Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Pineus laevis (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), pine twig chermes, pine woolly aphid

Agent introduced: Leucopsis obscura (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae)

General comments:

Cameron et al. (1989) - Leucopis was imported into New Zealand and released in 1932 as 'Leucopis sp.' Forest Research Institute and Cawthron Institute reports in 1935 state the species to be L. obscura, but this was a misidentification, and specimens from New Zealand were determined by [Canadian expert] J. F. McAlpine to be L. tapiae in 1971. [See the L. tapiae introduction records for further details.]

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.