Distribution and impact of the native South African wasp, Megastigmus transvaalensis (Hussey, 1956) (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) on the invasive Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) in South Africa

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) (Brazilian pepper tree) is a tree native to subtropical South America that was introduced into Africa as an ornamental plant. Globally, it regarded one of the world’s worst invasive trees. In has acquired seed-feeding wasp, Megastigmus transvaalensis (Hussey, 1956) (Hymenoptera: Torymidae). The wasp’s hosts are from Searsia F.A. Barkley genus (Anacardiaceae), but expanded its host range form new association with both S. and close relative molle L. (Anacardiaceae). order quantify seed predation by M. on seeds, populations were surveyed across Eastern Cape KwaZulu-Natal provinces. wasp present at 99% average 22% seeds being destroyed. province, highest damage occurred start winter months, when about 35% damaged. This fell less than 12% in spring summer plants flowering. found nearly all Africa, due limited number predated unlikely reduce population sizes or curb spread alien Africa.