The biology and taxonomy ofHyperaspis pantherina(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and the classical biological control of its prey,Orthezia insignis(Homoptera: Ortheziidae)

Abstract

AbstractBetween 1908 and 1959, the predatory coccinellid,Hyperaspis pantherinaFürsch, was released for the biological control of the ensign scaleOrthezia insignisBrowne in Hawaii, four African countries and Peru. Substantial control was reported after all the releases, although the outcome was disputed in Malawi. Other coccinellid species and predatory Diptera were released againstOrtheziaspp. in various programmes from 1952 to 1977. In most cases these agents failed to establish, and there were no reported effects on the targetOrtheziaspp. In 1993,H. pantherinawas released in St Helena for the control ofO. insignison the endemic gumwood tree,Comm idendrum robustum(Compositae). Preparatory investigations for this release revealed that the taxonomy and biology of this biocontrol agent were poorly known.Hyperaspis pantherinais redescribed and shown to be the correct name for the species previously known incorrectly asH. jocosa(Mulsant).Hyperaspis laetaGorham andH. levrati(Mulsant) are transferred to the genusCyraMulsant (comb. n.).Hyperaspis metator(Casey) (stat. rev.) is resurrected from synonymy withH. levratiauctt. Studies of the life history revealed thatH. pantherinanormally lays its eggs directly onto the adult femaleO. insignisand that the first two instars of the larvae are frequently passed inside the ovisac of the female host, after which the host itself is often consumed. The information on the biology and taxonomy ofH. pantherina, together with details of culturing methods, should facilitate the further use of this agent for the classical biological control ofO. insignis, a pantropical pest.