Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Paropsis charybdis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), eucalyptus tortoise beetle

Agent introduced: Aridelus sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Imported:

1934, 1935, 1963, 1964, 1973-74

Import source:

Australia

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) – in February 1934 a small number of late instar larvae of various Paropsis species were imported from Canberra, Australia; these yielded several parasitoid larvae, the fate of which was not recorded. In January 1935 ten braconid cocoons, reared from Paropsis atomaria were received from Canberra. Three adults emerged but their fate is unrecorded. In May 1963 approximately 120 Aridelus sp. cocoons ex P. atomaria were imported from Canberra; they were heavily hyperparasitised and only three braconids emerged. In February 1964 a small consignment of Aridelus sp. cocoons were imported from Canberra, from which no braconids emerged. Between November 1973 and January 1974, 496 Aridelus cocoons ex P. atomaria were received from Australia but nothing emerged.

Released:

Cameron et al. (1989) - 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.