Eurytoma amygdali, or the almond seed wasp, is a species of wasp in the family Eurytomidae which is native to Mediterranean areas, and parts of former Soviet Union.[1]

Eurytoma amygdali
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Eurytomidae
Genus: Eurytoma
Species:
E. amygdali
Binomial name
Eurytoma amygdali
Enderlein, 1907

Diet and ecology

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E. amygdali is considered a pest in most of its range, especially in northern Greek districts Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki because they insert their ovaries into almond seeds.[1][2]

 
Uninfected and infected almond

The wasp larvae overwinter within the blackened almond seeds.[3]

Adult

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The adult male has a length of 4–6 mm and the female 6–8 mm. Its body is glossy/shiny black and its legs have a lighter colour.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Eurytoma amygdali". Archived from the original on 2021-11-09. Retrieved 2021-11-16.
  2. ^ "Eurytoma". cabi.org. Retrieved 2021-11-16.
  3. ^ Kouloussis, Nikos A.; Katsoyannos, Byron I. (1 July 1995). "Distribution and Activities of Eurytoma amygdali (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) Wasps on Almond Trees". Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 88 (4): 547–553. doi:10.1093/aesa/88.4.547.