The present invention relates to the field of doublestranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated gene silencing in insect species. The present invention is based, in part, on the inventors' sequencing of genes from eucalyptus invasive species gall wasp pests Leptocybe invasa (Li) and Ophelimus maskelli (Om). In certain aspects, the invention provides Li and Om nucleic acids, derivatives thereof and the use of such nucleic acids and derivatives as gall wasp control agents.
