Pasture-pest-management
Guides
Bdellodes
Bdellodes is a genus of predatory mites in the family Bdellidae. The genus includes Bdellodes lapidaria, a species native to Australia that has been introduced to South Africa as a biological control agent against the lucerne flea (Sminthurus viridis), a pest of pasture legumes.
Gratiana boliviana
Tropical Soda Apple Leaf Beetle, TSA tortoise beetle
Gratiana boliviana is a tortoise beetle (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) native to South America that was introduced to Florida in 2003 as the first biological control agent against tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum), a prickly invasive shrub. The beetle is highly host-specific and has established successfully in Florida, reducing weed density and fruit production through defoliation. Over 250,000 beetles were released across Florida from 2003 to 2011. The beetle cannot complete development on native North American Solanum species or crop plants like eggplant, making it a relatively safe biocontrol choice. Cold sensitivity limits its northward establishment potential.
Neomolgus
snout mites
Neomolgus is a genus of predatory snout mites in the family Bdellidae, containing more than 20 described species. Members are recognized by their elongated snout-like rostrum used in prey capture. Several species have been investigated or employed as biological control agents against collembolan pests, particularly Sminthurus viridis (lucerne flea). The genus exhibits cool-humid habitat preferences and temperature-dependent developmental rates.
Salpingogaster
Salpingogaster is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) containing at least 30 described species. At least one species, S. nigra, has been documented as a predator of froghopper nymphs (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) in pasture ecosystems. The genus belongs to the tribe Syrphini within the subfamily Syrphinae.