First Discovery of Invasive Pest Ophelimus bipolaris (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in Guangxi

doi:10.16409/j.cnki.2095-039x.2025.07.002

Abstract

Abstract: An insect species that can induce vesicular gall formation on Eucalyptus leaves, resulting in leaf deformation, desiccation, and abscission, was identified using morphological and molecular methods, which may provide reference for field identification, monitoring, and management. Thirty Eucalyptus leaves with galls from the DH299-5 strain were collected in Zhaoping County, Hezhou City, Guangxi Province, and sealed in airtight preservation bags. Daily inspections were conducted to monitor the insect emergence and to collect and enumerate the insects for identification. Morphological identification was conducted using a stereomicroscope and an ultra-depth-of-field three-dimensional microscope system. DNA extraction was performed using a DNA extraction kit, followed by sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and 28S ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) genes. The sequences were uploaded to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database for BLAST comparison, and congeneric species sequences were downloaded. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum likelihood method, with Closterocerus chamaeleon as the outgroup. A total of 984 insects were collected from five leaves. The sequence lengths of COI and 28S rRNA were 640 bp and 435 bp, respectively. Blastn homology comparison revealed the highest similarity to Ophelimus bipolaris. Combined with morphological identification, the pest was confirmed as O. bipolaris. O. bipolaris has a broad host range among various Eucalyptus species, causing gall formation and extensive leaf shedding. Strengthened quarantine measures, intensified monitoring, and preventive actions, particularly biological control utilizing natural enemies and reducing chemical pesticide use, are crucial for safeguarding the healthy development of the Eucalyptus industry.

Key words: Eucalyptus spp., Ophelimus bipolaris, invasive pest, morphological identification, DNA examination

CLC Number:

S476.3

LI Junjue, XIE Jinting, ZHOU Leming, XU Xiu, YANG Zhende, YANG Zhongqi. First Discovery of Invasive Pest Ophelimus bipolaris (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in Guangxi[J]. Chinese Journal of Biological Control, 2025, 41(6): 1522-1529.

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