Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), sirex wood wasp

Agent introduced: Pseudorhyssa maculicoxis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Imported:

1964

Import source:

California, USA

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - in 1964 two consignments of 'Rhyssa' spp., a total of 16 males and eight females were received from California, USA. These were later identified as a mixture of male R. persuasoria persuasoria, male and female R. alaskensis and, most numerous, male and female Pseudorhyssa maculicoxis. No oviposition was seen in the insectary and no progeny emerged.

Released:

Cameron et al. (1989) - not released.

General comments:

Cameron et al. (1989) - P. maculicoxis is cleptoparasitic on siricids by first destroying the rhyssine larvae already present on the host and would not have been a welcome introduction.

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.