| Paropsis charybdis | |
|---|---|
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| Adult | |
 | |
| Larva | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Polyphaga |
| Infraorder: | Cucujiformia |
| Family: | Chrysomelidae |
| Genus: | Paropsis |
| Species: | P. charybdis |
| Binomial name | |
| Paropsis charybdis Stål, 1860 | |
Paropsis charybdis, commonly known as the Eucalyptus tortoise beetle, is a species of leaf beetle belonging to the genus Paropsis . It is considered a pest of some species of Eucalyptus . [1]
Paropsis charybdis is identified by its pale creamy-white elytra upon which are three broad transverse areas of darker colouration. The under surface is yellow-brown. [2]
Paropsis charybdis is native to Australia, but has spread to nearby New Zealand. [3]
The parasitoid wasps Ennogera nassaui and Eadya paropsidis have been used as a biological control agent for P. charybdis. [1] [3]
Paropsis charybdis is the most serious defoliator of eucalyptus in New Zealand and is particularly associated with the subgenus Symphyomyrtus . [1] The most severely attacked species include: E. globulus , E. viminalis , E. johnstonii , E. smithii , E. grandis , E. deanei , E. guilfoylei , E. macarthurii , E. longifolia , and E. quadrangulata . [1]
