New Zealand Plant Protection 66 (2013): 157-161
Soil sampling in a cereal crop near Southbridge, Canterbury, revealed dipteran larvae attacking Costelytra zealandica (White) pupae. Approximately 50% of the pupae had larvae associated with them. DNA sequencing analysis of larval specimens indicated they most likely belonged to the family Dolichopodidae. Larval specimens were reared through to adults and were identified as Ostenia robusta (Hutton) (Diptera: Dolichopodidae). This is the first record of the association of O. robusta larvae with C. zealandica pupae. A general description of the adult and larva of this species is provided, along with DNA sequencing data and observations on its association with C. zealandica pupae. The potential role of O. robusta in regulating populations of C. zealandica is briefly considered.
Keywords: Costelytra zealandica, Ostenia robusta, Dolichopodidae, grass grub, predator.
 | Biology of Ostenia robusta: observations on life history and behaviour S. Mansfield, L.M. Watkins, R.J. Townsend and R.J. Chynoweth (2015) New Zealand Plant Protection 68: 360-366 |
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| Formulation of Serratia entomophila for biological control of grass grub V.W. Johnson, J. Pearson and T.A. Jackson (2001) New Zealand Plant Protection 54: 125-127 |
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