Diversity, distribution, biology, and predators of adelgids (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in the conifer forests of Bhutan
| Authors: | Kaka Tshering, Namgay Shacha, Yonten Norbu, Tshering, Sonam Tashi, Zephyr Zembrzuski, Elena Karlsen-Ayala, Nathan P. P. Havill |
| Year: | 2025 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieaf051 |
| Source: | Journal of Insect Science |
Abstract
Forests provide critical ecological and economic services in Bhutan. After reports of a heavy adelgid infestation damaging trees in a forest nursery in Changaphu in 2019, a country-wide survey was conducted between 2020 and 2022. Eight adelgid species were found. Four were described elsewhere before this survey: Adelges (Annandina) tsugae Annand, Ad. (Gilletteela) glandulae, Pineus (Pineus) armandicola Zhang, Zhong and Zhang, and P. (P.) wallichianae Yaseen and Ghani. The remaining 4 were new species described in a separate paper: Ad. (Cholodkovskya) changaphuensis Havill and Brunet, Ad. (Cassiadelges) coccipus Havill and Brunet, Ad. (Dreyfusia) densae Havill and Brunet, and Ad. (An.) lepsimon Havill and Brunet. The distribution, DNA barcode diversity, and biology of each species are discussed here. In addition, fungi associated with P. (P.) armandicola from different sites were identified using internal transcribed spacer and 28S DNA sequences as phylogenetically diverged members of the sooty mold family Capnodiaceae, suggesting that the association may not be species-specific. Finally, the dipteran predators associated with adelgids were summarized as a potential source of biological control agents. Immature morphology and DNA barcodes identified 3 operational taxonomic units of Lestodiplosis (Cecidomyiidae), one each of Episyrphus, Parasyrphus, and Melangyna (Syrphidae), 1 Leucopis and 4 Neoleucopis (Chamaemyiidae). DNA barcodes also identified hymenopteran parasitoids inside some cecidomyiid specimens as Playtgastridae and inside some chamaemyiid specimens as Figitidae and Pteromalidae, highlighting the multitrophic nature of potential pest management.