A hyperparasite of coccids develops as a primary parasite of fly puparia

Species ofPachyneuron (Hym.: Pteromalidae) have been recorded as either primary parasites or hyperparasites.P. concolor (Foerster) is a polyphagous secondary parasite, attacking encyrtid primary parasites in soft scales, mealy bugs and coccinellid larvae. It also develops as a tertiary parasite. We now report thatP. concolor may also develop as a primary parasite of aphidophagous fly puparia. Host selection in this species appears to be based on locating a soft-bodied host within a hard, dry shell, independent of whether the host is a dipterous pupa in its puparium or a primary parasite in its mummified host. The overall effect ofP. concolor is detrimental. Its introduction into new areas should definitely be avoided.