Biocontrol introduction
Target pest: Conium maculatum (Apiales: Apiaceae), hemlock
Agent introduced: Agonopterix alstromeriana (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae), hemlock moth
Import notes:
Harman et al. (1996) - accidental introduction.
Released:
Harman et al. (1996) - first recorded in New Zealand in 1986.
Establishment:
Landcare Research (2014c) - common.
Impacts on target:
Harman et al. (1996) - has severely defoliated areas of hemlock at several sites in Central Otago.
Landcare Research (2014c) - often causes severe damage.
References
Harman HM, Syrett P, Hill RL, Jessep CT. (1996). Arthropod introductions for biological control of weeds in New Zealand, 1929 - 1995. New Zealand Entomologist, 19(1): 71-80
Landcare Research (2014c). Who's who in biocontrol of weeds? What's new in biological control of weeds? 69: 10-11 http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/newsletters/biological-control-of-weeds/issue-69
