The introduction into Australia of parasites of Listroderes obliquus Klug

Abstract

Progress in work aiming at the biological control of Listroderes obliquus is reported. Parasites of this insect were introduced into Australia from Uruguay and Argentina in 1957–68. The species imported were Stomatomyia littoralis (Blanch.) (Tachinidae), Tersilochus argentinensis (Blanch.), and T. parkeri (Blanch.) (Ichneumonidae). The material of parkeri includes two "strains" which may prove to be distinct, species. All species have been liberated, and T. parkeri has been recovered. None of the parasites is yet known to be established, but Tersilochus liberat)ions are continuing. Information is given on the biology of the host, and its parasites.