New photographic system

Thanks to a grant from Sida, icipe has acquired a MacroSolutions Macropod photographic system. This technologically advanced equipment, with its capacity to produce high-resolution images presents especially presents exciting opportunities for our taxonomy research. For example, until recently, taxonomy and identification of microhymenoptera (very small wasps; mostly 1-3 mm in length), were hindered by the difficulty of visualising diagnostic morphological characters on such tiny specimens. Many wasps are significantly beneficial to humankind, because of their ability to naturally control agricultural pests. Most of them are parasitic: they usually lay their eggs in or on the eggs or larvae of other insect species, and as the wasp larva develops, it leads to the death of the host insect. Images are key in descriptive taxonomy and the system will enable us to catalogue and enhance understanding on the diversity of life. Furthermore, striking insect images are valuable in science communication.


Chrysididae, Chrysidinae; a jewel wasp. All chrysidids are parasitoids of other insects. Collected on the grounds of the Swedish ambassador’s residence in Nairobi.  


Diapriidae, probably Aneuropria sp. Known hosts of Aneuropria and its close relatives are Diptera (flies).


Chalcididae, Epitraninae, Epitranus sp. Known hosts are moth species. One species parasitizes Phereoeca uterella, the household case bearer moth, commonly seen adhering to the walls of houses in Nairobi and elsewhere. Collected on the grounds of the Swedish ambassador’s residence in Nairobi.  


Eulophidae, Euplectromorpha emeljanovi. This species, collected recently at icipe, is rare in Africa, formerly known only from Ethiopia. The Kenyan specimen is the southernmost record of the genus in Africa. Its biology is unknown.


Eulophidae, Euplectrini, Euplectrus scapus. Hosts of Euplectrus are found in nine families of moths (Lepidoptera). This species is known for its grossly enlarged scape (the first segment of the antenna).


Pteromalidae, Epichrysomallinae, Sycotreta sp. nov., a new species of fig-associated gall wasps (i.e. not pollinators of figs). Collected on the grounds of the Swedish ambassador’s residence in Nairobi.


Scelionidae, Scelioninae, Trissoscelio species. This species is brachypterous (short winged) whereas the male has completely developed wings. Collected on the grounds of the Swedish ambassador’s residence in Nairobi.

 

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