Title: Biology of the leaf roller Salbia lotanalis and its impact on the invasive tree Miconia calvescens
Abstract: Miconia calvescens (Melastomataceae) is an invasive alien tree in native forests on some Pacific islands and a potentially invasive species in Australia. Searches for potential classical biocontrol agents have been undertaken for over a decade in the centre of origin (Central and South America). Salbia lotanalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a leaf roller which has been recognized as a promising classical biocontrol agent for M. calvescens. This paper presents the biology and an impact study of S. lotanalis on M. calvescens. Life table parameters showed that S. lotanalis has a high reproductive capacity, with up to six generations a year. Miconia calvescens seedlings attacked by S. lotanalis caterpillars had their growth rate significantly reduced. Seedlings subjected initially to a high level of defoliation (80%) caused by caterpillars had leaf fall and a lower leaf area than controls after 210 days. Considering the high population growth rate and significant impact on young plants, S. lotanalis appears to have a high potential for use as a classical biological control agent to be used against M. calvescens. [Elisangela G. F. Morais, Marcelo C. Picanço, Robert W. Barreto, Gerson A. Silva, Shaiene C. Moreno & Renan B. Queiroz (2010). Biology of the leaf roller Salbia lotanalis and its impact on the invasive tree Miconia calvescens. BioControl, 55(5), 685-694, DOI: 10.1007/s10526-010-9286-x]