Vrestovia fidenas (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is a pupal parasitoid of Drosophila spp. native to Europe and could be useful for the biological control of the invasive spotted-wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae). We assessed life-table parameters (fecundity and longevity of adults, and weight and developmental time of offspring) of V. fidenas on two hosts: D. suzukii and the common native vinegar fly, Drosophila subobscura Collin (Diptera: Drosophilidae). Drosophila suzukii was determined to be a suitable host for V. fidenas and a better host than D. subobscura, i.e., V. fidenas produced more offspring and developed more rapidly on D. suzukii than on D. subobscura. The results indicate that V. fidenas should be further assessed for the biological control of D. suzukii. In addition, morphological analysis demonstrated that a second species of the genus Vrestovia, V. brevior, is also present in Europe. We present an identification key to the most common pteromalid pupal parasitoids of Drosophila, including both species of Vrestovia.
