Biocontrol introduction

Target pests:

Aspidiotus nerii (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), oleander scale
Hemiberlesia lataniae (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), lantana scale
Hemiberlesia rapax (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), greedy scale

Agent introduced: Hemisarcoptes cooremani (Astigmata: Hemisarcoptidae)

Imported: 1988

Import source: USA (Arizona)

Import notes: Charles et al. (1995) - less than 1,000 field laboratory-reared individuals imported as hypopodes (non-feeding deuteronymphs, the second nymphal stage, adapted for clinging to arthropods or vertebrates) under elytra of the ladybird Chilocorus cacti and as adults and immatures on oleander scale, Aspidiotus nerii, on potatoes.

Released: 1988

Release details: Charles et al. (1995) - 550 individuals released at two sites in Kerikeri (Northland), 750 at one site in Whangarei (Northland), 600 at one site in Auckland and 1,200 at one site in Te Puke (Bay of Plenty). Releases were as deuteronymphs in drinking straws into shelterbelt trees and/or woody weeds adjacent to kiwifruit blocks. The laboratory colony was lost in early 1988, precluding further releases.

Establishment: Charles et al. (1995) - a survey in 1993 of all release sites recovered no H. coccophagus. This species is considered not to have established.

References

Charles JG, Hill MG and Allan DJ (1995). Releases and recoveries of Chilocorus spp. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Hemisarcoptes spp. (Acari: Hemisarcoptidae) in kiwifruit orchards: 1987-93. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 22: 319-324