Molecular differentiation of the Psyttaliaconcolor (Szépligeti) species complex (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) associated with olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), in Africa

The genus Psyttalia (Braconidae: Opiinae) contains several species being used or considered for use in the biological control of various fruit-infesting tephritid pests, most notably olive fly, Bactrocera oleae and Medfly, Ceratitis capitata. There is continued interest in obtaining more effective tephritid parasitoids, and much attention has focused on one particular group of closely related species from subsaharan Africa, the P. concolor species complex. However, considerable confusion surrounds the identity of members of this complex because they are difficult to differentiate morphologically. We provide information on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers that may be used for separation of various populations. Phylogenetic analyses using sequence data from 28sD2 and COI gene regions illustrate relationships among 10 identifiable groups of Psyttalia populations, and we subsequently discuss (and assign) available species names for these populations. The name Psyttalia humilis (Silvestri) is available for subsaharan populations that are morphologically similar to Psyttalia concolor, the name applicable to populations from the Mediterranean region. Our findings are further discussed in relation to the potential use of several populations in biological control efforts against olive fly in California.