The biology and host range of Falconia intermedia (Hemiptera: Miridae), a potential biological control agent for Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) in Australia

Abstract

The life history and host specificity of Falconia intermedia in Australia were investigated. Adults and nymphs feed on the intercellular tissue on the underside of Lantana camara leaves. Eggs are deposited singly or in small clusters alongside veins and, on average, hatch in 12 days. Development to adult takes about 15 days and there are 5 instars. Females live for approximately 30 days and lay an average of 1.5 eggs/day. Oviposition occurred on all five L. camara phenotypes tested but subsequent development was significantly poorer on the pink-flowering phenotype. Forty-six plant species were tested to determine host specificity. The only species upon which adults fed and oviposited were L. camara and another introduced weed, Lippia alba. Both plant species supported populations of F. intermedia over several generations. F. intermedia did not display any predatory behaviour towards eggs, nymphs or larvae of either Aconophora compressa or Ectaga garcia, two other introduced biocontrol agents of L. camara. F. intermedia was approved for release in Australia in 2000.