False wireworms

Constraint – False wireworms

There are 4 groups (genera) of false wireworms:

• Eastern false wireworm (Pterohelaeus spp.)

• Southern false wireworm (Gonocephalum spp.)

• Grey false wireworm (Isopteron punctatissimus)

• Bronzed field beetle (Adelium brevicorne) 

Appearance

• Larvae are all worm like in appearance, ranging in size from 10-50 mm

• The adult form is that of a beetle, ranging in size from 8-12mm in length

Symptoms

• Wireworm larvae commonly 'ring-bark' young seedlings at the soil surface, finally chewing them off or leaving them severely weakened

• Adult beetles may also chew off seedlings of spring-sown summer crops at ground level

Damage

• Yield penalty can be severe if populations are large

Control

Wireworms can only be controlled if they are detected before sowing. Insecticide can be applied to the soil with fertiliser, or as a seed dressing at sowing. Weed-free paddocks and cultivation over summer may reduce adult numbers by exposing them to hot dry conditions, thus preventing population build-ups. 

 

Links and Resources

DEPI VIC - Wireworms and false wireworms Description, biology, damage, sampling and detection, control. Published 1995, last updated 2014.

I Spy Manual - True/False wireworms Page 69. Adult and larvae description, confused with, distribution, pest status and risk period, host range, damage, monitoring/sampling, and management. Published 2012.

Insectopedia - False wireworms Description, biology, damage caused to crops, sampling, control threshold, and control. Published 2000.