Biocontrol introduction
Target pest: Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), tropical army worm
Agent introduced: Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae)
Imported: 1975
Import source: New Guinea via CIBC India
Released: 1975-76
Release details: 500,000 parasitoids released on the Coromandel Peninsula, in Waikato, Auckland and Northland.
Establishment: A parasitised egg mass at Paihia in 1976 is the only known recovery.
Impacts on target: Unknown.
Impacts on non-targets: Also parasitises Agrotis ipsilon, Chrysodeixis eriosoma and Helicoverpa armigera.
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.