Assessment Rationale:

Aprostocetus azoricus is an endemic eulophid wasp species of the Azores (Portugal), having been present at least historically on Flores island. From the historical data, this species had a very small Extent of Occurrence (8 km2) and Area of Occupancy (8 km2). It is possible that this species has declined in the past as a result of human activity, but the present situation of this species needs to be further assessed and further research is needed into its population, distribution, threats, ecology, life history and indigenous host species. Conservation/restoration of native habitats, as well as invasive plant species control, could potentially aid this species' conservation. Based upon the lack of recent data regarding this species population, distribution, threats, ecology and hosts, this species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD). 

Geographic Range:

Aprostocetus azoricus is an endemic eulophid wasp species that was described from the island of Flores (Azores, Portugal), having been collected in an urban area. Based on the species' description data, the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is ca. 8 km² and the Area of Occupancy (AOO) is ca. 8 km². There is no recent information regarding the distribution of this species.

Population:

No current population size estimates exist for this species.

Current Population Trend: Unknown 

Habitat and Ecology

The ecology and traits of this species are unknown. Wasps from the subfamily Tetrastichinae are, in general, endoparasites of eggs, larvae and pupae of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera (Goulet and Huber 1993). Species from the genus Apostrocetus are mainly parasites of Diptera, but species from this genus are polyphagous and host species tends to be determined by ecological preferences. This species was collected in an urban area (Santa Cruz).

Systems: Terrestrial Threats 

Major Threat(s):

A lack of information regarding the present status of this species or its unknown indigenous hosts precludes an assessment of potential threats. Nevertheless, this species might be affected by future habitat declines as a consequence of climate change (Ferreira et al. 2016). This species was present in a disturbed site, and as such, it can be assumed that habitat degradation caused by past and present human disturbance and land use changes, or by invasive species might also potentially affect or have affected this species or its indigenous hosts. 

Conservation Actions

The species is not protected by regional law. Further research is needed into its population, distribution, threats, ecology and life history as well as into its hosts. Conservation/restoration of native habitats, as well as invasive plant species control, could potentially aid this species' conservation.