Aphid-parasitoid Associations on the Impatiens Plants in Central Europe (Hemiptera, Aphididae; Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae)

Abstract

Three Impatiens species are recorded in Czech Republic, one native, I. noli-tangere and two neophytes, I. parviflora and I. glandulifera of different origin. Neophytes have expanded all over Czech Republic. A long-term research on aphids and their parasitoids yielded in four aphid species, Aphis fabae, A. nasturtii, Impatientinum asiaticum and I. balsamines which are parasitized with 14 parasitoid species forming 29 tritrophic associations. The key point is that the local I. noli-tangere is primarily separated from both the neophytes by its association with I. balsamines, and also by the lack of I. asiaticum. A. fabae is broadly specific, adapted both to the local Impatiens species as well as to the neophytes. Also, parasitoid complexes are rather different, in spite of the presence of P. volucre on all three species. The aphid-parasitoid associations on I. glandulifera may be an example of adaptation of local fauna to a new invasive plant and aphid immigrants. A key for the identification of aphid parasitoids associated with Impatiens aphids in Central Europe is provided.