Natural parasitism of Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) at Cuitlahuac Veracruz, Mexico

The Citrus Leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella (CLM) was reported from Mexico for first time in September 1994. This insect spread rapidly over the main citrus-growing areas and it became a serious threat to the citrus industry in Mexico. The options for controlling this pest include chemical control and natural biological control. The objective of this investigation is to identify the parasitoids associated with the CLM and the variation in their populations in Persian lime, Citrus aurantifolia cv.'Tahiti', at Cuitlahuac, Veracruz, Mexico. The species found are: Cirrospilus sp. n.1, Cirruspilus sp. n.2, Horismenus sp., Galeopsomyia sp. and Elasmus tischeriae. From November to March of 1995-96, parasitism of the CLM was more than 70% and the most abundant parasitic species were Galeopsomyia sp. and Cirrospilus sp. n.1 and sp. n. 2.