Siobla longitheca : a new sawfly species specializing on the invasive Phytolacca americana

Key Points

• To describe a new sawfly species, Siobla longitheca, that specializes in feeding on the invasive P. americana.
• Described the new species based on samples collected in China.
• Examined its life cycle and feeding behavior on Phytolacca americana.
• Assessed the impact of feeding on the growth and reproduction of the host plant.
• Siobla longitheca completes its entire life cycle using P. americana as a host.
• Intensive feeding damage observed significantly inhibits the growth of P. americana.
• Potential identified for using this sawfly in biological control efforts against the invasive species.

Abstract