CBER External Seminar - Dr Bob Brown, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, NZ

Abstract: 

Social wasps of the genus Vespula are invasive pests in much of the Southern Hemisphere. Recent work on using classical biocontrol against two Vespula species (German and common wasps) in New Zealand suggests it to be a promising technique to bring balance back to our ecosystems. Recently, the Environmental Protection Authority has approved the importation and release of the wasp-nest beetle, Metoecus paradoxus, and the lesser-hornet hoverfly, Volucella inanis, as biological control agents aimed at reducing the invasive German and common wasp population in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In this talk, Bob will cover the biology of why wasps are such successful invaders, as well the process of searching for potential new biological control agents in the native range, and finally how MWLR are partnering with Māori to co-design release and monitoring strategies of selected agents in New Zealand.