Studies on insect host specificity, distribution and abundance
in the native range of invasive plants are necessary for a successful
biological control program, because these can indicate the
potential safety and efficacy of the insects in the new environment
(Goolsby et al., 2006; Wang et al., 2009). During 2006–
2010, intensive faunal surveys were conducted and discovered
62 insect species in 22 families that predated on R. ellipticus in
south-western China (Wu et al., 2013), of which, two leaf-rolling
moth species, Epinotia ustulana and Epiblema tetragonana
(Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) were found to be widely distributed
in Yunnan Province, causing high levels of damage to the plants.
To evaluate the two leaf-rollers’ potential for biological control,
we conducted field and laboratory tests in their host range. We
also did extensive field surveys for their distribution and
abundance under natural conditions.