The Successful Biological Control of Spinyhead Sida, Sida Acuta [Malvaceae], by Calligrapha pantherina (Col: Chrysomelidae) in Australia’s Northern Territory

Calligrapha pantherina Stål was introduced into Australia from Mexico as a biologi-cal control agent for the important pasture weed Sida acuta Burman f. (spinyhead sida). C. pantherina was released at 80 locations in Australia’s Northern Territory between September 1989 and March 1992. It established readily at most sites near the coast, but did not establish further inland until the mid to late 1990’s. Herbivory by C. pantherina provides complete or substantial control in most situations near the coast. It is still too early to determine its impact further inland