User:Ryleymarston/sandbox

= Lysiphlebus testaceipes =

The Lysiphlebus testaceipes, known as the greenbugs aphid parasitoid, is similar and can be compared to a tiny black wasp. This organism is rare to see. The noticeable characteristic of this organism is the aphid mummies that remain on leaves after greenbugs are killed. The aphid parasitoid then uses this aphid mummy to its benefit. This is because parasitoid uses the remaining green bug within the aphid mummies for feeding. Greenbugs change colors to tan and become swollen when parasitized.

Behavior
Behaviourally, the parasitoid utilizes the destroyed mummies to harden and become a protective habitat for the wasp pupa. This process is completed  by sucking the sap out of plants, and injecting them with toxins. The parasitoid is also a transporter of plant pathogens. The main environment of the aphid parasitoids are within wheat and grain crops. The presence of these parasitoids are invasive because they decrease the number of greenbugs negatively impact crop plants plants.

Life Cycle
Greenbugs aphid parasitoid require a host in order to complete their life cycle. Normally a host is an aphid. The larvae and eggs will develop within the host. Within approximately 48 hours, the larvae will emerge from the egg and begin to feed on the host tissue until the host eventually dies. The greenbugs aphid parasitoid then utilize the aphid’s skin to make what is called a “mummy”. The greenbugs aphid parasitoid remains in the mummy until full development when it finally exits the bug, emerging as an adult. The speed of development depends on temperature as they develop faster in a warmer climate. The average lifespan of a greenbugs aphid parasitoid is approximately 15 days.

Distribution and Habitat
The greenbugs aphid parasitoid was originally introduced to France in the 1970s and has since spread worldwide. The spread of this organism is due to modern farming and transportation methods. The parasitoid is invasive to Portugal, Medditerianian France, Italy, and the United States, since the 1980s. The first introduction to Serbia occurred approximately 20 years ago. Ecologically, this species depletes crop production and destroys the population of greenbugs.

Invasive Species
The greenbugs aphid parasitoid was first listed as invasive to France. The first introduction to be researched and studied was in Serbia, since approximately 2000. The greenbugs aphid parasitoid has thrived in the Mediterranean climate, Portugal and Texas. The wasp is also known to be invasive in areas that have imported wheat and grain crops.

The most common way for the greenbugs aphid parasitoid to distribute is through exploitation and importation. Movement and distribution of the types of crops that normally house these insects, such as wheat and grains, lead to the expansion of the species. This also explains why the major expansion is relative to the last twenty years, as exportation has expanded rapidly from country to country. Determining the connections from the locations in which the greenbugs aphid parasitoid is currently inhabiting, plays a role in success. All of the locations the parasitoid is currently present in are warm. Due to the fact that they thrive in the Mediterranean it proves weather might play an impactful role. One statistic that diminishes this, is  the wasp is present in almost every state and many countries, climate independent. This leads to the conclusion that the factor of establishment is the ability to grow and cultivate the crops that carry mummies of greenbugs.

The benefits of the greenbugs aphid parasitoid being at the top of the food chain and having no specific predator. Another characteristic of the species’ ability to inhabit almost anywhere. This species is present in thirteen different states and many countries. Greenbug population and crop survival are threatened by this species' presence. The aphid species is known for invaded and infected crops. As a result, farmers have adopted practices such as placing yellow sticky traps, growing crops in temperatures between 65 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and using pesticides. Pesticides kill the mummies of the greenbugs and stop the wasps from replicating.