• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.145-150
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• 2002

An exotic Chrysomelid species, Ophraella communa Lesage, which is originally distributed in North America and recently discovered in Korea, is reviewed with its morphological characteristics from egg to adult, brief biological notes, local distribution, and dispersal prospect in Korea.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.184-195
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• 2023

To develop an effective management plan for Ambrosia trifida L., an invasive alien plant in Korea, we assessed the potential of Ophraella communa LeSage as a biological control agent. This involved investigating the host specificity of the herbivore Ophraella communa LeSage, its annual travel distance, and the impact of this insect on the fitness of Ambrosia trifida L. We confirmed the host plant preference of Ophraella communa LeSage. The travel distance of this insect was determined by monitoring its appearance in selected Ambrosia trifida L. communities without these insects at distances of 10, 20, 30, and 100 meters, based on the locations where the presence of Ophraella communa LeSage was observed. The growth, reproductive, and physiological responses of Ambrosia trifida L. were measured according to feeding by Ophraella communa LeSage. As a result, Ophraella communa LeSage fed on only three taxa and moved short distances within a radius of 30 m per year from the host. The feeding behavior of the herbivore had a negative impact on the growth, reproductive, and physiological responses of Ambrosia trifida L. And the plant's growth and reproduction improved with increasing distance from the herbivore. Furthermore, the introduction of herbivores was able to control over 90% of Ambrosia trifida L. when the coverage of the Ambrosia trifida L. group was below 50%. However, the effectiveness of the removal decreased when the coverage exceeded 90%. These results are likely to be utilized by Ophraella communa LeSage as an ecological control agent. It is advantageous to introduce them in spring (May) when the coverage is low to maximize the effectiveness of control.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.437-445
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• 2017

An analysis of recent studies and a field survey were conducted to investigate the distribution of the exotic species Ophraella communa LeSage (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) and the results' applicability for biological control against ragweed, which disturbs the island's ecosystem. The ragweed beetle (O. communa) can be found anywhere on the host plant Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., which grows in Jeju Island. Moreover, ragweed beetles possess the following characteristics: a high host plant specificity, a high-temperature resistance, an excellent mobility, and multivoltinism. Ragweed is extensively distributed and gradually expands its habitat further on Jeju Island. For this reason, it is recommended to take advantage of O. communa for the biological control of ragweed instead of pesticides or direct removal, considering that Jeju is endowed with many natural reserves and unique insular traits.