Distribution and flight activity of the Monterey pine aphid in New Zealand

Abstract

The Monterey pine aphid (Essigella californica (Essig)) was first detected in New Zealand in 1998 It is native to North America and has recently extended its distribution to Europe South America Australia and New Zealand This paper presents New Zealand distribution data from surveys undertaken after its detection in 1998 Flight data from aphid suction traps and a review of the hosts of MPA are also presented MPA is recorded from the North Island and the top half of the South Island Recorded hosts include several species of Pinus and Pseudotsuga menzieii The main period of flight activity occurs between January and April