Marrubium vulgare
Project overview
Horehound is native to temperate parts of Eurasia, Europe, the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. It is found across New Zealand.
Two biological agents, both moths, have been approved for release in 2018. The clearing moth larvae (Chamaesphecia mysiniformis) damage roots and stems of horehound while the plume moth larvae (Wheeleria spilodactylus) feed on tips of horehound.
Both biocontrol agents are expected to complement each other and reduce the vigour and density of horehound as observed in Australia where they were released in the mid-1990s.
