Abstract
Gonipterus species are pests of Eucalyptus plantations worldwide. The egg parasitoid wasp Anaphes nitens is used in many countries for the biological control of Gonipterus spp. Recent taxonomic studies have shown that the three invasive Gonipterus spp., which were previously considered as G. scutellatus, form part of a cryptic species complex. These taxonomic changes have implications for the biological control of Gonipterus spp. The aims of this study were to understand the species composition and distribution of Gonipterus spp. and their egg parasitoids in Australia. Gonipterus spp. adults and egg capsules were collected in south-eastern Australia and Tasmania. Adult Gonipterus were identified using morphology and DNA barcoding. Parasitoids were reared from Gonipterus egg capsules and identified. Thirteen Gonipterus species were collected: twelve species were found on the Australian mainland and one species in Tasmania. These included three described species, four previously recognized but undescribed species, two undescribed species and four unidentified species. Five egg parasitoid species that attack Gonipterus spp. were identified. Anaphes nitens, Centrodora damoni and Euderus sp. were identified on the Australian mainland and A. tasmaniae and A. inexpectatus were identified in Tasmania. The results from this study will contribute to the improvement of Gonipterus biological control in the future.
Highlights
IntroductionA number of strategies and protocols underpin the efficiency and success of biological control programs [1]
This study presents the first record of A. nitens in Queensland: previously, it was recorded from South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania [24,50,52]
This study contributes to our understanding of the distribution of Gonipterus species in the native range, host relationships and natural enemies
Summary
A number of strategies and protocols underpin the efficiency and success of biological control programs [1]. These include studies from the native ranges of the target pests aimed at understanding the diversity and ecology of natural enemies within the native range [2], searching for natural enemies in a region that is climatically similar to that of the introduced range [2,3] and collecting natural enemies from native populations of the pest that are genetically similar to those of the invasive population [2,4,5]. All of these approaches depend on a thorough understanding of the taxonomy, distribution and population structure of the target pest and its natural enemies in their native ranges [6,7,8,9,10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
