Biocontrol of Mimosa
Mimosa is considered one of Australia's worst weeds. It can form dense stands that replace the valuable native flora of north australian floodplains. Mimosa is highly invasive and can spread rapidly. It has already caused significant environmental and economic damage.
Fifteen agents have been released against mimosa since the biocontrol research program started in 1979. Thirteen of these were insects, the remaining two were fungal pathogens.
1983 - Seed feeding beetle (Acanthoscelides puniceus)
The first biocontrol agent released against mimosa was acanthoscelides in 1983. The larvae of these beetles feed on mature seed, each larva destroying a single seed. The beetles are established on most mimosa infestions in the NT and have helped to significantly reduce the amount of seed produced.
Adult acanthoscelides with seed showing larval damage
1985 - Chlamisus (Chlamisus mimosae)
Chlamisus adults and larvae feed on green parts of mimosa. These beetles have established, but are not abundant and have minimal impact on mimosa.
Adult chlamisus feeding on mimosa tip
1989 - Stem boring moth (Neurostrota gunniella)
Neurostrota is a small moth that can travel kilometres to find a single mimosa plant. This moth has established and is present on most mimosa plants in the NT. The larvae bore into the stems of mimosa causing leaf drop and tip death.
For more information please see the Neurostrota fact sheet or poster.
Neurostrota adult
1989 - Carmenta (Carmenta mimosa)
Carmenta is a very effective agent against mimosa. The larvae of this moth tunnel into stems, branches and the trunks of mimosa plants, which can cause death of branches and reduces plant growth and seed production. Carmenta has established on most mimosa infestations in the Top End.
For more information please see the Carmenta fact sheet or poster.
Carmenta adult
1992 - Flower feeding weevils (Coelocephalapion pigrae and C.aculeatum)
Two species of flower feeding weevils were released on to the Adelaide River catchment in the early 1990’s. Only one of them, C. pigrae, has persisted, probably due to its ability to feed on the leaves during the dry season when there are few flowers. It can be found on almost every mimosa infestation across the Northern Territory.
Flower feeding weevil
1995 - Wet season fungus (Phloeospora mimosae-pigrae)
This fungus infects leaves and stems and is most active in the humid conditions of the wet season. It has not established.
1996 - Green seed weevil (Chalcodermus serripes)
This weevil feeds on large green seeds and leaves. It has not established.
1996 - Dry-season fungus (Diabole cubensis)
This fungus attacks leaves and is most active in the dry season. It has not established
1997 - Young green seed weevil (Sibinia fastigiata)
Adults lay eggs directly onto the seeds, larvae hatch and feed on the seed and pupate within the pod. Each larva destroys one seed. This beetle does not appear to have established in Australia.
2000 - Root, seed and leaf feeding beetle (Malacorhinus irregularis)
This red and black beetle looks a bit like a ladybird. It is well established in the Top End. It is occasionally present in large numbers, causing significant damage to mimosa. Adult beetles feed on the young leaves of seedlings, larvae live and pupate in the soil and feed on the seeds, nodules, roots and leaves of seedlings.
For more information please see the Malacorhinus fact sheet and poster.
Root, seed and leaf feeding beetle
2002 - Leaf feeding moth (Macaria pallidata)
Macaria is a creamy coloured moth that has a wingspan of about 2 cm. Some have two black spots on their wings. The larvae can be either brown or green and move in a looping motion. The larvae feed on the leaves and can cause severe defoliation. Macaria is well established on mimosa infestations in the Top End.
For more information please see the Macaria fact sheet and poster.
Macaria larvae
Macaria adult
2005 - Leaf feeding moth (Leuciris fimbriaria)
Leuciris is a small white moth with gold edges around their wings. The larvae are green with a white stripe down either side. The larvae feed on the leaves of mimosa. This moth is currently being reared and released.
For more information please see the Leuciris fact sheet and poster.
Leuciris larvae
Leuciris adult
2007 - Root and leaf feeding beetle (Nesaecrepida infuscata)
Nesaecrepida is a tiny golden brown beetle. The adult beetles feed on mimosa leaves and the larvae feed on seedling roots and leaves. This beetle is currently being reared and released. It is hoped that it will have a similar effect to malacorhinus.
Nesaecrepida adult
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