Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Coleophora spissicornis (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae), banded clover casebearer

Agent introduced: Pyemotes zwoelferi (Acariformes: Pyemotidae)

Imported:

1961, 1962, 1967, 1968?, 1969

Import source:

1961, 1962, 1967, 1968, 1969 near Avignon, France via Delémont, Switzerland; 1961, 1962 near Freiburg, Germany

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - the predatory mite Pyemotes zwoelferi was imported as infested Coleophora spp. host larvae; either C. frischella collected from Avignon, France (and reared in Delémont, Switzerland prior to shipment) or C. deauratella from near Freiburg, Germany. It is known to have been imported in 1961, 1962, 1967 and 1969 and was probably also present in the 1968 shipment but records are missing. All material in both the 1961 and 1962 shipments were destroyed in quarantine after outbreaks of P. zwoelferi [the shipments of Coleophora spp. were primarily to import parasitoids as potential biocontrol agents]. The mite was known to be included in the 1967 and 1969 importations but no major outbreaks occurred. There were no releases of P. zwoelferi [see Cameron et al. entry in the 'General comments' section].

Released:

Cameron et al. (1989) - not released.

General comments:

Cameron et al. (1989) - the use of P. zwoelferi as a biocontrol agent was rejected because of its wide host range and the probability of a detrimental effect on other existing host-parasitoid relationships.

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.