Paropsis charybdis

Paropsis charybdis
Adult
Larva
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Chrysomelidae
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 considered a pest of some species of Eucalyptus.[1]

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 defoliator 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

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Paropsis charybdis.
Wikispecies has information related to Paropsis charybdis.
  1. ^ a b c d Dean Satchell (2010). "Paropsis charybdis, Eucalyptus tortoise beetle". Farm Forestry New Zealand. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ a b "Eucalyptus tortoise beetle biocontrol" (PDF). Scion. 2014. Retrieved 2017-02-28.