Aspects of the Biology, Distribution, and Host Range of Crioceris sp. (Col.: Chrysomelidae: Criocerinae), a Potential Biological Control Agent for Asparagus asparagoides in Australia

Aspects of the biology, distribution, and host range of Crioceris sp. (Chrysomelidae: Criocerinae), a potential biocontrol agent for Asparagus asparagoides (L.) W. Wight (bridal creeper) in Australia, were ascertained from studies in its native range in South Africa. In the laboratory, adults oviposited on new growth of A. asparagoides within 10 days of emergence and laid an average of 148 eggs per female. Eggs maintained at 15, 20, and 30°C eclosed after 8.7, 5.1, and 3.6 days, respectively. Larvae passed through four instars, with the final instar constructing a pupal case in the soil. Only 29% of adults from laboratory cultures emerged from dry pupal cases after an average of 75.9 days. Submerging pupal cases in water for short periods greatly enhanced adult emergence. Adults can live longer than 6 months. Crioceris sp. was mainly found on A. asparagoides and A. densiflorus/aethiopicus in winter-rainfall and even-rainfall areas. Larval and adult specificity testing indicated that this species could complete its development only on species within the Asparagaceae. Crioceris sp. is therefore a promising candidate for the control of A. asparagoides in Australia.