Evaluation of field releases of Hypena opulenta (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) for biological control of invasive Vincetoxicum spp. in New England

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

9:24 AM – 9:36 AM PT

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre, Meeting Room 207

Presenting Author(s)

ET

Elizabeth Tewksbury (she/her/hers)

Research Associate/Adjunct Professor
University of Rhode Island
Charlestown, Rhode Island

Co-Author(s)

AJ

Alexandra Johnson

Graduate Student
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, Rhode Island
AR

Alana A. Russell

Research Assistant
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, Rhode Island
HR

Hazelynn Rios

University of Rhode Island
Kingston, Rhode Island

Field releases of Hypena opulenta, a biological control agent of invasive swallow-worts (Vincetoxicum spp.) have been conducted in New England since 2018. Early releases determined that releases made in partial shade result in higher survival and increased feeding damage compared to releases made in full sun conditions. The impact of timing of release, number of individuals released, and release conditions in multiple sites across multiple states are evaluated.