Biocontrol Science and Technology (1999) 9, 347-354

Michael D. Day, B.W. Wilson and H.F. Nahrung (1999)
The life history and host range of Charidotis pygmaea (Col.: Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent for Lantana montevidensis (Verbenaceae)
Biocontrol Science and Technology 9 (3), 347-354
Abstract: The life cycle and host range of Charidotis pygmaea Klug were investigated to assess its suitability for release as a biological control agent for Lantana camara L. and L. montevidensis (Sprengel) Briquet. Adults fed and deposited eggs on the underside of leaves of both species. They generally laid fewer eggs in the dry winter months when lantana yellows or drops its leaves. Larvae fed on the upper leaf surface and pupation occurred on the leaves or stems. Development from egg to adult took approximately 50 days. Survival to the adult stage was greater, and the development time was shorter on L. montevidensis than on all varieties of L. camara tested, suggesting that the agent would be ineffective against L. camara. Forty-two plant species were tested to determine host specificity in choice oviposition and larval feeding trials. These demonstrated that C. pygmaea did not pose a threat to non-target species. Consequently, C. pygmaea was approved for release in Australia and through its ability to survive the dry season, should assist in the control of L. montevidensis.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Michael D. Day, Helen F. Nahrung

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
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.
	Lantana camara (weed)
	Lantana montevidensis (weed)
Charidotis pygmaea (weed bioagent)	Lantana camara (weed)
Charidotis pygmaea (weed bioagent)	Lantana montevidensis (weed)