Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Ctenarytaina eucalypti (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), blue gum psyllid

Agent introduced: Psyllaephagus pilosus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

Imported:

Withers (2001) - accidental introduction, known to have been in New Zealand prior to 1938.

Import notes:

Withers (2001) [citing a 1938 publication] - it is not known how P. pilosus arrived in New Zealand, but it appears to have been present since in the introduction of its host, C. eucalypti, into the country.

Establishment:

Withers (2001) - Psyllaephagus pilosus is present throughout New Zealand.

Impacts on target:

Withers (2001) - Ctenarytaina eucalypti is heavily parasitised throughout New Zealand by P. pilosus, controlling the psyllid and reducing its pest status.

General comments:

Withers (2001) - Psyllaephagus pilosus has been introduced with great success as a biocontrol of C. eucalypti in a number of other countries.

References

Withers TM (2001). Colonization of eucalypts in New Zealand by Australian insects. Austral Ecology 26: 467-476 https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1442-9993.2001.01140.x