Aussie Wasp to save NZ Eucalypts

Done it · 15th August 2010, 08:56 PM

The parasitic wasp (Cotesia urabae) has been approved for release next year to combat the gum-leaf skeletoniser (Uraba lugens), an Australian moth which could defoliate eucalyptus plantations throughout New Zealand.

The potential cost of the moth to New Zealand was recently estimated to be more than $100 million.

Wasps to halt caterpillar in its tracks - ABC Darwin - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Just in case it's here as well.
Tasmanian parasitic wasps to NZ rescue - UTAS - University of Tasmania, Australia

Eric Frei · 15th August 2010, 09:25 PM

The wasps are going to save $100 million in damage.

That's that itchy caterpillar mongrel .... should drop it in the All Blacks shorts!

Hayden Watt · 16th August 2010, 10:25 PM

I'm sure they have thought in depth about it but what happens when the wasps have done their job and brought the caterpillar under control...
Im sure they wont just pack up and fly back to AUS.
im not an expert but introducing new species to foreign environments with no natural predator usually causes another problem...

Eric Frei · 16th August 2010, 10:39 PM

Who cares, it's NZ!

sueann · 17th August 2010, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekka

Who cares, it's NZ!

Hahaha! the kiwi's might!

I would be wary of introducing non native things as well..they just about always come back to bite you..like the cane toads!!!

Urban Treecare NZ · 17th August 2010, 06:09 PM

Hopefully the wasp does a good job and doesnt decide to eat everything else

So far you aussies have sent us a few good ones lol, Mainly the friendly Possum

more here than Aussie!!! and a few others like frogs and all your lovely insects lol!!

Done it · 24th August 2010, 08:43 PM

They're pretty small, I don't think they'ed eat much.

[It’s an effective control against the gum-leaf skeletoniser because the wasp lays its egg inside the caterpillar, and when ready to pupate the larva eats its way out and kills the caterpillar.”]

I don't think anything eats those things. We had a plague of them go through here years ago, left a trail of damage right up past Armidale.

Left a lot of damaged tree guys as well, they sure are itchy. One job we had to leave, I told the HO we'd be back the next day.

He didn't quite understand why. He was cleaning the gutters when we left, shorts no shirt.

I went home, had a shower,

He rang me wanting to know what to do about the itch. My advice,

When we went back he'd scratched that much he was bleeding all over his stomach and arms.

15th August 2010, 08:56 PM	#1
Done it Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Australia. Posts: 780	Aussie Wasp to save NZ Eucalypts The parasitic wasp (Cotesia urabae) has been approved for release next year to combat the gum-leaf skeletoniser (Uraba lugens), an Australian moth which could defoliate eucalyptus plantations throughout New Zealand. The potential cost of the moth to New Zealand was recently estimated to be more than $100 million. Wasps to halt caterpillar in its tracks - ABC Darwin - Australian Broadcasting Corporation Just in case it's here as well. Tasmanian parasitic wasps to NZ rescue - UTAS - University of Tasmania, Australia

15th August 2010, 09:25 PM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Aussie Wasp to save NZ Eucalypts The wasps are going to save $100 million in damage. That's that itchy caterpillar mongrel .... should drop it in the All Blacks shorts! __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

16th August 2010, 10:25 PM	#3
Hayden Watt Sappling Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Melbourne Posts: 29	Re: Aussie Wasp to save NZ Eucalypts I'm sure they have thought in depth about it but what happens when the wasps have done their job and brought the caterpillar under control... Im sure they wont just pack up and fly back to AUS. im not an expert but introducing new species to foreign environments with no natural predator usually causes another problem...

16th August 2010, 10:39 PM	#4
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Aussie Wasp to save NZ Eucalypts Who cares, it's NZ! __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

17th August 2010, 06:09 PM	#6
Urban Treecare NZ Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) + Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 6) Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 256	Re: Aussie Wasp to save NZ Eucalypts Hopefully the wasp does a good job and doesnt decide to eat everything else So far you aussies have sent us a few good ones lol, Mainly the friendly Possum more here than Aussie!!! and a few others like frogs and all your lovely insects lol!! __________________ www.urbantree.co.nz www.urbantreecare.co.nz

24th August 2010, 08:43 PM	#7
Done it Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Australia. Posts: 780	Re: Aussie Wasp to save NZ Eucalypts They're pretty small, I don't think they'ed eat much. [It’s an effective control against the gum-leaf skeletoniser because the wasp lays its egg inside the caterpillar, and when ready to pupate the larva eats its way out and kills the caterpillar.”] I don't think anything eats those things. We had a plague of them go through here years ago, left a trail of damage right up past Armidale. Left a lot of damaged tree guys as well, they sure are itchy. One job we had to leave, I told the HO we'd be back the next day. He didn't quite understand why. He was cleaning the gutters when we left, shorts no shirt. I went home, had a shower, He rang me wanting to know what to do about the itch. My advice, When we went back he'd scratched that much he was bleeding all over his stomach and arms. Attached Thumbnails

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