Viggiani, G., & Mazzone, P. 1983 Risultati preliminari sulla introduzione in Italia di Metaphycus bartletti Ann. e Myn., parassita di Saissetia olea. [Preliminary results of the introduction into Italy of Metaphycus bartletti Ann. & Myn., a parasite of Saissetia oleae (Oliv.)].. Atti XII Congresso Nazionale Italiano di Entomologia. Rome, 1980, 2: 305.
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Notes: The introduction of Metaphycus bartletti Annecke & Mynhardt from Israel into Italy for the biological control of Saissetia oleae (Ol.) is briefly described. Imported parasitised scales reared on potato sprouts were used partly for release and partly for further laboratory rearing on potato and on Clematis vitalba. At 23-25ΓΈ C and 60-80% RH, the parasite development from egg to adult lasted at least 23 days. M. bartletti attacked the 3rd nymphal instar of S. oleae, and 2-3 parasites/host were obtained on average although 16 emerged from one host. Frequent cases of multiparasitism by M. bartletti and M. swirskii Annecke & Mynhardt in the same host were observed. Over 10 000 parasites were distributed in various parts of central and southern Italy and also in Sicily in June-July 1979; M. bartletti was recovered in the following year from the initial release areas.
