New host, old tactic: first record of the parasitism on allochthonous Hierodula oothecae by Mantibaria seefelderiana in Europe (Mantodea: Mantidae; Hymenoptera: Scelionidae)

Abstract

This study reports the first record of parasitic activity by Mantibaria seefelderiana (De Stefani, 1891) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) in Italy targeting Hierodula patellifera (Audinet-Serville, 1839), an alien mantid species of Asian origin that has spread in several regions of the country. M. seefelderiana, known for its specialization as a mantis oothecal parasitoid, had not previously been associated with exotic hosts in the Italian territory. Observations were conducted between summer and autumn 2024 in urban and peri-urban environments in northern Italy. Adult specimens of M. seefelderiana were found on several adult females of H. patellifera, suggesting active host-seeking behavior. Furthermore, the parasitism process on the oothecae was directly observed and documented — photographically and through video recordings — for the first time, confirming H. patellifera as a possible suitable host. This finding represents a notable example of trophic interaction between a native parasitoid and an introduced mantid species, with potential implications for the population dynamics of invasive mantids and the adaptive flexibility of native natural enemies. This record expands current knowledge of the biology of M. seefelderiana and provides a foundation for future research into its possible role as a natural control agent against non-native Mantodea in Europe.