Establishment of the green lacewing Mallada basalis (Walker, 1853) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) on mainland New Zealand

Abstract

specimen photographed by Trevor Crosby in March 2010 on Tiritiri Matangi in the Hauraki Gulf. In 2016 a second photographic record from the same place was made by Olivier Ball (Fig. 1), and the first specimen from Auckland City was reported (https://inaturalist. nz/observations/3160897). In April 2017 I found a final instar larva on Ficus rubiginosa in Albert Park, Auckland, and reared it through to adult. The 2018–19 summer saw many observations of all life cycle stages being posted on iNaturalistNZ (https://inaturalist.nz/) which, along with verbal reports from other experienced observers (N.A. Martin, G. Hill pers. comms), indicate that it clearly is now a well-established member of the New Zealand insect fauna. The proliferation of observations prompted the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to seek confirmation of its identity and this was provided by Dr Shaun Winterton (California Department of Food and Agriculture) based on specimens collected from the Auckland Domain. Abstract The chrysopid lacewing Mallada basalis has recently established in the north of the North Island of New Zealand. Information on its life cycle, distribution and seasonality is presented.