The importance of semiochemicals for Diorhabda spp. (Coleoptera: Chysomelidae):biological control agents of invasive Tamarisk shrubs

Abstract: Several closely related species of the Eurasian saltcedar leaf beetle Diorhabdaelongata species group (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) have been successfully introduced asbiocontrol agents for saltcedar (Tamarix spp., Tamaricaceae) (DeLoach et al., 2003; 2004;Hudgeons et al., 2007; Bean, 2007; Tracy & Robbins, 2009). The non-native saltcedar is a rapidgrowing shrub causing considerable ecological and economic damage particularly in the riparianareas of arid and semi-arid western North America (Zavaleta, 2000; Shafroth et al., 2005).An existing practical need with this biocontrol program is the ability to monitor populationsof the beetles in the field. Population properties such as establishment at release sites, distancesof dispersal, and the ability to monitor the beetle movement into non-contiguous stands ofsaltcedar are important for land managers to understand, but are extremely difficult and tedious tomeasure.