Parthenium Biological Control Agents
Other biological control agents

Other insects have been introduced to control parthenium in Queensland but are not yet established. These include Platphalonidia mystica and Conotrachelus spp.

Conotrachelus spp. (stem galling weevil)

This stem galling weevil was introduced from Argentina. The small (4-5mm) grey-brown weevils attack the stems and leaves of parthenium and are normally active at night. Larvae hatch from the eggs deposited at the base of leaves and bore into the stem. Each larva produces a small gall at the node and continues feeding for 8 weeks. Mature larvae pupate in the soil and the adults emerge 4 weeks later.

Platphalonidia mystica

This small (6mm) light grey to white moth was introduced from Argentina. Adults lay eggs in the leaf axils and the larvae bore into the stem. The life cycle takes 8 - 10 weeks and the adults leave the plant from the original hole the larvae entered through.

Last updated by: Kim Rogers, 9 December, 1997