Australian Eadya (Braconidae) as larval endoparasitoids for classical biocontrol of globally invasive Paropsine leaf beetles

A number of countries using Eucalyptus in plantations have been the recipient of a number of invasive paropsines (Col.: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae) from Australia. All species are significant defoliating pests. In a departure from the reliance upon egg parasitoids, further investigations into larval endoparasitoids began as a result of interest in locating host specific classical biological control agents. A collaboration between the University of Tasmania and Scion in New Zealand and the University of Central Florida over the last eight years has resulted in the description of four new species discovered in the field and confirmed with molecular identifications, as well as a revised key for the genus of Eadya. Eadya which are striking black and orange wasps, were found to be larval parasitoids of nine differing paropsine species, and one species studied in most detail suggest all attack any of the four larval instars during spring/early summer when they are feeding either clustered or singly on Eucalyptus leaves. Paropsis charybdis is New Zealand’s arguably most damaging eucalyptus pest, Eadya daenerys which attacks P. charybdis has now been approved for release there. The most common field host of this parasitoid in Tasmania is Paropsisterna agricola. Paropsisterna variicollis is also a pest causing concern in New Zealand and spreading rapidly. Field and laboratory host range data suggest Eadya annleckieae specialises on Pst. variicollis and Pst. selmani. With Pst. selmani being a pest of Eucalyptus plantations in Ireland, this species could become a promising biocontrol agent in both New Zealand and Ireland.