Diversity of the parasitoid wasps (Insecta: Hymenoptera) of guava (Psidium guajava L.) (Myrtaceae) orchards in Middle Egypt, with new records

Abstract Background Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) is one of the most commercially important fruits globally, with significant economic importance in many countries. Despite its importance, guava is frequently attacked by numerous insect pests (over 80 species), particularly from the orders Hemiptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera, which cause economic damage to various parts of the plant. Many parasitoid wasp species are reported as biocontrol agents against such pests in different parts of the world, especially from the superfamilies Chalcidoidea and Ichneumonoidea. Results Based on specimens collected in P. guajava orchards, eleven parasitoid wasp species have been reported. They belong to six families: Braconidae (four species), Encyrtidae (one species), Eulophidae (one species), Eurytomidae (one species), Ichneumonidae (two species and one subspecies), and Scelionidae (one species). Of which the genus Notanisomorphella Girault is here recorded for the first time for the fauna of Egypt, with a single species, N. flaviventris (Girault) as a first record for the whole Palaearctic region. Furthermore, Ichneumon sarcitorius repetitor Kriechbaumer, and Cryptus albidentatus Schwarz are also new record for the fauna of Egypt. All recorded species are new associates with P. guajava . Conclusions In the present study, eleven parasitoid wasp species belonging to six families and three superfamilies (Chalcidoidea, Ichneumonoidea, and Platygastroidea), were collected in P. guajava orchards. Of which the genus Notanisomorphella , Cryptus albidentatus , and the subspecies Ichneumon sarcitorius repetitor are recorded for the first time for the fauna of Egypt. Furthermore, N. flaviventris is here a first record for the whole Palaearctic region, and C. albidentatus is also new to Africa. All collected species are new associates with P. guajava .