Bionomics of Neolasioptera aculeatae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a promising biological control candidate against Parkinsonia aculeata (Fabaceae)

Field surveys conducted in North-central Argentina on Parkinsonia aculeata  L. between 2008 and 2011 revealed the presence of the stem-galling midge Neolasioptera aculeatae Gagne (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Bionomical and field host range studies were conducted to determine the insect’s suitability for biological control of P. aculeata . Presence of N. aculeatae galls was restricted to the northern distribution of P. aculeata. Larvae and/or pupae were found by dissecting galls collected throughout the year on P. aculeata plants at different phenological stages. Emergence of N. aculeatae  adults occurred 13 to 34 days from field collection and over an average period of 22 days. Field host range surveys indicated that of the 11 legume species sampled,  N. aculeata e adults only emerged from galls collected on P. aculeata . The biological attributes of N. aculeatae and its restricted field host range suggests that it will be a promising biological control agent for P. aculeata.