A taxonomic description of three new Ufens species (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) from India

Abstract

The cosmopolitan genus Ufens primarily parasitizes hemipteran eggs and is common in temperate and semi-arid regions such as Asia, the southwestern U.S., and Australia. This study describes three new species from India: U. garhwalensis, U. meerutensis, and U. hapurensis. Additionally, it provides re-descriptions and new distribution records for U. gurgaonensis, reporting the male for the first time. An updated key to the Indian species of Ufens is included. These findings contribute to the taxonomy of Ufens and have potential implications for biological control in agriculture, as Ufens species may play a significant role in managing hemipteran pest populations in crop systems.