Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds

View full fact sheet

Summary

• Narrow distribution. Southeast Asia, Oceania. Present in most Pacific island countries. Many introductions. Preys on eggs of Tarophagus species, the taro planthopper.
• Nymphs and adults suck the eggs of Tarophagus. Adult with black antennae, head, pronotum (the area behind the head); wings and legs are orange. Nymphs similar but without wings.
• Eggs are laid into the leaf or into the collapsed eggs of the planthopper. Spread on the wing and in planting material.
• Effective control reported from some countries, but often in dry times there are high populations of both bug and planthopper. Not sufficient for control of viruses diseases.
• Biosecurity: need to assess risk before introduction even though it is probably specific to Tarophagus.
• Avoid use of organophosphates, carbamates and synthetic pyrethroids if Cyrtorhinus present, or leave at least 4 weeks between their use and release of bug.