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The life-history and host specificity of Comostolopsis germana Prout (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), a biological control agent of Chrysanthemoides monilifera (Compositae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

R. J. Adair  and
J. K. Scott
R. J. Adair
Affiliation:
Keith Turnbull Research Institute, Department of Conservation, Forests & Lands, P.O. Box 48, Frankston 3199, Australia
J. K. Scott
Affiliation:
CSIRO Biological Control Unit, Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa
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Abstract

Larvae of the southern African geometrid moth Comostolopsis germana Prout feed on the shoot apices and axillary buds of Chrysanthemoides monilifera, a serious alien weed of native vegetation in Australia. The insect was found in low abundance throughout the distribution of its hosts, C. incana and C. monilifera, in southern Africa. Larvae were present throughout the year in subtropical Natal, but were absent in winter in the cooler, Mediterranean type climate of Cape Province. In host-specificity tests using 65 plant species from 26 families, Comostolopsis germana completed development only on Chrysanthemoides monilifera monilifera and C. monilifera rotundata. Insignificant, exploratory feeding occurred on Olearia axillaris (Compositae) and pea, Pisum sativum (Leguminosae). In multiple-choice oviposition tests eggs were laid on 41 species, but a strong preference was shown for the foliage and stems of C. monilifera. Larvae grazing the flower buds, pedicels and peduncles of C. monilifera may reduce the reproductive capacity of their host and contribute to its control. Comostolopsis germana has been approved for release as a biological control agent of Chrysanthemoides monilifera in Australia.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 79 , Issue 4 , November 1989 , pp. 649 - 657
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

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