Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), greasy cutworm

Agent introduced: Gonia chinensis (Diptera: Tachinidae) = Turanogonia chinensis, Turanogonia smirnovi

Imported:

1969-71

Import source:

Pakistan

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - Gonia chinensis [as Turanogonia smirnovi - see taxonomic note in the 'General comments' section] was imported from Pakistan in 1969-71 as part of a programme to introduce A. ipsilon parasitoids into New Zealand.

Released:

Cameron et al. (1989) - not released.

General comments:

Taxonomic note (12 November 2022) - Cameron et al. (1989), documenting its importation into New Zealand, call this species Turanogonia chinensis and give T. smirnovi as a synonym (implying it was imported as T. smirnovi in 1969-71). Lee & Han (2010) re-erect the original name of this species, Gonia chinensis, and note that historical name changes included Turanogonia smirnovi in 1924 and T. chinensis in 1976.

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.

Lee H-S, Han H-Y (2010). A systematic revision of the genus Gonia Meigen (Diptera: Tachinidae) in Korea. Animal Cells and Systems 14(3): 175-195