Trichilogaster sp. nov.

Trichilogaster sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is an orange, bud-galling wasp. This tiny wasp produces bud and stem galls on infested earleaf acacia plants. Little else is currently known about this species. This wasp species is currently undergoing identification by taxonomists as well as host range and biology studies to ensure its safe use as a biological control agent for earleaf acacia. It is well documented that the wasps in the genus Trichilogaster produce galls on Australian acacias and are highly host specific. There are two other species that are successful biological control agents of acacia species in other parts of the world, Trichilogaster acaciaelongifoliae Froggatt and Trichilogaster signiventris Girault. Therefore, potential success with using this new species of Trichilogaster for control of earleaf acacia in Florida is high.

Trichilogaster sp. nov. adult (left) and galls (right). Photos by: Sara Salgado.