Nov2012_FIGHTING NATURE WITH NATURE
A small insect, known as the leaf-mining jewel beetle (Hylaeogena jureceki), will be released in locations around southeast Queensland to help fight the spread of the exotic weed cat’s claw creeper.
Principal entomologist Dr Kunjithapatham Dhileepan from Biosecurity Queensland said cat’s claw creeper was a recently declared Weed of National Significance which posed a significant threat to rainforests and vegetation alongside waterways all the way from Atherton down to the Gold Coast and as far west as Taroom.
“Although the cat’s claw creeper can be controlled using chemicals they are not always effective, are costly, and can potentially damage sensitive vegetation and ecosystems,” Dr Dhileepan said.
“The natural alternative is the leaf-mining jewel beetle originally from South America. Testing conducted here and in South Africa has confirmed that this beetle does not pose any risk to other local plants.
“The beetle is approved for release by regulatory authorities and will complement the already established leaf-sucking tingid bug, which also attacks cat’s claw creeper.
“This is a great example of the excellent work conducted by our scientists being used in a very practical way.”
The female leaf-mining jewel beetle lays eggs on the cat’s claw creeper’s leaves and the emerging larvae feed on the older leaves. One larva can potentially destroy an entire leaf.
For further information regarding cat’s claw creeper and the leaf-mining jewel beetle visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
“Although the cat’s claw creeper can be controlled using chemicals they are not always effective, are costly, and can potentially damage sensitive vegetation and ecosystems,” Dr Dhileepan said.
“The natural alternative is the leaf-mining jewel beetle originally from South America. Testing conducted here and in South Africa has confirmed that this beetle does not pose any risk to other local plants.
“The beetle is approved for release by regulatory authorities and will complement the already established leaf-sucking tingid bug, which also attacks cat’s claw creeper.
“This is a great example of the excellent work conducted by our scientists being used in a very practical way.”
The female leaf-mining jewel beetle lays eggs on the cat’s claw creeper’s leaves and the emerging larvae feed on the older leaves. One larva can potentially destroy an entire leaf.
For further information regarding cat’s claw creeper and the leaf-mining jewel beetle visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
