No evidence for establishment of the wasp parasitoid, Sphecophaga vesparum burra (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) at two sites in New Zealand

Abstract

Sphecophaga vesparum burra (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) has been released at seven sites in New Zealand as a biological control agent for wasps (Vespula spp.). Between 1996 and 1998, more than 35 000 overwintering cocoons were released nationwide, more than half of them at two South Island sites: Binser Track in Arthur's Pass National Park (13 200 cocoons) and Tennyson Inlet in the Marlborough Sounds (13 660 cocoons). Monitoring at these two climatically and altitudinally disparate sites revealed that over 5000 adult parasitoids emerged at each site over the 4 years. More than 300 wasp nests were dug and inspected for attack by S. v. burra, but there was no evidence of establishment.