Hypoborus ficus (Erichson, 1836)

Distribution in Iran. Fars, Khorasan, Tehran (Modarres Awal 1997), Guilan (Modarres Awal 1997; Amini et al. 2013), Iran (no locality cited) (Mifsud & Knížek 2009; Knížek 2011).

General distribution. Southern Europe, Azores, North Africa, East to Tajikistan.

Biology. Recorded in Iran from Ficus carica and Ficus sp. ( Moraceae) (Modarres Awal 1997; Amini et al. 2013). Kadyrov (1989) gives a brief account of the biology of the species in Tajikistan, and indicates that it is a serious pest of figs in that country. The species attacks weakened trees, and can cause death of branches and trees if present in high numbers (Akşit et al. 2007). Infestations occur throughout the entire year. Akşit et al. (2007) note that the parasitic mite, Pyemotes johnmoseri (Khaustov), was abundant in the gallery systems in Turkey attacking primarily the larvae. Mendel (1986) notes abundant attacks by an apparently host-specific braconid parasite, Ecphylus caudatus Ruschka. However, the potential of these species to act as biological control agents is uncertain.