Genome‐wide analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms reveal the consequences of traditional mass‐rearing on genetic variation inAphytis melinus(Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae): the danger of putting all eggs in one basket

BACKGROUND Aphytis melinus DeBach (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is a highly effective biocontrol agent of the California red scale Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). It is commercially reared and used for augmentative releases within integrated pest management programs. However, mass rearing of biocontrol agents can result in population bottlenecks and high levels of inbreeding and/or adaptation to the factitious rearing...