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 | |
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Paropsis charybdis | |
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Species: | P. charybdis |
Binomial name | |
Paropsis charybdis Stål, 1860 | |
Wikispecies has information related to Paropsis charybdis |
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
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
- 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.
- Dean Satchell (2010). "Paropsis charybdis, Eucalyptus tortoise beetle". Farm Forestry New Zealand. Retrieved 2017-02-28.