Skip to main content Skip to main navigation menu Skip to site footer
Responsive image
Issue: Vol. 2866 No. 1: 4 May. 2011
Type: Articles
Published: 2011-05-04
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.2866.1.5
Page range: 61–68
Abstract views: 30
PDF downloaded: 1

A new species of Neolasioptera (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Parkinsonia aculeata (Leguminosae) in Argentina for possible use in biological control in Australia, with a key to Neotropical species of Neolasioptera

Systematic Entomology Laboratory, PSI, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, c/o U. S. National Museum NHB 168, Washington, DC 20013-7012, USA
South American Biological Control Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Bolivar 1559 (1686), Hurlingham, Argentina
CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, EcoSciences Precinct, GPO Box 2583, Brisbane 4001, Australia
Diptera gall midges biological control key

Abstract

Neolasioptera aculeatae Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is described as a new species from stem swellings on Parkinsonia aculeata L. (Leguminosae) in NW Argentina. The new species appears to be a good candidate for the biological control of its host in Australia, where the plant was accidentally introduced and is currently a serious pest. The species is shown to be distinct from its 64 Neotropical congeners. A preliminary key to these species is offered that can be adapted as more work is done on Neolasioptera.

References

  1. Gagné, R.J. (1994) The Gall Midges of the Neotropical Region. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York, xv + 352 pp.

    Gagné, R.J. (2004) A catalog of the Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) of the world. Memoirs of the Entomological Society of Washington, No. 23, 408 pp.

    Gagné, R.J. (2010) Update for a catalog of the Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) of the world. Digital version 1. (http://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/12754100/Gagne_2010_World_Catalog_Cecidomyiidae.pdf)

    Hawkins, J.A., Boutaoui, N., Cheung, K.Y., van Klinken, R.D. & Hughes, C.E. (2007) Intercontinental dispersal prior to human translocations revealed in a cryptogenic invasive plant. New Phytologist, 175, 575–587.

    van Klinken, R.D., Campbell, S.D., Heard, T.A., McKenzie, J. & March, N. (2009) The Biology of Australian Weeds: 54. ‘Parkinsonia aculeata’ L. Plant Protection Quarterly, 24, 100–117.