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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Lauderdale, Florida » Invasive Plant Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #333657
Research Project: Identification, Evaluation, and Implementation of Biological Control Agents for Invasive Weeds of Southeastern Ecosystems

Location: Invasive Plant Research Laboratory

Title: Non-selective feeding and oviposition behavior of Cryptocephalus trifasciata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cryptocephalinae), precludes its use as a biological control agent for downy rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa)

Author
item Smith, Melissa
item Wright, Susan
item Wheeler, Gregory
item PURCELL, MATTHEW - Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
item MANKINSON, JEFFREY - Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

Submitted to: Biocontrol Science and Technology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/31/2017
Publication Date: 2/21/2017
Citation: Smith, M., Wright, S.A., Wheeler, G.S., Purcell, M., Mankinson, J. 2017. Non-selective feeding and oviposition behavior of Cryptocephalus trifasciata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cryptocephalinae), precludes its use as a biological control agent for downy rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa). Biocontrol Science and Technology. 27(3):445-448.

Interpretive Summary: Cryptocephalus trifasciata is a case-bearing beetle that was found feeding on Rhodomyrtus tomentosa throughout its range in southeast Asia. Rhodomyrtus tomentosa continues to be a problematic weedy shrub in Florida and Hawaii and C. trifasciata was evaluated to determine its host specificity and suitability for use as a biological control agent. We found the C. trifasciata feeds broadly on many genera within the Myrtaceae and also feeds on at least one species within the Lythraceae. This demonstrates far too broad of a host-range for use as a biological control agent, so this species will now be eliminated from any further testing.

Technical Abstract: Downy rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa), a southeast Asian native shrub, invades natural areas in Florida and Hawaii where it forms dense, impenetrable thickets. We tested the host affinity and survivorship of a case bearing beetle, Cryptocephalus trifasciata on R. tomentosa and related species. Cryptocephalus trifasciata adults and larvae fed, oviposited and/or completed development on all non-target species tested. Cryptocephalus trifasciata has a broad host range and is unsuitable for use as a biological control agent.