Taxonomy of the Trichogramma minutum complex (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae): allozymic variation and its relationship to reproductive and geographic data

Allozymic variation at 14 loci in 22 cultures of the Trichogramma minutum Riley complex is correlated significantly with levels of reproductive compatibility reported in a previous study. These data support the tentative recognition of three morphologically similar forms: the Coastal and Interior forms of T. platneri Nagarkatti, distributed west of the Rocky Mountains; and T. minutum, occurring in eastern North America. Considerable allozymic variation is reported within this one morphospecies of Trichogramma, supporting a protocol of extensive intraspecific sampling when using electrophoretic data for characterizing and relating species in this genus.