Host testing, establishment and biology of the gorse soft shoot moth, Agonopterix umbellana (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae), a potential biological control agent for gorse, Ulex europaeus L. (Fabaceae), in Australia.

Highlights: [•] Tests showed that Agonopterix umbellana was safe to release in Australia. [•] Establishment confirmed at Tasmanian release sites. [•] The life cycle is univoltine with larvae passing through six instars. [•] Lower development thresholds and thermal constants for all development stages were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]