Paropsis charybdis

Paropsis charybdis
Paropsis charybdis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Chrysomelidae
Subfamily: Chrysomelinae
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 consider 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.[1]

Distribution

Paropsis charybdis is native to Australia, but has spread to nearby New Zealand.[2]

Behaviour and ecology

Parasites

The parasitoid wasps Ennogera nassaui and Eadya paropsidis have been used as a biological control agent for P. charybdis.[3][2]

Relationship to humans

As pests

Paropsis charybdis is the most serious defoliater of eucalyptus in New Zealand and is particularly associated with the subgenus Symphyomyrtus.[3] 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.[3]

References

  1. ↑ De Little, D. (1979). "A Preliminary Review of the Genus Paropsis Olivier (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Tasmania". Journal of the Australian Entomology Society. 18: 91–107.
  2. 1 2 "Eucalyptus tortoise beetle biocontrol" (PDF). Scion. 2014. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
  3. 1 2 3 Dean Satchell (2010). "Paropsis charybdis, Eucalyptus tortoise beetle". Farm Forestry New Zealand. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
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