Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Caliroa cerasi (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae), cherryslug, pear slug

Agent introduced: Lathrolestes luteolator (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Imported: 1923, 1929, 1972-74

Import source: 1923 England, 1929 France and England, 1972 Austria, France and Germany, 1973 France and Germany, and 1974 France.

Released: 1924, 1929, 1975

Release details: 21 plus an unknown number of parasitised hosts were released in 1924 at Nelson. In 1929, 3 female and possibly 3 male adults were also released at Nelson. In 1975, 47 females and 21 males were released in Auckland and 10 females and 7 males at Thames

Establishment: Recorded in Nelson in 1963 and Blenheim in 1972, otherwise unknown.

Impacts on target: 90% parasitism of hosts has been recorded but the rate of parasitism varies widely. Impact on pest populations is not known.

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.