New parasitoids of Spodoptera frugiperda in Lampung Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Lampung Province is one of the largest maize producers in Indonesia. The invasion of Spodoptera frugiperda into Indonesia led to damage in maize, thereby impacting production. In the invaded area, native natural enemies also played a role in controlling the population of S. frugiperda. Therefore, the exploration and identification of parasitoids associated with S. frugiperda were necessary to determine potential control strategies. Four species of parasitoids were discovered emerging from S. frugiperda larvae collected from four maize production areas in Lampung Province, Indonesia, i.e. Lampung Timur, Pesawaran, Pringsewu, and Lampung Selatan. The parasitation rate ranges from 3.17 to 4.81%. Morphological observations confirmed that the parasitoids belonged to the genera Senometopia (Diptera: Tachinidae), Eriborus (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), Chelonus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and Drino (Palexorista) (Diptera: Tachinidae). Additionally, Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I (COI) sequence analysis revealed that the parasitoids were identified as Senometopia illota, Genus nr. Eriborus sp., Chelonus formosanus, and Drino (Pelexorista) sp. Senometopia illota and Genus nr. Eriborus sp. are newly recorded as parasitoids of S. frugiperda. This finding will provide valuable information concerning the global diversity and distribution of parasitoids, including Indonesia, as well as a basis for determining appropriate control strategies for S. frugiperda.