THE LIFE HISTORY OF MNESAMPELA PRIVATA (GUEN.) (LEPIDOPTERA: GEOMETRIDAE) A DEFOLIATOR OF YOUNG EUCALYPTS

Abstract

The autumn gum moth, Mnesampela privata (Guen.), is a pest of eucalypts in southern Australia, often completely defoliating young trees, particularly those in the blue gum group. Its life cycle in southern Tasmania is described and notes on its host range and natural enemies are given. The pest status of M. privata is discussed in relation to future increases in the planting of susceptible species of eucalypts.