Aroplectrus dimerus
((insect))
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Aroplectrus dimerus
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| HEAR home > species info > invertebrates > Aroplectrus dimerus ((insect)) |
| Taxonomy & nomenclature | Biocontrol (potential for use as) | Videos | Images | In the news | Full-text articles |
Following six years of host specificity testing in the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) Quarantine Facility and a lengthy permitting process, the parasitic wasp Aroplectrus dimerus Lin was released in Hawaii to begin its fight as a biological control agent against the invasive pest Darna pallivitta (nettle caterpillar). The parasitic wasp was released on Oahu and neighbor islands in commercial plant nurseries, natural (wild) habitat, as well as private residences where sizable infestations of nettle caterpillar were detected. Aroplectrus dimerus is now established in the field, and has caused a decline in populations of the nettle caterpillar. Aroplectrus dimerus, working in concert with a naturally-occuring larval disease, suppressed the nettle caterpillar populations by as much as 60-90%. HDOA's field evaluation on the effectiveness of this biocontrol agent is currently ongoing (2011).
Taxonomy & nomenclature
ITIS nomenclature info for Aroplectrus dimerus
Nomenclatural information about Aroplectrus dimerus is provided by ITIS.
Wasp released to help fight stinging caerpillar
Hawaii state agriculture officials released a predatory stingless wasp (Aroplectrus dimerus) from Taiwan to control the stinging caterpillar (video and news article, Big Island Video News, 6/17/2010).
Field release of Aroplectrus dimerus Lin (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) for biological control of the nettle caterpillar, Darna pallivitta (Moore) (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae), in Hawaii
The Draft Environmental Assessment on the release of a biocontrol agent against the nettle caterpillar was prepared by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture Plant Quarantine Branch (2007).
Annual report for the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for FY2008
The annual report for the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2008 includes information on--among other things--new pest detections and identification, and projects of the branch's Biological Control and Chemical/Mechanical (CM) Sections.
Field release of Aroplectrus dimerus Lin (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) for biological control of the nettle caterpillar, Darna pallivitta (Moore) (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae), in Hawaii
The draft environmental assessment regarding biological control of the nettle caterpillar was prepared by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (November 2007).
Aroplectrus dimerus information (biocontrol in Hawaii) from HEAR.org
Information about Aroplectrus dimerus as it is relevant to biocontrol (biological control) efforts in Hawaii is provided by the Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project (HEAR).
Bugs readied for eco-battle
The erythrina gall wasp, nettle caterpillar, and Madagascar fireweed are Hawaii pests that may be combatted by biocontrol agents if Hawaii receives federal approval for their release (Honolulu Advertiser, 5/11/2008).
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| The content of this page is based on information last generated on 15 September 2011 by PT. The template for this page was created on 15 March 2004 by EMS, and was last updated on 20 February 2006 by PT. |
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