WESELOH, R.M. 1984. Scientists continue to find natural enemies of gypsy moth. Am. Nurseryman 159(2): 87-88.
The gypsy moth is an important forest insect in much of the Northeast. It defoliates deciduous trees and may kill pines and hemlocks. Natural enemies have long been studied as a means of controlling the gypsy moth, which was originally imported in 1868 from France. Beginning about 1905, many parasites and predators were brought to the U.S. from Europe and Asia. At present, ten parasitic wasps and flies and one predacious beetle are established as naturalized “citizens.” However, these beneficial insects have not been sufficient to prevent outbreaks from occurring. Thus, there is a continuing effort to introduce new natural enemies from overseas, some which may have been overlooked so far, but which might be effective if they became established in this country. It should be pointed out that all imported natural enemies are carefully screened to make sure they do not attack beneficial insects of plants.
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