Secusio extensa (Butler)

Matsunaga, Janis N., Howarth, Francis G. & Kumashiro, Bernarr R., 2019, New State Records and Additions to the Alien Terrestrial Arthropod Fauna in the Hawaiian Islands, Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society 51 (1), pp. 1-71 : 14

Secusio extensa (Butler)

Biological control release, NEW STATE RECORD Secusio extensa was imported by HDOA to control the invasive weed Senecio madagascariensis (fireweed) in the Hawaiian Islands. After thirteen years of research and permit applications, S. extensa was released on Maui and Hawaii Islands in 2013. This agent is now established on both islands. Secusio extensa larvae were collected at the Palehua-Palikea area, Oahu, on Delairea odorata vines being eradicated from the area. This collection was the first on Oahu, as this agent was not purposefully released on that island. Establishment is questionable, as Oahu does not have large concentrations of S. extensa ’s host plants ( S. madagascariensis and Delairea odorata ). HDOA and Pulama Lanai have conducted releases on Lanai to control fireweed in the area, though establishment has not been confirmed. There have also been reports S. extensa sightings on Kahoolawe; however, no specimens have been obtained.