Paropsis charybdis

Paropsis charybdis
Adult
Larva
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Clade: Pancrustacea
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Infraorder: Cucujiformia
Family: Chrysomelidae
Genus: Paropsis
Species:
P. charybdis
Binomial name
Paropsis charybdis
Stål, 1860

Paropsis charybdis, commonly known as the Eucalyptus tortoise beetle, is a species of leaf beetle belonging to the genus Paropsis. It is considered a pest of some species of Eucalyptus.

Description

Paropsis charybdis is identified by its pale creamy-white elytra upon which are three broad transverse areas of darker colouration. The under surface is yellow-brown.

Distribution

Paropsis charybdis is native to Australia, but has spread to nearby New Zealand.

Behaviour and ecology

Parasites

The parasitoid wasps Ennogera nassaui and Eadya paropsidis have been used as a biological control agent for P. charybdis.

Relationship to humans

As pests

Paropsis charybdis is the most serious defoliator of eucalyptus in New Zealand and is particularly associated with the subgenus Symphyomyrtus. The most severely attacked species include: E. globulus, E. viminalis, E. johnstonii, E. smithii, E. grandis, E. deanei, E. guilfoylei, E. macarthurii, E. longifolia, and E. quadrangulata.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Dean Satchell (2010). "Paropsis charybdis, Eucalyptus tortoise beetle". Farm Forestry New Zealand. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
  2. ↑ De Little, D. (1979). "A preliminary review of the genus Paropsis Olivier (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Tasmania". Journal of the Australian Entomology Society. 18 (2): 91–107. doi:10.1111/j.1440-6055.1979.tb00819.x.
  3. 1 2 "Eucalyptus tortoise beetle biocontrol" (PDF). Scion. 2014. Retrieved 2017-02-28.