Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Pineus laevis (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), pine twig chermes, pine woolly aphid

Agent introduced: Hemerobius stigma (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae)

Imported:

1932

Import source:

England

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - adults of H. stigma were sent from England at the same time as Leucopis tapiae, which was also imported as a biocontrol of P. laevis, in eight consignments April-June 1932. No work was attempted with the few H. stigma that survived the journey, as there was the possibility larvae of that species could feed on L. tapiae larvae. In addition, native species in the same family as H. stigma were known to be heavily parasitised and it was considered H. stigma would suffer similarly.

Released:

Cameron et al. (1989) - not released.

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.