New Locality Records of Splendid Tamarisk Weevil,Coniatus splendidulus(Fabricius), andChionaspisscale in West Texas and New Mexico

Abstract

Because of detrimental effects of salt cedar on riparian communities in the southwestern United States, there is active research to control and minimize its impact. One such control program being monitored is use of the salt cedar leaf beetle, Diorhabda sublineata (Brulle'), to reduce the biomass of this invasive plant species. Beetle activity has been monitored in different regions of Texas, various southwestern states of the U.S, and Mexico since 2001. Recently, other biological control agents, Coniatus splendidulus (Fabricius) and Chionaspis scale, were reported from new areas of Texas and New Mexico. While these biological control agents were not intentional introductions, their activity resulted in notable defoliation (40–80%) and biomass reduction and is worthy of monitoring.