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A leaf feeding moth,Euclasta whalleyi [Lep.: Pyralidae] for the biological control ofCryptostegia grandiflora [Asclepiadaceae] in Queensland, Australia

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Abstract

In Madagascar, the leaf feeding Pyralid,Euclasta whalleyi Popescu-Gorj & Constantinescu, occurs onCryptostegia grandiflora R. Br. and other genera in the subfamilyPeriplocoideae of the familyAsclepiadaceae. Studies on its biology and host plant specificity have shown it is restricted to this subfamily. The Australian native,Gymnanthera nitida R. Br., also belongs to this sub-family and is host to an Australian native moth,Euclasta maceratalis Lederer. Despite the likelihood ofE. whalleyi feeding onG. nitida and competing withE. maceratalis, the moth was approved for release in Australia in October 1987. During 1988 over 22,000 larvae were released; field establishment is not yet proven.

Résumé

A Madagascar, la pyraleEuclasta whalleyi Popescu-Gorj & Constantinescu, se trouve surCryptostegia grandiflora R. br. et les autres genres de la sous-famille desPeriplocoideae de la famille desAsclepiadaceae. Les études faites sur sa biologie et sa spécificité ont montré qu'elle était inféodée à cette sous-famille. LeGymnanthera nitida R. Br. originaire d'Australie, fait aussi partie de cette sous-famille, et est l'hôte d'une espèce d'Euclasta originaire d'Australie,E. maceratalis Lederer. Malgré la possibilité d'attaquerG. nitida, et de rivaliser avecE. maceratalis, E. whalleyi a été approuvé pour être lâché en Australie en octobre 1987. Durant l'année 1988 plus de 22 000 larves ont été lâchées dans la nature, mais leur établissement n'y a pas encore été prouvé.

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  1. Queensland Department of Lands, Alan Fletcher Research Station, Brisbane, Australia

    R. E. McFadyen & J. J. Marohasy

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  1. R. E. McFadyen
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  2. J. J. Marohasy
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McFadyen, R.E., Marohasy, J.J. A leaf feeding moth,Euclasta whalleyi [Lep.: Pyralidae] for the biological control ofCryptostegia grandiflora [Asclepiadaceae] in Queensland, Australia. Entomophaga 35, 431–435 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02375267

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02375267

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