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Biocontrol introduction

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

Agent introduced: Leucopis spp. (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae)

Imported:

1932?

Import source:

England

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - six consignments of ‘Leucopis sp.’ larvae arrived in New Zealand from England between April and June 1932. Some had pupated in transit, but larval mortality had been high. Many adults emerging in June-August died in the cold weather. Laboratory and insectary rearing on Pinus radiata infested with P. laevis failed and all available adults were released. A 1935 publication considered at least two species were present in these importations [i.e. at least one other than L. tapiae, subsequently identified as established in New Zealand - see the L. tapiae introduction record], but this is unknown as it appears no voucher specimens were kept. A smaller, unspecified number of 'Leucopis sp.' was imported in 1934, from which releases were also made.

Released:

1932?

Release details:

Cameron et al. (1989) - all available 'Leucopis sp.' adults emerging from the 1932 importations were released during May-August 1932 in the Nelson district of the South Island; eight liberations totalling 145 flies. A 1935 publication also noted a release of 25 adults at Taupo, North Island in September, but no year is mentioned, and it is possible this release was from the 1934 importation, since it is only in this year that a release at Taupo is mentioned in a 1936 publication. From the 1934 importation, releases were made at Taupo and in the Nelson district.

Establishment:

Cameron et al. (1989) - New Zealand field-collected specimens of Leucopis have been identified as L. tapiae [i.e. no other species of this genus is known to be established in New Zealand.]

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.