Life History and Laboratory Host Range ofCharidotis auroguttata(Boheman) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), the First Natural Enemy Released AgainstMacfadyena unguis-cati(L.) Gentry (Bignoniaceae) in South Africa

Abstract

The exotic creeper Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) Gentry (Bignoniaceae) which was introduced into South Africa as an ornamental, is now in the early stages of invasion. Natural forests are particularly at risk and woodlands, plantations, orchards and disturbed areas are also invaded. The weed forms thick carpets that smother forest floors and canopies, killing canopy trees and understorey plants. Mechanical and chemical control methods are impractical and the weed was thus targeted for biological control. In 1996, a leaf-feeding tortoise beetle, Charidotis auroguttata (Boheman 1855), was introduced from Venezuela. Following routine screening in quarantine, permission for the release of C. auroguttata was granted in autumn 1999.