Open AccessClose to the Edge: Microhabitat Selection by Neurostrota gunniella (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), a Biological Control Agent for Mimosa pigra L. in Australia
Author(s) -
SMITH CAREY S.,
WILSON COLIN G.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
australian journal of entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1440-6055
pISSN - 1326-6756
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-6055.1995.tb01314.x
Subject(s) - gracillariidae , biology , thicket , lepidoptera genitalia , dry season , larva , biological pest control , bark (sound) , botany , horticulture , ecology , habitat
Relative density of Neurostrota gunniella larvae in branches of giant sensitive plant, Mimosa pigra at the edge and interior of thickets was estimated by measuring characteristic feeding damage. the proportion of branches attacked by N. gunniella was high throughout and indistinguishable by location in the thicket. However, edge branches were more heavily damaged by larvae than branches in the interior, in both wet and dry seasons. Edge branches also had more leaves and leaflets at the end of the dry season, but not at the end of the wet season. Implications for biological control of M. pigra are discussed.