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Citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)
 
CLM was first detected in May, 1993 infesting Persian limes in Dade county, Florida. The moth spread quickly across Florida, and within several months was found in all citrus growing regions of the state.
Parasitoids:
The exotic parasitoid Ageniaspis citricola (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was imported into Florida by Dr. Marjorie Hoy in 1994 from Australia. Releases of the parasitoid were begun in May of 1994 at sites is Southwest Florida. The parasitoid lays it's eggs in the egg of CLM. The parasitoid develops internally as the CLM develops, finally pupating after the CLM has formed a pupal chamber. Native predators, like green lacewing larva, have also been discovered to be utilizing CLM as a new food source.
Premilinary Results after Releases:
52 releases consisting of 12, 382 parasitoids have been from May 1994 to September 1995, in five counties of Southwest Florida. A. citricola was recovered following the winters of 1995, 1996, and 1997. Parasitoid have been documented dispersing from release sites in 1995 and 1996, up to 30 miles.
Other natural enemies:
Trash bug (Chrysopa sp.) feeding on a CLM larva:
Contact:
Dr. P. A. Stansly
Southwest Florida Research & Education Center
University of Florida
P.O. Box 5127
Immokalee, FL 34143-5002 USA
(239)658-3427 ; FAX: (239)658-3469.
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