Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Cirsium arvense (Asterales: Asteraceae), Californian thistle

Agent introduced: Hadroplontus litura (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) = Ceutorhynchus litura

Imported:

1975, 1976, 1987, 1988

Import source:

Swiss Jura, 1976 ; CIBC Europe, 1977; CIBC England, 1987, 1988

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - three consignments containing a total of 353 adults were received from the European station of CIBC during 1975 and 1976. Rearing difficulties were experienced in quarantine. Two further consignments were obtained from CIBC UK at Silwood Park: 154 adults in Aug 1987 and 363 adults in Jul 1988.

Released:

1976

Release details:

Cameron et al. (1989) - in 1976 a small number were released into a field cage at Lincoln. Following rearing in quarantine of the 1987 and 1988 importations, field releases of first generation adults are planned for the seasons 1988-89 and 1989-90.

Establishment:

Cameron et al. (1989) - 1976 release did not establish.

Cripps et al. (2011) - despite several, admittedly small-scale, releases this species failed to establish in New Zealand.

General comments: This beetle was imported as Ceutorhynchus litura; it has subsequently been reclassified as Hadroplontus litura.

References

Cameron PJ, Hill RL, Bain J, Thomas WP (1989). A Review of Biological Control of Invertebrate Pests and Weeds in New Zealand 1874-1987. Technical Communication No 10. CAB International Institute of Biological Control. DSIR Entomology Division. 424p.

Cripps MG, Gassmann A, Fowler SV, Bourdôt GW, McClay AS, Edwards GR. (2011). Classical biological control of Cirsium arvense: Lessons from the past. Biological Control 57: 165–174

Landcare Research (2007a). New Zealand Arthropod Collection (NZAC) Biological Control Voucher Collection. Landcare Research website [Updated 2020] https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/tools-and-resources/collections/new-zealand-arthropod-collection-nzac/databases-and-holdings/new-t2-landing-page/