Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), tropical army worm

Agent introduced: Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae)

Imported: 1975

Import source: New Guinea via CIBC India

Released: 1975-76

Release details: 500,000 parasitoids released on the Coromandel Peninsula, in Waikato, Auckland and Northland.

Establishment: A parasitised egg mass at Paihia in 1976 is the only known recovery.

Impacts on target: Unknown.

Impacts on non-targets: Also parasitises Agrotis ipsilon, Chrysodeixis eriosoma and Helicoverpa armigera.

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.