Gonatocerus (Lymaenon) sp. 1

(Figs 204, 205)

Extralimital records. USA. CALIFORNIA, Riverside Co., Riverside, University of California at Riverside (UCR), Department of Entomology Insectary & Quarantine facility, I.M. Bayoun: 20.vii.1998 (third generation on eggs of Neoaliturus tenellus (Baker) on sugar beet) [3 Ƥ, UCRC]; ix.2000 (from culture on eggs of N. tenellus on sugar beet) [4 Ƥ, UCRC], originally from: IRAN. FARS, Kavar, 14–15.v.1998, N. Zareh (from eggs of N. tenellus on sugar beet, Beta vulgaris , leaves, UCR Quarantine S&R # 98-09-02 C).

Brief diagnosis. FEMALE. Body length 860–920 µm. Head and mesosoma mostly dark brown, gaster light brown to brown; appendages light to dark brown. Antenna (Fig. 204) with mps on F5 (1), F7 (2), F8 (2), and clava (10). Fore wing (Fig. 205) 2.9–3.0× as long as wide, with discal setae originating behind base of marginal vein. Ovipositor 1.2–1.3× length of mesotibia, not exserted beyond apex of gaster. Thus mostly identical to G. litoralis except fore wing disc with a distinct bare area between the marginal vein and the cubital row of setae (Fig. 205).

MALE. Unknown.

Distribution. PALAEARCTIC: Iran (originally).

Host. Neoaliturus (Circulifer) tenellus (Baker) (Cicadellidae) .

Comments. This apparently new species is not described as such because only a few laboratory reared specimens are available for study. The original material from Iran was not preserved because it was used for establishing the colony in quarantine and could not be recovered.