Report of Bruchophagus abnormis Zerova 1984, (Hym.: Eurytomidae) from Iran

Prangus ferulacea L.is a prennial plant widely distribute in Zagros Mountains, especially in Chaharmahal & Bakhtiary province. Further to fodder and medicinal values the plant can help to control soil erosion through its deep root system (Moghimi 1384). This species is infested by a diverse group of insect pests include stem borers, defoliators and in particular seed bugs which collectively threaten its survival. In the course of surveys conducted to collect and identify seed affecting pests of Prangus ferulacea L,in 2009-2010, premature to fully formed seeds were collected, counted and examined for wasp infection percentage. To collect adult wasp, seed samples were stored in glass jars in the laboratory and the emerging adults were kept in 70% alcohol for identification. The results revealed this wasp as Bruchophagus abnormis Zerova 1984. It has been recorded previously only on Trigonella arcuata C.A.Mey in Kazakhstan (Zerova, 1988). Exit holes of adult insect are round in appearance on infected seeds. Seed damage averaged 8-13percent. Further to P. ferulacea, the wasp was collected from Rumex ponticus E.H.L. Krase seeds as well. The collected specimens are presently maintained in the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center of Chaharmahal & Bakhtiary in Shahrekord. This is the first report of the wasp for Iranian insect fauna.