''Laricobius osakensis'' is a species of
Derodontid beetle native to Japan. Described in 2011, it feeds exclusively on
hemlock woolly adelgid
The hemlock woolly adelgid (; ''Adelges tsugae''), or HWA, is an insect of the order Hemiptera (true bugs) native to East Asia. It feeds by sucking sap from hemlock and spruce trees (''Tsuga'' spp.; ''Picea'' spp.). In its native range, HWA ...
(''Adelges tsugae''), an invasive insect species that is destroying huge numbers of
hemlock trees in eastern North America. It has shown promise as a
biological control agent
Biological control or biocontrol is a method of controlling pests, such as insects, mites, weeds, and plant diseases, using other organisms. It relies on predation, parasitism, herbivory, or other natural mechanisms, but typically also invo ...
in field trials.
References
Derodontidae
Insects used as insect pest control agents
Biological pest control beetles
Beetles described in 2011
Insects of Japan
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