EPPO Global Database

EPPO Reporting Service no. 01 - 1997 Num. article: 1997/11

Gonipterus scutellatus is present in California (US)


The eucalyptus snout beetle Gonipterus scutellatus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) was first detected in California (US) in spring 1994, and, as in other countries, it spread quickly from the original site of infestation. This is the first record of G. scutellatus in USA. A biological control programme was applied in autumn 1994, using the egg parasitoid Anaphes nitens. This parasitoid was shown to be very efficient as, within a year, beetle populations decreased drastically and defoliation levels diminished from more than 82 % to less than 10 %.

Sources

Millar, J.G.; Hanks, L.M.; Paine, T.D. (1996) Control of the eucalyptus snout beetle Gonipterus scutellatus Gyllenhal in California by the egg parasitoid Anaphes nitens (Girault) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae - Hymenoptera: Mymaridae).
Abstract of a paper presented at the XX International Congress of Entomology, Firenze (IT), 1996-08-25/31 (Abst. 16-017, p 508).