Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Coleophora frischella (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) = Coleophora trifolii, white tipped clover casebearer

Agent introduced: Chelonus sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) = (may be C. contractus)

Imported:

1961, 1968

Import source:

1961, 1968 Avignon, France via Delémont, Switzerland; 1961 near Freiburg, Germany

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - Chelonus was imported as parasitised Coleophora spp. host larvae; either C. frischella collected from Avignon, France (and reared in Delémont, Switzerland prior to shipment) or C. deauratella from near Freiburg, Germany. In shipments in 1961 it was estimated there were nearly 1,000 Chelonus sp. nr contractus larvae in C. deauratella larvae and another eight to 10 in C. frischella larvae. None emerged before the shipment was destroyed because of an infestation of the mite Pyemotes zwoelferia. A 1968 shipment of C. frischella contained ‘some Cheloninae, but only three females emerged and there is no record of their fate.

Released:

Cameron et al. (1989) - not released.

General comments:

Cameron et al. (1989) - Chelonus was imported under the names Chelonus sp. and Chelonus contractus [see database entry under this name], but it is probable these are the same species. Chelonus sp. in Europe is most numerous in the host Coleophora deauratella. A Chelonus sp. common in C. spissicornis has identical larvae but no adults have been obtained, so verification of the identity has not been possible. However, adults identical to those obtained from C. deauratella were obtained from C. frischella (in which it occurs only rarely).

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.