Redistribution and Establishment of Neomolgus capillatus (Kramer) (Acarina: Bdellidae) for the Biological Control of Sminthurus viridis (L.) (Collembola: Sminthuridae) in Tasmania

Abstract

A redistribution program for N. capillatus in Tasmania was undertaken by direct transfer of live predators from established sites. Acceleration of the slow natural dispersal rate was facilitated by field vacuum collections being possible for 8 months/year, excluding winter and early spring when active stages of N. capillatus were in low numbers or absent. Intermittent collections, mostly between October 1992 and May 1995, resulted in the release of 933,600 N. capillatus into 494 Tasmanian dairy pastures. The predator established at about 90% of these sites. Establishment of the predator on every dairy farm in Tasmania on which S. viridis is a pest is considered a relatively easy short‐term procedure.