Biocontrol introduction
Target pest: aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Agent introduced: Leucopis minor (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae) = Leucopis nigricornis
Imported:
1969, 1970
Import source:
Pakistan
Import notes:
Cameron et al. (1989) - three species of Chamaemyiidae flies were introduced from the Pakistan Station of the Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control: Leucopis minor [imported as L. nigricornis], L. obscura and L. puncticornis. The first consignment arrived in 1969 but most flies died in transit. Further consignments of 350 and 332 pupae arrived in April and May 1970. Healthy flies were released into field cages. A later consignment was destroyed because of high levels of parasitism.
Released:
1970
Release details:
Cameron et al. (1989) - adult flies from pupae imported in 1970 were released into field cages at Lincoln, Canterbury, South Island.
Establishment:
Cameron et al. (1989) - did not establish. The flies were released into field cages with declining aphid populations, failed to lay eggs and died out.
General comments:
Cameron et al. (1989) - of the large number of exotic aphids present in New Zealand, five important field and fruit crop species were initially considered as the targets for biocontrol in the second phase (from 1965) of introductions of beneficial insects, although it is recognised that many other species which attack host plants in New Zealand can be of sporadic or regional importance. Those five species are: Brevicoryne brassicae [cabbage aphid], Myzus persicae [green peach aphid], Rhopalosiphum padi [bird cherry-oat aphid], Sitobion miscanthi [Indian grain aphid] and Macrosiphum euphorbiae [potato aphid]. [Aphid pests that have been targeted by specific biocontrol agents in New Zealand are: Acyrthosiphon kondoi (bluegreen lucerne aphid), Acyrthosiphon pisum (pea aphid) Cavariella aegopodii (carrot-willow aphid), Eriosoma lanigerum (woolly apple aphid), Hyperomyzus lactucae (sowthistle aphid) Metopolophium dirhodum (rose-grain aphid), Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), Therioaphis trifolii (spotted alfalfa aphid), Tuberculatus annulatus (oak aphid) and Tuberolachnus salignus (giant willow aphid). See the introduction records for these target species for details.]
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.
