Biocontrol introduction
Target pest: Gonipterus scutellatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), gum tree weevil
Agents introduced:
- Anaphes nitens (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) = Anaphoidea nitens, Patasson nitens
- Froggattimyia lasiophthalma (Diptera: Tachinidae)
- Unidentified chalcid (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidae)
General comments:
Cameron et al. (1989) - several biological control agents were introduced to New Zealand for the gum tree weevil Gonipterus scutellatus [subsequently identified as G. platensis - see Mapondera et al. (2012) entry below].
Mapondera et al. (2012) - Gonipterus 'scutellatus' is a complex of externally similar species, though well distinct in their male genitalia as well as genetically. None of the invasive Gonipterus species outside of Australia represent G. scutellatus (which is a comparatively rare species restricted to Tasmania). The species present in France, Spain, Portugal, California, Hawaii, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Uruquay, New Zealand and Western Australia is G. platensis (Marelli), which is native to Tasmania but had not been described from the Australian mainland.
See the entry for Gonipterus platensis for biological control details of the species of Gonipterus present in New Zealand.
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.
Mapondera TS, Burgess T, Matsuki M, Oberprieler RG (2012). Identification and molecular phylogenetics of the cryptic species of the Gonipterus scutellatus complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Gonipterini). Australian Journal of Entomology 51: 175-188
