Biocontrol introduction

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

Agent introduced: Leucopis tapiae (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae)

Imported: 1932

Import source: England

Released: 1932

Release details: 1932 145 flies liberated in Nelson and possibly 25 flies at Taupo. 1934 liberations of unspecified numbers (but less than 1932 liberations) were made at Nelson and Taupo.

Establishment: Recorded from Whakarewarewa and Balmoral (North Canterbury) in 1954. Subsequently found widely in both islands

Impacts on target: L. tapiae is the most important predator of P. laevis 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.