Expansion of the geographic range of the eucalypt pest Paropsisterna cloelia (Stål) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) through synonymy and invasion

Abstract

The accidental introduction of the eucalypt‐feeding paropsine beetle Paropsisterna cloelia (Paropsisterna variicollis) into New Zealand (NZ) in 2016 prompted investigation of the species complex to which the invasive species belongs. Two mitochondrial gene regions, Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and Cytochrome b, were sequenced from field‐collected specimens superficially resembling P. cloelia collected in Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia (WA) and NZ. Four distinct Paropsisterna species groups were found, and representatives from each clade were identified with named species using morphology. P. cloelia was confirmed via sequencing and morphology to occur in all sampled geographic regions. The WA and NZ populations showed no diversity at the gene regions studied and hence represent invasive populations. The invasive WA haplotype was shared with both Tasmania and Victoria, whereas the NZ haplotype was unique, but most similar to one shared between WA, Tasmania and Victoria. The melanistic colour variant of P. cloelia was only found in eastern mainland Australian populations and was absent from Tasmania and invasive populations. Implications for pest management, including biological control, are discussed.

Comparison of the biology, ecology and potential pest impacts of the eucalypt-defoliating leaf beetles <i>Paropsisterna cloelia</i> and <i>Paropsis charybdis</i> (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in New Zealand

“…This is supported by all previously known species sharing the same unique species of sexually transmitted mite, Chrysomelobia captivus Seeman & Nahrung (Acari: Podapolipidae) (Seeman & Nahrung 2005). The exact Australian geographic origin of New Zealand's invasive population remains unknown but is likely to be somewhere in mainland Australia (Nahrung et al 2020). We therefore treat all literature referring to Paropsisterna (Chrysophtharta) variicollis, Paropsisterna (Chrysophtharta) obovata, and Paropsisterna (Chrysophtharta) cloelia as relating to the currently taxonomically accepted species Pst.…”

“…cloelia (previously known as Pst. variicollis (Nahrung et al 2020)) that is causing fresh concern to eucalypt growers. This concern arises as Pst.…”

“…variicollis by de Little (1979b). Finally, Nahrung et al (2020) applied a combination of molecular and morphological analyses of specimens from multiple localities and concluded that the species known by these names are in fact one species, endemic to eastern Australia, that has since become invasive in Western Australia (WA), New Caledonia (Jolivet & Verma 2008), and New Zealand. This is supported by all previously known species sharing the same unique species of sexually transmitted mite, Chrysomelobia captivus Seeman & Nahrung (Acari: Podapolipidae) (Seeman & Nahrung 2005).…”

“…The Australian distributions of P. charybdis and Pst. cloelia overlap and extend from subtropical Queensland to cool temperate Tasmania (de Little 1989;iNaturalist 2023aiNaturalist , 2023bNahrung et al 2020;Styles 1970) (Figure 2).…”

Suitable areas for invasive insect pests in Brazil and the potential impacts for eucalyptus forestry

“…The Brazilian government officially recognizes four eucalyptus pests as absent quarantine species: Eucalyptolyma maideni Froggat, 1901 (Hemiptera: Apharidae), Orgyia postica (Walker, 1885) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), Sinoxylon anale Lesne, 1897 (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), and Trachymela sloanei (Blackburn, 1896) (Coleoptera: Chtysomelidae) 19 . However, several other eucalyptus pests such as Mnesampela privata Guenée, 1858 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), 20 Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead, 1900) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), 21 Paropsis atomaria Olivier, 1807 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), 22 Paropsisterna beata (Newman, 1842) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), 23 and P. cloelia (Stål, 1860) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) 24 are known as important pests in their native range in Oceania, indicating they may be a risk for eucalyptus production in other continents. In fact, among these species, O. maskelli , P. atomaria , P. cloelia , S. anale and T. sloanei already expanded their distribution to regions beyond their native range in the past decades, and most forest pests recently introduced in Brazil are classified as non‐quarantine species, reinforcing the need to map areas at risk of invasion by eucalyptus pests.…”