Biocontrol introduction
Target pest: Gonipterus platensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), gum tree weevil
Agent introduced: Unidentified chalcid (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidae)
Imported:
1927, 1929-30
Import source:
Australia
Import notes:
Cameron et al. (1989) - a consignment of G. platensis [then considered to be G. scutellatus - see Mapondera et al. (2012) entry in the 'General comments' section] egg cases was received from Australia in October 1927, primarily to import the parasitic mymarid wasp Anaphes nitens. Eighteen individuals of a chalcid wasp emerged following the emergence of most of the mymarids. In the 1929-30 season three further consignments of parasitised G. platensis eggs were imported from Australia, again with the intention of importing A. nitens. One consignment, was believed to parasitised by chalcid wasps only, although there is no record of any emerging.
Released:
Cameron et al. (1989) - not released.
General comments:
Cameron et al. (1989) - it was not known if this chalcid was a primary parasitoid of G. platensis or a hyperparasitoid.
Mapondera et al. (2012) - the gum tree weevil, generally referred to as Gonipterus scutellatus Gyllenhal, 1833 is a significant pest of Eucalyptus species in Africa, America, Europe, New Zealand and Western Australia. [It is recorded in Cameron et al. (1989) as G. scutellatus.] Recent taxonomic study has indicated G. scutellatus to comprise a complex of cryptic species, obscuring the identity of the various pest populations of the weevil in the world. The pest species in New Zealand, America and western Europe was found to be G. platensis.
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.
Mapondera TS, Burgess T, Matsuki M, Oberprieler RG (2012). Identification and molecular phylogenetics of the cryptic species of the Gonipterus scutellatus complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Gonipterini). Australian Journal of Entomology 51: 175-188
