New Zealand Journal of Zoology abstracts
No evidence for establishment of the wasp parasitoid, Sphecophaga vesparum burra (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) at two sites in New Zealand
Jacqueline R. Beggs*
Joanna S. Rees
Richard J. Harris
Landcare Research
Private Bag 6
Nelson, New Zealand
email: beggsj@LandcareResearch.co.nz
*Author for correspondence.
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.
Keywords Vespula; Vespidae; biological control
Z01034 Received 26 September 2001; accepted 22 February 2002; published 9 September 2002
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 2002, Vol. 29: 205–211
0301–4223/02/2903–0205 $7.00/0 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2002
PDF file of entire paper: Print-quality (117K) | screen-quality (70K)
This year's abstracts |
Journal home page |
All abstracts |
Publishing home page
