Description of European Chamaesphecia spp (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) feeding Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae), and their potential for biological control of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) in north America

Abstract

The description of the ten Chamaesphecia species associated with Euphorbia in eastern and south-eastern Europe is based on external adult morphology, male and female genitalia, and the structure of the egg chorion. These species can be divided into two groups according to the shape of the setae of the dorso-basal part of the valvae in the male genitalia. Most Chamaesphecia species are associated with one species of host-plant and all are closely tied to one habitat type. The host-plant and the structure of the egg chorion are fundamental characteristics for the determination of a few species, and very helpful for the others. All species bore into the main root of their host-plant and overwinter as larvae. With the exception of two species which have an annual or biennial life cycle, all species are univoltine. The larvae of three of the eight Chamaesphecia spp. investigated feed and develop in the roots of North American leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula sensu late. Of these, the best candidate for the biological control of leafy spurge is C. crassicornis, because the larvae have a similar survival rate on the target weed and the European host-plant, E. virgata.