Species diversity and distribution pattern of Aphidiinae (Hym.: Braconidae) in Kerman province, Iran

Aphidiinae is one of the most important subfamilies of Braconidae, species of which play an important role in biological control of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea). In this study, the effects of humidity and temperature on the density and dispersal of different species of the subfamily Aphidiinae were investigated in three different ecological areas of Bardsir (Kerman province), located in southeast Iran. Specimens were collected by a hand net on field crops in three stations (Bardsir, Lalehzar and Negar) during March to November 2013. Altogether nine species belonging to five genera (Aphidius, Praon, Diaeretiella, Trioxys and Lysiphlebus) were recorded from these areas. The results revealed that the majority of species were found in the area with temperature between 18 to 20 °C and/ or with humidity rate of 34 to 39%, 40.1 and 50.6 percent of specimens respectively. Most of the collected members of this subfamily were found in the average temperature of 18.5 ± 1.13 °C. Trioxys complanatus Quilis, 1931 was the dominant species. According to biodiversity and ecological indices, species diversity and dispersal were different in the three stations. In conclusion, temperature and humidity have great impact on species diversity and distribution pattern of Aphidiinae.

Species diversity and distribution pattern of Aphidiinae (Hym.: Braconidae) in Kerman province, Iran Keywords:

humidity , temperature , Diversity , ecological indices