Paropsis charybdis

Paropsis charybdis, commonly known as the Eucalyptus tortoise beetle, is a species of leaf beetle belonging to the genus Paropsis. It is consider a pest of some species of Eucalyptus.

Paropsis charybdis
Paropsis charybdis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Coleoptera
Family:
Chrysomelidae
Subfamily:
Chrysomelinae
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.[1]

Distribution

Paropsis charybdis is native to Australia, but has spread to nearby New Zealand.[2]

Behaviour and ecology

Parasites

The parasitoid wasps Ennogera nassaui and Eadya paropsidis have been used as a biological control agent for P. charybdis.[3][2]

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.[3] 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.[3]

References
  1. 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.
  2. "Eucalyptus tortoise beetle biocontrol" (PDF). Scion. 2014. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
  3. Dean Satchell (2010). "Paropsis charybdis, Eucalyptus tortoise beetle". Farm Forestry New Zealand. Retrieved 2017-02-28.
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