The phytophagous insect fauna of Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae) in Central Europe.

Abstract

A comprehensive description of the Central European phytophagous complex of Tanacetum vulgare L., 1753 (Asteraceae) is presented, based on personal observations, data from the literature and information from specialists. The phytophagous complex consists of 143 species, of which 13.3% are monophagous and 44.8% are restricted to Asteraceae. Larval development was recorded for 135 species. Roughly two-thirds of the species feed on the plant tissue while the rest are sap-suckers. Thirty-five percent of the species are endophytic. Twenty-five species are for the first time reported to live on T. vulgare, including a new species of Melanagromyza (Dipt., Agromyzidae). The identity of a Liriomyza species (Agromyzidae) and a Lasioptera species (Cecidomyiidae) remained unresolved. The agricultural pest insects, for which T. vulgare represents a source of food, are listed. In order to find a suitable agent against T. vulgare, which has become a serious, alien pasture weed in some regions of North America, a preliminary selection of herbivores is given, which could be subjected to pre-release studies.

Keywords

Tanacetum vulgare L., 1753 - herbivores - phytophagous insect fauna - biological weed control - Central Europe - Melanagromyza - guilds - spatial distribution - host specificity - feeding mode.