Biocontrol introduction

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

Agent introduced: Pristomerus orbitalis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Imported:

1952, 1955

Import source:

Near Montmédy, France

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - an unknown number of P. orbitalis were imported in Coleophora trifolii host larvae collected near Montmédy, France in 1952 and 1955. No releases of reared adult wasps were made from the 1952 importations but parasitised hosts containing P. orbitalis (among other parasitoid species) were placed in the field in March 1953. There were no releases from the 1955 shipment; some emerging adults were used to test the ability of parasitoids to attack New Zealand Coleophora spp. [C. frischella and C. spissicornis] and others sent to the British Museum of Natural History for identification.

Released:

1953

Release details:

Cameron et al. (1989) - in March 1953 several hundred parasitised hosts containing P. orbitalis (amongst other species) were released, probably near Nelson.

Establishment:

Cameron et al. (1989) - there have been no recoveries of P. orbitalis.

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.