Metaphycus

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Metaphycus
Metaphycus inat 4772310 a.jpg
In California
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Encyrtidae
Genus: Metaphycus
Mayr, 1917

Metaphycus is a genus of wasps in the family Encyrtidae. [1] The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution. [1]

Contents

Members of the genus Metaphycus are small parasitoid wasps, typically ranging from 1.5 to 2 mm in length. They are known for their role in biological control, particularly against soft scale insects such as black scale, soft brown scale, and citricola scale. [2]

Taxonomy

The genus is taxonomically complex, with over 400 described species, many of which are morphologically similar and require microscopic examination for accurate identification. Species are often grouped based on host specificity and morphological traits such as palpi segmentation and ocelli arrangement. [3]

Selected species

The following species are included in the genus Metaphycus: [1]

Human uses

One species, Metaphycus helvolus, was introduced to California from South Africa in the 1920s to control black scale infestations in citrus orchards. It has since become a widely used agent in integrated pest management programs. [4]


References

  1. 1 2 3 "Metaphycus Mayr, 1917". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  2. ↑ "Metaphycus". Good Bugs Australia. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
  3. ↑ "Metaphycus species". WaspWeb. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
  4. 1 2 "Metaphycus alberti". Cornell University. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
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