Two cryptic species, one weed. Molecular and behavioural tests to screen and monitor biocontrol agents.

Abstract

Two cryptic species of Eueupithecia moths, native to South America, have been introduced to Australia as biological control agents of Parkinsonia aculeata. Eueupithecia cisplatensis and E. vollonoides were delimited based on a 4%
CO1 divergence across the two and on morphological disparities across their internal genitalia. Hybridization in culture raised questions of their species status and the implications for biological control. Further, reciprocal pheromone trapping in the field revealed males of each species are attracted to females of both species.
Periodic use of the molecular techniques developed will allow future comparisons across populations in the introduced range and will provide substantial insight into the long-term establishment and movement of these two species.