Natural Enemies of Cypress Tree Mealybug, Planococcus vovae (Nasonov) (Hem., Pseudococcidae), and their Parasitoids in Tehran, Iran

The cypress tree mealybug, Planococcus vovae (Nasonov) (Hem., Pseudococcidae) is one of the most important pests of cypress trees, especially Cupressus semprevirens fastigiata L. in Iran. A survey was carried out to determine the natural enemies of cypress tree mealybug in Tehran Province, during 2004-2005. As a result of this study, 17 species of predators, parasitoids and hyperparasitoids belonging to 10 families and 15 genera were collected and identified. Among the natural enemies associated with P. vovae three species, Coccidoxenoides perminutus Girault (Hym., Encyrtidae), Aprostocetus ceroplastae (Girault) (Hym., Eulophidae) and Pachyneuron bonum Xu and Li (Hym., Pteromalidae) were recorded here for the first time from Iran. The diagnostic morphological characteristics of the newly recorded species are given here and illustrated. The host range and economic importance of its natural enemies are reviewed and discussed