Abstract
A new species of Theronia Holmgren, viz., T. karthiki Sudheer and Thirupam Reddy sp. nov. is described, as hyperparasitic on Xanthopimpla pedator (Fabricius), a parasitoid of Indian Tasar silkworm moth, Antheraea mylitta (Drury). The new species is closely resembling T. zebra but differs in having propodeum without vestiges of anterior transverse carina, pleural part of posterior transverse carina distinct and completely present, frons without median longitudinal carina, and frons without conspicuous black markings. The new species will be a potential control agent to the parasitoid of Indian Tasar silkworm moth. A comparison of the new species to other similar species is provided. A key to the Indian species of the genus Theronia is also provided.
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Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the authorities of The Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan College for the facilities provided. The authors are also grateful to Dr. C. Srinivas, Former Director-in-charge, Basic Tasar Silkworm Seed Organisation, Bilaspur, Central Silk Board for the support and guidance in the rearing and collection of specimens. We would like to thank Dr Santhosh S and Mr Binoy, Department of Zoology, Malabar Christian College, Kozhikode for helping with the photographs and high-quality images of the specimens.
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Sudheer, K., Reddy, B.T., Vishnu, K. et al. A new species of Theronia Holmgren (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) parasitic on Xanthopimpla pedator Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from India. Int J Trop Insect Sci 42, 2949–2957 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-022-00822-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-022-00822-6