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