Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Wiseana spp. (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae), porina

Agent introduced: Notodytes variabilis (Diptera: Tachinidae)

Imported:

1967, 1968

Import source:

Argentina

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - searches in western Argentina for natural enemies of Wiseana spp. [a hepialid moth genus endemic to New Zealand] identified N. variabilis, which was reared from hepialids in the genus Dalaca. Eight female N. variabilis and numerous first instar larvae were shipped to New Zealand in 1967. The larvae were used for inoculation of Wiseana spp., with no success. Ten shipments of adults in 1968 suffered very high mortality (18 survivors from a total of 175); live larvae were recovered from the adults and used for inoculation of Wiseana spp., again with no success. The failure of experimentally inoculated first instar larvae to develop in Wiseana spp. indicates a physiological incompatibility of this parasitoid with Wiseana spp. No material was released into the field.

Released:

Not released

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.