Releases of Hemisarcoptes coccophagus Meyer (Acari: Hemisarcoptidae), a predator of armoured scale insects, in the South Island

Abstract

Hemisarcoptes coccophagus Meyer were released into apple, pear and plum trees infested with Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (Comstock), Q. ostreaeformis (Curtis) and/or Lepidosaphes ulmi (L.) in Nelson, Mid-Canterbury and Central Otago between 1991 and 1996. They were recovered from only one property in Nelson (on Q. perniciosus on pear) up to 12 months after the initial release, but not 6 years later. H. coccophagus developed successfully on Q. perniciosus in the laboratory. Possible reasons for the apparent failure of the mite to establish are discussed.

Keywords:

• Diaspididae
• mites
• releases
• assessment
• biological control