[1] The SoTB may have potential for use in North America as a biological pest control agent against saltcedar or tamarisk (Tamarix spp.

The SoTB was first described from Minab, Iran as the subspecies Diorhabda carinulata meridionalis Berti and Rapilly (1973).

The life cycle of the SoTB has not been studied, but it is probably similar to that of the closely related northern tamarisk beetle, Diorhabda carinulata.

Laboratory host range studies are needed to verify that SoTB is a specialist feeder on tamarisks.

The northern tamarisk beetle, Diorhabda carinulata, is probably better adapted to northern cold deserts in North America where it is widely established, and the larger tamarisk beetle, Diorhabda carinata, is probably better adapted to warm temperate grasslands and deserts.