Effect of an Artificial Diet on Carmenta mimosa Eichlin and Passoa (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), a Biological Control Agent for Mimosa pigra L. in Australia

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Abstract
A diet was adapted to rear mid to late instar larvae of Carmerila mimosa, a stem‐boring moth imported into Australia as a hiological control agent for giant sensitive plant, Mimosa pigra. The diet enabled synchronous emergence of adult males and females to be manipulated using refrigeration, provided a useful larval transport medium and afforded significant savings in handling time and space utilised. Survival, development, sex ratio and pupal weights of insects reared on artificial diet did not significantly differ from thore of insects reared entirely on potted host plants.