Australian Journal of Entomology (2000) 39, 89-94

Graham P. Donnelly (2000)
Biology and host specificity of Rhinacloa callicrates Herring (Hemiptera: Miridae) and its introduction and establishment as a biological control agent of Parkinsonia aculeata L. (Caesalpiniaceae) in Australia
Australian Journal of Entomology 39 (2), 89-94
Abstract: The North American mirid Rhinacloa callicrates Herring was studied for suitability as an agent for the biological control of the woody weed Parkinsonia aculeata L. in Australia. It was tested for host specificity against 77 plant species, as well as for predatory behaviour against two beneficial insects and eggs of two Helicoverpa spp. Rhinacloa callicrates fed and oviposited almost exclusively on P. aculeata and did not prey upon the beneficial insects nor the Helicoverpa eggs. Rhinacloa callicrates was thus considered safe, and was released across northern Australia. Rhinacloa callicrates established in Queensland but has not controlled P. aculeata.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
new introduction of pest
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
classical biocontrol/new introduction
non-target effects/fate in environm.

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Parkinsonia aculeata (weed)		Australia (NT+QLD)
Rhinacloa callicrates (weed bioagent)	Parkinsonia aculeata (weed)		Australia (NT+QLD)