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Gonipterus larvae and pupae
Gonipterus sp.
-37.8922, 145.314
Field Notes
Description:
These larvae are about 12mm long. They build a pile of wiry frass to wear as they move and feed on leaves. Pics 4,5 show the pupal case they form which is interestingly, also decorated with frass.
Habitat:
On E viminalis next to a large national park.
Notes:
The pupae are very rarely seen and these ones are probably just formed. I am wondering if the frass on this onw is accidental or deliberate. The pupae should drop down into the leaf litter below to rest there while pupation completes. <br> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonipterus <br> http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/forestry/publications_index/forest_health_info… <br>
This little weevil is often a 'pest' overseas - "Between 1926 and 1929, an egg parasitoid wasp, Anaphes nitens (also from Australia) was released as a biocontrol agent for G. scutellatus. Through these release events and the ability of the parasitoid to spread on its own, it too spread throughout areas where G. scutellatus was present. Parasitism levels greater than 60% were reported from most areas with levels in some areas reaching 80 - 100%. Although largely effective, sporadic outbreaks still occurred and the parasitoid was not as effective in the higher altitude colder areas. Despite this, the program was and is one of the most successful biocontrol programs worldwide." South African Forrestry.
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