New Records and Taxonomy of Ceraphronidae (Hymenoptera) as Hyperparasitoids of Aphid Parasitoid Wasps

Abstract

Taxonomic assessment and faunistic surveys of Ceraphronidae (Hymenoptera) were conducted to document new records and clarify their role as hyperparasitoids associated with aphid parasitoid wasps in agroecosystems. Field collections from aphid-infested cereal and vegetable crops revealed the emergence of ceraphronid specimens from mummified aphids previously parasitized by primary aphidiine parasitoids. Adult specimens were identified using detailed morphological examination of antennal segmentation, wing venation, and metasomal structure, supported by COI-based DNA barcoding for species-level confirmation. Several Ceraphronidae taxa were recorded as new regional occurrences, expanding the known distribution and host association spectrum of the family. Evidence confirmed their hyperparasitic relationship, as individuals developed within primary parasitoids attacking aphid hosts rather than directly within aphids. Parasitism dynamics indicated seasonal peaks corresponding to high aphid and primary parasitoid abundance, suggesting strong trophic linkage within aphid–parasitoid–hyperparasitoid food webs. Phylogenetic analysis placed collected specimens within established Ceraphronidae clades, with moderate genetic divergence among populations, indicating both regional adaptation and cryptic diversity. The presence of hyperparasitoids was associated with reduced effectiveness of primary biological control agents, highlighting their potential impact on aphid suppression programs. Environmental factors such as habitat complexity and pesticide usage influenced hyperparasitoid prevalence and community structure. The study provides important taxonomic updates and new distributional records of Ceraphronidae while emphasizing their ecological role in multitrophic interactions. These findings underscore the need to consider hyperparasitoid dynamics in integrated pest management strategies to optimize aphid biological control in agricultural ecosystems.