Biocontrol Science and Technology (2013) 23, 317-334

K.N. Stratman, W.A. Overholt, J.P. Cuda, M.D. Netherland and P.C. Wilson (2013)
Host range and searching behaviour of Cricotopus lebetis (Diptera: Chironomidae), a tip miner of Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrocharitaceae)
Biocontrol Science and Technology 23 (3), 317-334
Abstract: A chironomid midge, Cricotopus lebetis Sublette (Diptera: Chironomidae), was discovered feeding on Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle (Hydrocharitaceae) in Crystal River, Citrus, Co., Florida, in the 1990s. Larvae of the midge mine the apical meristems of hydrilla, causing terminal branching and stunting of the plant. We investigated the fundamental host range of the midge by conducting a series of no-choice and paired-choice tests. No-choice developmental tests with neonate larvae revealed that the fundamental host range of C. lebetis included not only on hydrilla but also several other aquatic plants in different families, suggesting that this insect is not a hydrilla specialist. In paired-choice bioassays, larval colonisation of Elodea canadensis Michx. (Hydrocharitaceae) and Najas guadalupensis (Spreng.) Magnus (Najadaceae) was greater than colonisation of H. verticillata. Behavioural bioassays in a Y-tube olfactometer and in Petri dishes suggested that neonate larvae were not able to locate host plant material, whereas older larvae were successful in finding hosts. In paired-choice oviposition tests, adult females discriminated between potential oviposition sites, with greater numbers of eggs laid on E. canadensis and N. guadalupensis than on H. verticillata. This study is the first detailed account of host searching and oviposition behaviour of a phytophagous chironomid midge. The results will be used to assess the potential value of C. lebetis as a biological control agent of hydrilla.
(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): William A. Overholt, James P. Cuda

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution
non-target effects/fate in environm.

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Hydrilla verticillata (weed)
Cricotopus lebetis (weed bioagent)	Hydrilla verticillata (weed)		U.S.A. (SE)