An introduction to parasitoids of poplar clear-wing moth, Paranthrene tabaniformis (Rottemberg, 1775) (Lep., Sesiidae) in Urmia region, northwest Iran

Poplars are the fast- growing trees that are very important in forestry and wood production of the country. The poplar clear-wing moth, Paranthrene tabaniformis (Rottemburg, 1775) (Lep.: Sesiidae) is one of the most important pests that feed on the growing seedlings of these trees, especially in nurseries, causing great damage to the production of this valuable product. In order to collect and identify the biocontrol agents of this pest, the galls containing the overwintering larvae of the moth were collected in March 2015 and 2016 from the nurseries and forests around Urmia. After collection, infested poplar cuttings were transported to the laboratory of the Plant Protection Department of Urmia University and covered with paraffin. Cuttings were kept under laboratory conditions. With the gradual emerging of adult moths and parasitoids from the galls inside the cages, the parasitoids were collected and prepared for identification. Based on the obtained results, it was determined that the larvae of the poplar clear-wing moth were parasitized by parasitoids as follow:- Bracon (Bracon) intercessor var. laetus (Wesmael, 1838) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)- Bracon (Bracon) intercessor var. fulvus (Szépligeti, 1896) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)- Iconella sp. (Hym.: Braconidae)- Pristomerus vulnerator (Panz.) (Hym.: Ichneumonidae)- Liotryphon sp.1 (Hym., Ichneumonidae)Key words: Urmia, poplar clear-wing moth, parasitoids