Olesicampe

Förster, 1869

Olesicampe is a of containing at least 130 described . Species in this genus are of (: Symphyta), with documented associations to in the genera Pristiphora and Cephalcia. Several species have been as agents against larch sawfly and mountain ash sawfly pests in North America, where they have established successfully and achieved significant host suppression. The genus is to the Palaearctic region.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Olesicampe: /ˌoʊliːsɪˈkæmpi/

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Habitat

Associated with forests and trees supporting ; specifically documented from larch (Larix spp.) and mountain ash (Sorbus spp.) stands.

Distribution

to the Palaearctic region. established in eastern Canada (Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick), Maine (USA), and Manitoba. Documented from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden based on occurrence records.

Host Associations

  • Pristiphora erichsonii - of larval stagelarch ; of O. benefactor
  • Pristiphora geniculata - of larval stagemountain ash ; of O. geniculatae
  • Cephalcia lariciphila - of larval stagelarch ; of O. monticola

Life Cycle

stages have been described for some ; development occurs within .

Behavior

Females search for and parasitize . Some exhibit rapid increase following establishment, with rates exceeding 80% near release points. Documented rates of approximately 50 km per year for O. geniculatae following successful establishment. Low and absence of hyperparasitism reported for some species.

Ecological Role

of pests; functions as a agent capable of suppressing to negligible levels. O. geniculatae introductions in Quebec and Newfoundland are rated as complete successes in .

Human Relevance

Used in programs against pests of forestry and ornamental trees. O. benefactor, O. geniculatae, and related were intentionally to North America to control larch sawfly and mountain ash sawfly. Establishment has resulted in persistent suppression of target pest , reducing economic and ecological damage to larch and mountain ash.

Similar Taxa

  • Mesochorus globulator hyperparasite that attacks O. geniculatae in Quebec; distinguished by its role as a secondary rather than of .

More Details

Biological control success

Introduction of O. geniculatae to Quebec (1976–1978) and Newfoundland (1981–1984) represents one of the most successful programs for pests. -specificity and rapid capacity contributed to establishment across areas exceeding 1000 km in diameter within 15 years.

Taxonomic notes

Subgenus Holocremnus has been used for some (e.g., O. sp. nr. nematorum). The requires taxonomic revision; O. monticola was described as poorly known prior to its redescription from British specimens.

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