From 1975-1979, biotypes of the braconid wasp M. aethiopoides were forwarded from the Mediterranean region to be reared in southeastern Australia for control of the weevil S. discoideus (a pest of Medicago spp.). The origins of various biotypes of the parasitoid are indicated. M. aethiopoides was recovered from most of the liberation sites. At sites where early releases were made, parasitization rates of up to 62% per parasitoid generation, and initial dispersal of about 10 km/yr were recorded. The conditions influencing establishment and spread of the parasitoid are discussed.