Classical biological control is proposed for Paropsis charybdis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae), a eucalypt pest established in New Zealand. The Australian solitary larval endoparasitoid Eadya paropsidis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is under investigation. A potential non-target species list was compiled for host range testing. There are no endemic species of paropsines in the New Zealand fauna, only invasive pest beetles. The most closely related endemic beetles to the paropsines are Chrysomelinae in the genera Allocharis, Aphilon, Caccomolpus, Chalcolampra and Cyrtonogetus. Little is known about these species. New Zealand has also introduced 12 beneficial chrysomelid weed biological control agents, which include Chrysomelinae and their sister group the Galerucinae. One endemic beetle, six beneficial beetles and two pest beetles are listed as the highest priority species for host specificity testing.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	biological control, host specificity testing, Chrysomelidae, paropsine
Research Division:	Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences
Research Group:	Forestry sciences
Research Field:	Forest health and pathology
Objective Division:	Environmental Management
Objective Group:	Terrestrial systems and management
Objective Field:	Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in terrestrial environments
UTAS Author:	Allen, GR (Associate Professor Geoff Allen)
ID Code:	102676
Year Published:	2015
Deposited By:	Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Deposited On:	2015-09-03
Last Modified:	2017-11-09
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