Paropsis charybdis
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.[1]
| Paropsis charybdis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Adult | |
 | |
| Larva | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Infraorder: | Cucujiformia |
| Family: | Chrysomelidae |
| Genus: | Paropsis |
| Species: | P. charybdis |
| Binomial name | |
| Paropsis charybdis Stål, 1860 | |
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.[2]
Distribution
Paropsis charybdis is native to Australia, but has spread to nearby New Zealand.[3]
Behaviour and ecology
Parasites
The parasitoid wasps Ennogera nassaui and Eadya paropsidis have been used as a biological control agent for P. charybdis.[1][3]
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.[1] 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.[1]
References
- Dean Satchell (2010). "Paropsis charybdis, Eucalyptus tortoise beetle". Farm Forestry New Zealand. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
- 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.
- "Eucalyptus tortoise beetle biocontrol" (PDF). Scion. 2014. Retrieved 2017-02-28.