazilian climatic conditions make them one of the most important pests of Pinus spp. plantations (Penteado et al., 2004). Because aphids are easily dispersed, several species some of the genus Cinara occur in the regions with conifers plantations, usually of the families Pinaceae and Cupressaceae as hosts. They are observed feeding on pine branches, sprouts and even the roots (Penteado et al., 2004). In this genus there are ca. 200 species (Costa et al., 1993).