Distribution and effectiveness ofAnaphes diana [=Patasson lameerei] [Hym.: Mymaridae], a parasitoid ofSitona spp. Eggs [Col.: Curculionidae] in the Mediterranean region

Surveys conducted from 1973 to 1984 showed thatAnaphes diana Girault was the predominant parasitoid ofSitona spp. eggs throughout the Mediterranean range of Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Syria. In each of these countries, the mean percentage parasitism of eggs fluctuated between 1.9 and 23.9%. The impact of the mymarid on its host increased considerably from autumn to spring. Two biotypes ofA. diana, one reproducing bisexually, the other being strictly thelytokous, occur sympatrically in the Mediterranean region. The origin of various consignments ofSitona eggs parasitized byA. diana shipped to Australia for field release of the mymarid is recorded. Egg parasitoids were found in the Damascus area (Syria) that may be adapted to and effective under the hot and dry climatic conditions of South Australia.