Life history and host range of Oxydia vesulia transpeneus, an unsuitable biological control agent of Brazilian peppertree

ABSTRACT

The suitability of Oxydia vesulia transpeneus (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) was assessed as a potential biological control agent of the invasive weed Brazilian Peppertree Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi. Larvae were collected in Brazil feeding on the plant in its native range and colonised in quarantine where life history and host range studies were conducted (27 ± 2°C; 50RH). Development time from neonate to adults when fed Brazilian peppertree leaves was 48.0 (±2.2) days for females and 51.0 (±1.3) days for males. Larvae generally required five (occasionally six) instars to reach the adult stage. Females had greater pupal weights 1004.1 (±45.9) mg compared with males 668.5 (±19.7) mg. Larvae were tested on seven non-target plant species from Florida natives, ornamentals, to economic species. Larvae completed development on all but one of these valued plant species. These results suggest that the host range of O. vesulia is not sufficiently specific for release as a biological control against Brazilian peppertree in the USA.

KEYWORDS:

• Weed biological control
• Anacardiaceae
• Geometridae
• Schinus terebinthifolia
• host specificity

Acknowledgements

We thank K. Dyer, W. Pierre, E. Broggi, A. Sanchez, (USDA-ARS-IPRL), E. Jones (AmeriCorps/SCA), F. Mc Kay (FuEDEI, Buenos Aires, Argentina), M. Vitorino (Univ Blumenau, Brazil) for assistance. Insect identifications were generously provided by C. Covell (McGuire Center, Gainesville, FL) and A. Hausmann (Zoologische Staatssammlung Munchen, Munich, Germany). Insect voucher specimens were deposited in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. O. vesulia identity was confirmed by DNA barcode analysis conducted by Hausmann (GenBank accession No. KT3530316). Insect collections and exportations were authorised by Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente (Permit No. 14BR004731/DF). The importation permit to USA was issued by USDA/APHIS to GW (Permit No. P526P-07-06609).

Additional information

Funding

This project was partially funded by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (#08250, TA:088), South Florida Water Management District (#4600001427), and USDA/ARS.