Biological control of the eucalyptus gall wasp Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead): Taxonomy and biology of the parasitoid species Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault), with information on its establishment in Israel

Abstract

Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault) (Hymenoptera; Eulophidae) was introduced into Israel for biological control of its family member, a gall-inducing pest Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead). Closterocerus chamaeleon appears to be a widespread species in Australia, ranging from northern Queensland to Victoria and Western Australia. It was reared from galls on Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., E. tereticornis (=umbellata Smith.), E. amplifolia Naudin, E. cloziana F.Muell. and E. rudis Endl. Closterocerus chamaeleon is a uniparental species; at 25 °C the entire development was completed in 3 weeks. Galls containing late second or third instar larvae and pupae of O. maskelli are suitable for successful development. A total of about 12,000 C. chamaeleon adults were liberated in Israel. Our findings suggest that C. chamaeleon seems to be an efficient agent and has already lowered the population density of its host galler in some locations after less than a year since its release. The parasitoid is active throughout the winter when development of its host is virtually arrested. The fast spread of C. chamaeleon was demonstrated by its occupying areas 120 km away from the release point in less than a year. Green sticky traps are a reliable and practical device for monitoring and sampling both O. maskelli and C. chamaeleon. The taxonomy of C. chamaeleon is discussed, as well as several aspects of its life seasonal histories, effect of food on adult survival and its role in possible successful control of O. maskelli.