APHIS Seeks Input on the Proposed Release of Aprostocetus nitens for Erythrina Gall Wasp Biological Control in Hawaii

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is reviewing a request to authorize the release of Aprostocetus nitens for the biological control of Erythrina gall wasp (Quadrastichus erythrinae). Erythrina gall wasp was first detected in Hawaii on the island of Oahu in 2005. This non-native insect species quickly spread to Erythrina species throughout the state, including wiliwili trees (Erythrina sandwicensis), a highly valued dominant species of Hawaii’s lowland dry forests. The invasion of Hawaii by Erythrina gall wasp has resulted in the defoliation and mortality of thousands of Erythrina trees throughout the state.

APHIS is posting a summary of the proposal on the Stakeholder Consultation for Proposed Environmental Release of Novel Biological Control Agents webpage for a 30-day public review period, ending on August 20, 2026. APHIS is requesting input on the potential release of Aprostocetus nitens against Erythrina gall wasp. Please provide scientific and technical information that can assist us in our decision-making process to PPQbiocontrol@usda.gov and include Aprostocetus nitens in the subject line. Any information received will be considered and may result in changes to the proposed release.

APHIS has updated its process for informing the public about proposed biological control projects. APHIS has created a Stakeholder Consultation for Proposed Environmental Release of Novel Biological Control Agents webpage, where stakeholders can review biological control projects and provide information that may help APHIS during its evaluations. The proposed release of Aprostocetus nitens for the biological control of Erythrina gall wasp is the first project to go through this new process.

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