Abstract:
Gonipterus species are pests of Eucalyptus plantations worldwide. The egg parasitoid wasp
Anaphes nitens is used in many countries for the biological control of Gonipterus spp. Recent taxonomic
studies have shown that the three invasive Gonipterus spp., which were previously considered as
G. scutellatus, form part of a cryptic species complex. These taxonomic changes have implications
for the biological control of Gonipterus spp. The aims of this study were to understand the species
composition and distribution of Gonipterus spp. and their egg parasitoids in Australia. Gonipterus spp.
adults and egg capsules were collected in south-eastern Australia and Tasmania. Adult Gonipterus
were identified using morphology and DNA barcoding. Parasitoids were reared from Gonipterus
egg capsules and identified. Thirteen Gonipterus species were collected: twelve species were found
on the Australian mainland and one species in Tasmania. These included three described species,
four previously recognized but undescribed species, two undescribed species and four unidentified
species. Five egg parasitoid species that attack Gonipterus spp. were identified. Anaphes nitens,
Centrodora damoni and Euderus sp. were identified on the Australian mainland and A. tasmaniae
and A. inexpectatus were identified in Tasmania. The results from this study will contribute to the
improvement of Gonipterus biological control in the future.
