Preliminary checklist and taxonomic keys of the chalcidid wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) of De La Salle University - Laguna Campus

Date of Publication

12-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Biology | Entomology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Shad Natthew S. Arce

Defense Panel Chair

Billy Joel M. Almarinez

Defense Panel Member

Jan Michael P. Chan

Paolo Ramon D.C. Pacheco

Abstract (English)

Chalcidid wasps are insect parasitoids under the order Hymenoptera that parasitize a wide range of insects. They play an important role as biological pest control agents in agriculture, which reduces the need for chemical insecticides and promotes sustainable pest management. Research on these wasps remains limited in the Philippines, with most available data derived from ecological or applied agricultural research rather than comprehensive studies. This study aimed to create a checklist of chalcidid wasps present at De La Salle University – Laguna Campus in Barangays Biñan and Malamig, Biñan, Laguna, through morphological analysis, the development of a taxonomic key, and photo documentation. 43 chalcidid wasps were collected in the school campus, and 10 specimens were added from the Insect and Spider Reference Collection of the Institute of Biological Control (ISRC - IoBC). A total of 53 Chalcididae specimens belonging to six genera, namely Antrocephalus, Brachymeria, Dirhinus, Hockeria, Kriechbaumerella, and Proconura were identified, with Antrocephalus being the most abundant. Among these genera, 14 species were discovered with several possibly being new records in the country. Interpretation of their presence and potential use for biological control in the local context was also explored. The resulting preliminary checklist and dichotomous key from this study serve as an early reference for the chalcidid wasp fauna within De La Salle University – Laguna Campus, and contribute to the limited documentation of the family in the Philippines.

Abstract Format

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Abstract (Filipino)

Ang mga chalcidid wasp ay mga insektong parasitoid na nabibilang sa order Hymenoptera at kilala sa kanilang malawak na hanay ng mga sinusugpong pesteng insekto. Mahalaga ang papel ng mga chalcidid wasp bilang mga likas na ahente ng biological pest control sa agrikultura sapagkat nakatutulong sila sa pagbabawas ng paggamit ng pestisidyo at sa pagsusulong ng sustainable pest management. Gayunpaman, nananatiling bahagya ang pananaliksik hinggil sa mga ito sa Pilipinas, at karamihan sa umiiral na datos ay nagmumula sa mga pag-aaral na ekolohikal o agrikultural sa halip na komprehensibong pagsusuri. Naglalayon ang pananaliksik na ito na makabuo ng isang talaan (checklist) ng mga chalcidid wasp na matatagpuan sa De La Salle University – Laguna Campus sa mga Barangay Biñan at Malamig, Lungsod ng Biñan, Laguna, gamit ang morpolohikal na pagsusuri, pagbuo ng isang taxonomic key, at photo documentation. Umabot sa 43 chalcidid wasp ang nakolekta mula sa kampus, at nadagdagan pa ng 10 specimen mula sa Insect and Spider Reference Collection of the Institute of Biological Control (ISRC - IoBC). Sa kabuuan, 53 specimen ng Family Chalcididae ang natukoy na kabilang sa anim na genus—Antrocephalus, Brachymeria, Dirhinus, Hockeria, Kriechbaumerella, at Proconura—kung saan ang Antrocephalus ang may pinakamaraming natukoy. Mula sa mga genus, 14 na species ang naitala, kabilang ang ilang maaaring bagong rekord sa Pilipinas. Binigyan rin ng interpretasyon ang kanilang presensya at mga potensyal na aplikasyon sa lokal na biological pest control. Ang nalikhang talaan at dichotomous key mula sa pag-aaral na ito ay nagsisilbing sanggunian para sa mga chalcidid wasp sa loob ng De La Salle University – Laguna Campus, at ambag sa limitadong dokumentasyon ng Family Chalcididae sa Pilipinas.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Chalcididae; Hymenoptera; Parasitoids

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Embargo Period

12-9-2025

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