Locust Bulletin April 2011

The Locust Bulletin is produced each month during the spring—autumn period and includes a general summary for each major locust species, details of known distributions with regional forecasts, and maps of locust distributions and rainfall events. 

Locust Bulletin April 2011 — table of contents

General locust situation
Spur-throated locust map January-March 2011
Australian plague locust situation
Australian plague locust map March 2011
Rainfall maps March 2011
Terms and Abbreviations used in the Bulletin
Map of forecast districts used in the Bulletin
Map of forecast regions used in the Bulletin

General situation in March and outlook to spring 2011

Australian Plague Locust
Spur–throated Locust
Migratory Locust

High density adult populations were confined to the southern margins of suitable breeding habitats of this species during March. There were two high density generations in southern New South Wales and South Australia, and across western Victoria this season. Swarm formation occurred during March, with highest swarm activity in the southern Wimmera and Grampians districts in western Victoria. Some swarms were also recorded in the southern Riverina of New South Wales, North Central Victoria and parts of the Murray Valley and Northeast regions in South Australia. Sporadic swarm egg laying was recorded in the Riverina, and several locations in Victoria and South Australia during March. The majority of eggs laid in the second half of March and during April will enter diapause and not hatch until spring. Adult population density remained low in most other regions.

The outlook is for a decline in adult swarm activity during April, but for egg laying to continue in parts of western Victoria and southern South Australia. The majority of eggs laid in these regions during autumn will not hatch until October. High density nymphs may develop in some locations in these states during spring. There is unlikely to be any significant immigration into agricultural areas from regions to the north during autumn, as there are no known large populations in northern New South Wales, northern South Australia, or Queensland.

In New South Wales a number of swarms formed in the southern Hume and south-east Riverina Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) areas in early March. Swarms moved to the west from around Albury–Corowa and sporadic egg laying occurred in the Savernake–Oaklands area, where localised high density nymphs could develop in spring. There were medium–high density adults in parts of the Wagga–Cootamundra, Lockhart–Urana and Culcairn–Corowa areas of the eastern Riverina. Locust densities remained low in other regions.

In South Australia high density adults, including some swarms, were reported in parts of the Murray Valley and Southeast regions during March. Swarms were reported in early March from the Burra–Morgan–Clare area, the Barossa Valley, parts of Murray Mallee and Lower Murray districts, south of from Sedan to Mannum. Locusts were also reported in the Southeast region from Coonalpyn to Naracoorte. Sporadic egg laying was reported in some locations near Burra in late March, which will produce mostly diapause eggs.  Localised nymphal bands were reported around Orroroo–Carrieton, indicating egg laying during February and a third generation in this part of the Northeast region.

In Victoria several swarms were reported near Yarrawonga, Bendigo and Kyabram in North Central Victoria during early March. Many swarms formed in the Boort–Charlton, St Arnaud–Horsham and Ararat–Lake Bolac areas in the southern Wimmera and Grampians districts in mid-March. Sporadic swarm egg laying has been reported in a number of locations in North Central and western Victoria and may continue during April, but adult numbers will decline during the month. The majority of eggs laid from mid-March to mid-April will enter diapause and not hatch until October. A nymphal infestation is possible in these areas during spring.

Surveys in western Queensland detected a continuing low density population in most regions. There is a low probability of a significant population increase during autumn.   

•  Spur–throated locust           Austracris guttulosa
  

Fledging of nymphs from summer egg laying produced a widespread population of young adults throughout western Queensland and New South Wales in February and March. Adults at Concentration and swarm densities were recorded in parts of Central West, Southwest and South Central Queensland, and the Northwest Plains, Far West and Central West New South Wales. Numerous and Concentration density fledglings and late instar nymphs were also recorded in the Riverina and Far Southwest New South Wales, and low density nymphs and adults in northern Victoria.

Fledging was largely complete in Queensland and northern New South Wales in late March, where only occasional late instar nymphs were detected on survey, but there were still Present and Numerous density nymphs over a range of instars in the Riverina and Central West of New South Wales. The range of nymph stages indicates egg laying commenced in November and continued through to February. There were several reports of nymphs damaging citrus and cotton crops in parts of New South Wales. Nymphs and adults have been recorded in citrus orchards from as far south as Griffith and Dareton in New South Wales, from Mildura in northern Victoria, and from Loxton in South Australia. This scale of widespread successful breeding in New South Wales has not been recorded since 1974.

The outlook is for the formation of swarms in several regions of western Queensland and New South Wales during autumn. Repeated egg laying during the November–February period and high rates of nymphal survival have resulted in a further significant population increase during 2011. Immature adults often form dense swarms in late autumn, which can persist throughout winter in woodlands and tree lines along rivers. Adults can also undertake migratory movements during autumn, which could result in some redistribution into other regions. At high densities, this species can cause economic damage to agriculture over several months. Adults are known to survive during winter in northern New South Wales and Queensland, but the survival rate in southern latitudes may be lower due to prolonged exposure to low temperatures.

APLC surveys in late March detected lower adult densities in some parts of Queensland and New South Wales than in February. This is likely to be the result of local redistribution and aggregation of adults in wooded areas, and some longer distance migrations. In surveyed areas, Scattered–Numerous density adults were recorded in most areas of Southwest and Central West Queensland, including some areas where there were Concentration and swarm density adults in February. Concentration density adults were identified in the Roma and Goondiwindi Regional Council areas in South Central Queensland in mid-March. In New South Wales Concentration and swarm density adults were identified in many locations in the Northwest, Darling and Central West LHPA areas, with Scattered–Numerous density adults common in other regions. Adult numbers declined to Scattered density in parts of the Cobar area in late March. Nymphs were recorded over much of the state during February–March and this represents a significantly higher level of summer breeding than has been recorded in recent years. Nymphs have not been recorded developing in southern New South Wales before this year. Lower densities of adults have been identified in northern Victoria and northern South Australia.

A significant infestation of this species was reported in the Carnarvon area in Western Australia during February and March, and the population is likely to be more widespread through northern areas of the state.   

Map of spur-throated locust distribution: January - March 2011

 

• Migratory locust                Locusta migratoria

APLC survey in early March identified Scattered density adults in several locations in the Roma–Injune area of South Central Queensland. Similar densities of adults were found in this area during February, suggesting the maintenance of local populations at low levels. The probability of the development of localised gregarious populations of this species in South Central or the Central Highlands of Queensland during autumn has declined.     

2 April 2011

• Australian plague locust situation

  New South Wales
  Queensland
  Victoria
  South Australia

Map of Australian plague locust distribution: March 2011

 

NEW SOUTH WALES

Situation in March and forecast to spring 2011

Central West

Lachlan, Central West & Central North LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• Adult densities remained generally low in Central West and Lachlan LHPA areas during March. Localised areas of Numerous and Concentration density adults remained in the Young area of Lachlan LHPA in the first half of March.

• APLC surveys during early March detected Isolated–Scattered density adults in the Nyngan–Coonamble area of Central West LHPA. No nymphs were detected.

• There was a widespread population of several species of grasshoppers, including Oedaleus australis, and spur-throated locusts throughout Central West and Lachlan LHPA areas.

• There was light–moderate (<20–40 mm) rainfall throughout the region, with locally heavy (>40 mm) storms in Lachlan LHPA during 8–15 and 16–23 March. Pasture vegetation remains green in most areas.             

Forecast

• Some localised medium density egg-laying was possible during March in this region. The majority of any eggs laid from mid-March will enter diapause and not hatch until spring. Any eggs laid earlier in Central West LHPA could produce sporadic low density nymphs in some areas in April.

• There is a low probability of any significant immigration during autumn, given the low population levels in adjacent regions.     

Risk(s)

• There is a moderate probability of some low density sporadic laying of diapause eggs, which could produce a moderate background population in spring.        

Riverina

Riverina & Hume LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• High density locust activity was confined to the eastern and southern parts of the region. Swarms moved from around Albury–Howlong to the west into the Corowa–Oaklands area in early March and swarm egg laying was reported in several locations. Numerous–Concentration adults were recorded in the Berrigan–Lockhart–Culcairn–Corowa of Hume and Riverina LHPA in mid-March. Adult numbers remained generally low in other parts of the region.

• Surveys in mid-March identified Scattered to Numerous adults in the Cootamundra–Wagga and Lockhart–Culcairn areas of Hume LHPA. There were consistent Numerous density adults and some Concentration density counts in areas from Lockhart to Berrigan and from Culcairn to Corowa. Adult numbers appeared to have declined in the Albury–Jindera area in early March. Swarm density adults were recorded near Savernake LHPA in mid-March associated with egg beds laid between 4–12 March.

• In the Wagga area localised small areas of Concentration density adults reported in the Nangus–Junee–Illabo area at the start of March.

• There was widespread moderate–heavy rainfall (20–>40 mm) throughout Riverina and Hume LHPA areas during 8–15 March, and further light rains in northern Riverina and Hume LHPA during each of the last two weeks of the month.

 Forecast

• A high level of parasitism by several species of fly larvae in sampled adult locusts in the Savernake–Oaklands area indicates a rapid decline in adult numbers is possible during April, and a low probability of further significant egg laying in the southern Riverina.

• If any egg laying occurred before March, possible localised medium density hatchings could have occurred in late March. Surveys found no evidence of a nymphal population in the eastern Riverina.

• Reports of swarm egg laying during March have been limited to the Savernake–Oaklands area, but may have been more widespread in areas south of Lockhart. Egg laying during March or April will produce mostly diapause eggs, which will not hatch until October.

• There is a low probability of immigration from other regions in NSW or Victoria during April.

Risk(s)

• There is a moderate probability that swarm density egg laying in the Corowa–Oaklands area in March will produce localised high density nymphs during October–November.       

Northwest Slopes and Plains

Northwest LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• The overall population level in this region remained very low during March and there were no reports of this species.
  
  
• Surveys in early March identified occasional Isolated density adults in the Walgett–Collarenebri area. No nymphs were detected during survey.
  
  
• There is a widespread Scattered–Numerous density population of several species of grasshoppers and of spur-throated locusts throughout the Northwest LHPA area.
  
  
• There was light rainfall (<20mm) in the Moree, Narrabri and Northern Slopes districts during the first week of March, and further widespread moderate falls (20–40 mm) during 8–15 March.

Forecast

• Surveys detected no evidence that any significant breeding has occurred in this region during summer and adult densities have declined to very low levels.

• Sporadic low density egg laying may maintain a low density population during autumn.

• There is a low probability of any significant immigration into the region during autumn, given the generally low numbers of this species in adjacent regions.       

Risk(s) 

• There is a low probability of a significant population increase in this region during autumn.      

Far West

Darling & Western LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• Adult population levels remained at low densities during March in areas surveyed. No significant population increase is expected during autumn.

• Surveys were conducted in the Bourke, Wilcannia, White Cliffs and Tibooburra districts in early March. There were consistent Isolated–Scattered density adults in the Bourke–Weilmoringle area of Darling LHPA, and in the White Cliffs, Broken Hill and Wilcannia areas of Western LHPA. Occasional Isolated density adults detected in the Tibooburra area.

• The Fowlers Gap light trap recorded low numbers of locusts on several nights during the first half of March.

• There was heavy rainfall (>40 mm) in parts of the Wilcannia and White Cliffs districts, and light falls in other areas during 8–15 March. There were further widespread light rains, with moderate (20–40 mm) in parts of the Wilcannia, Bourke and White Cliffs districts, during 16–23 March.  

Forecast

• The low densities of adults and relative absence of nymphs during March indicate that no significant breeding occurred in this region during summer, despite several periods of suitable conditions. Light trap catches also declined in March indicating an end to the high levels of migratory activity seen in previous months.

• Some localised egg laying may have occurred in the Tibooburra, Broken Hill or White Cliffs areas in February or March. This could have produced nymphs in some areas during March or April, and a moderate increase in adult population, from the very low level detected in March, is possible during autumn.

• Any egg laying in late March and April would produce mostly diapause eggs, which would not hatch until early spring.       

Risk(s)

• There is a low probability of a significant increase in adult population during autumn.       

Far South West

Western LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• The adult population remained at generally low levels during March.

• Surveys in early March identified widespread Isolated–Scattered density adults in most parts of this region. Numerous density adults were recorded in a few locations in the Wentworth–Euston area. No nymphs were detected on surveys.

• There was widespread light–moderate rainfall (<20–40 mm) throughout the region, with some heavy rainfall (>40 mm) in the Broken Hill–Menindee area, during 8–15 March. There were further moderate (20–40 mm) and some heavy falls in the Ivanhoe and Wentworth districts during 16–23 March.       

Forecast 

• Rainfall in early March may have initiated some sporadic egg laying in locust habitat areas. Given the generally low adult population density in the region, any egg laying is likely to result in only a moderate increase in adult population. The majority of any eggs laid in the second half of March or April will enter diapause and suspend development to hatch in spring.

• Given the generally low level populations in regions to the north and declining populations in regions to the south, significant immigration is unlikely during autumn.         

Risk(s)

• There is a low probability of a significant increase in population during autumn.         

All locust activity should be reported to your Livestock Health and Pest Authority or Primary Industries, Industry & Investment NSW.
A toll–free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after–hours calls.

 

QUEENSLAND

Situation in March and forecast to spring 2011

Southwest

Barcoo, Bulloo, Quilpie & Diamantina Shire

Locusts and conditions

• Adult population densities remained low in this region during March, despite repeated heavy rains in recent months producing suitable soil and vegetation conditions for egg laying.

• Surveys in early March identified occasional Isolated density adults in localised habitat areas in all Shires. No nymphs were detected during survey.

• No Chortoicetes were recorded at the Nooyeah Downs or Birdsville light traps during March.

• There was widespread heavy rainfall (>40 mm) and some flood rains (>100 mm) in Diamantina, Barcoo and Quilpie Shires during the first week of March. There were further heavy falls in these shires, and light rains in Bulloo Shire during 16–23 March.     

Forecast

• Despite heavy rainfall in early February, surveys detected no evidence of a significant nymphal generation in early March. The heavy rainfall during March will maintain suitable soil and vegetation conditions for locust egg laying, which could produce some localised nymphs during April. Any egg laying from mid-April would produce mostly diapause eggs, which would hatch in early spring. However, given the low population levels detected in recent months, any population increase is unlikely to be significant.
  
  
• The likelihood of significant immigration into this region has declined. Any population increase during autumn would be the result of localised egg laying during March.
  
  
•  Some low density egg laying during March could lead to an overall increase to in adult population to Numerous density in late April.         

Risk(s)

• There is a moderate probability that localised egg laying in March could produce an increase in adult numbers to medium densities in late April.        

Locust activity should be reported to Biosecurity Queensland (Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries). A toll free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after–hours calls.

Central West and Northwest

Longreach, Barcaldine and Blackall—Tambo Regional Shire. Boulia, Cloncurry, Flinders, Mckinlay, Mt Isa, Richmond & Winton Shire

Locusts and conditions  

•  Population density remained at low levels during March.

•  APLC survey identified occasional Isolated density adults in the Longreach, Barcaldine and Blackall-Tambo Regional Council areas in late March.

• The Longreach light trap recorded no Chortoicetes during March.

• There was widespread moderate–heavy (20–>40 mm) rainfall throughout the Central West and moderate falls in shires of the Northwest during the first week of March. There were heavy (>40 mm) storm rains in northern shires and moderate falls in Boulia and Winton Shires during 8–15 March, and further heavy rains throughout these regions during 16–23 March.       

Forecast

• There is likely to be a continuing low density population in this region during autumn and winter, maintained by sporadic local breeding.        

Risk(s)

• No risks are identified for this region during autumn.       

Central Highlands

Central Highlands and Isaac Regional Council

Locusts and conditions

• Population density remained very low during March and there were no reports of this species.

• No APLC surveys were conducted during March.

• There was widespread heavy rainfall (>40 mm) throughout the region during the first week of March and 16–23 March, and further light–moderate (<20–40 mm) falls in the last week of the month.       

Forecast   

• There is unlikely to be any significant population increase in this region during autumn, given the very low population levels recorded in recent months.            

Risk(s)

• No risks are identified for this region during autumn              

South Central Queensland and Darling Downs

Balonne, Murweh and Paroo Shire. Roma, Dalby and Goondiwindi Regional Council

Locusts and conditions

• Population density remained generally low in this region during March.

• APLC surveys in early March detected consistent Isolated density adults in Roma Regional Council area and occasional Isolated density adults in Murweh and Paroo Shires. Some counts of Scattered density adults were recorded in part of Balonne Shire.

• There was moderate–heavy (20–>40 mm) rainfall in most areas during the first week of March, with light falls (<20 mm) in southern Paroo and Balonne Shires. There were further widespread heavy rains (>40 mm) throughout the region during 16–23 March.         

Forecast

• Low density localised egg laying and adult redistribution is likely to maintain a low density population in this region during autumn and spring. Any egg laying during April will produce mostly diapause eggs which would commence hatching in early spring.         

Risk(s)

•  No risks are identified for this region during autumn.         
              

Locust activity should be reported to Biosecurity Queensland (Primary Industries & Fisheries). A toll free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after–hours calls.

VICTORIA

Situation for March and forecast to spring 2011

Locusts and conditions

• Adults of the second generation formed swarms in parts of North Central and western Victoria during March. The highest numbers of swarms were recorded in the Boort–Charlton, St Arnaud–Horsham and Ararat–Lake Bolac areas in the southern Wimmera and Grampians districts in mid-March. Swarms were also recorded in the Bendigo and Wodonga–Yarrawonga–Shepparton areas in North Central Victoria. Adult numbers declined in North Central Victoria in late March but swarms persisted in the Bendigo–Horsham and Grampians areas.

• Surveys in mid-March detected occasional Bands of mid-instar nymphs and Numerous density late instar nymphs in areas south of Ararat.

• Sporadic egg laying was reported in several locations during March, including around Horsham, Kyabram and Charlton.

• There was widespread moderate (20–40 mm) rainfall in North Central Victoria and light falls (<20 mm) in Northwest Victoria during 8–15 March. There were light falls in Northwest Victoria, with some heavy storms (>40 mm) around Mildura during 16–23 March.                 

Forecast

• Adult numbers are likely to decline during April in most infested areas, but swarms may remain active in the Grampians and southern Wimmera districts.  Sporadic egg laying will continue in these districts and adults could persist in sufficient numbers to cause some localised damage to emerging winter crops.
  
  
• Most eggs laid from mid-March to mid-April will enter diapause and suspend development to commence hatching until October. There is a moderate probability of localised high density nymphs developing during October–November, but on a smaller scale and in areas further south than spring 2010. Nymphal Bands are likely to develop in areas where swarms were active after mid-March, Bendigo, Boort–Charlton, St Arnaud–Horsham and Ararat–Lake Bolac, but localised hatchings are also possible in many parts of North Central and western Victoria.
  
  
• There is a low probability of any significant immigration from western NSW during April or May, given the low population densities in most areas. The declining adult population in the south-eastern Riverina is unlikely to contribute any immigrants into Victoria. Some migratory exchange is possible between western Victoria and adjacent areas of SA.
  
  
• Migratory movements of adult swarms in western Victoria could extend the infestation area further south during March and April, and result in sporadic egg laying in the southwest of the state.      

Risk(s)

• There is a moderate probability of high density adult activity continuing during April in infested areas. Significant autumn egg laying could occur in the southern Wimmera and Grampians districts, resulting in localised high density nymphs and Bands developing in these areas during spring.                  

Locust activity should be reported to the Department of Primary Industries, Victoria on 1300 135559 . A toll–free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after–hours calls. 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Situation in March and forecast to spring 2011

Northeast, Far North, Northwest & Western Agricultural region

Locusts and conditions

• Adult numbers declined in the southern Northeast region during March after swarm activity at the beginning of the month in Morgan to Burra area. Sporadic swarm activity persisted in the Burra area and high density egg laying was reported in late March between Burra and Hallett. Elsewhere in the Northeast, Northwest and Far North regions adult densities remained at generally low densities. Nymphs and some Bands were reported in the Orroroo–Carrieton area of the southern Flinders Ranges.

• Nymphs and some Bands were reported from two properties in the Orroroo–Carrieton area in the second half of March. These represent a localised third generation, which probably resulted from egg laying in the first half of February by adults fledged in the southern Northeast region.

• APLC survey in late February had identified consistent Isolated–Scattered density adults from Hawker to Leigh Creek and Present density nymphs south of Hawker. There were occasional Isolated density adults north of Marree in Far North SA, and on the eastern side of the Flinders Ranges.

• Medium density adults were reported from the Elliston area on the Eyre Peninsula in late March.

• There was moderate (20–40 mm) rainfall and some locally heavy storms (>40 mm) in parts of all regions during 8–15 March.          

Forecast

• The probability of significant autumn immigration into the Northeast region has declined as a result of the generally low densities in regions to the north. Local swarm redistribution is possible in the infested part of the southern Northeast region.

• The arrival of adults on the western Eyre Peninsula at Elliston suggests possible migration from the infestation in the Murray Valley and Northeast regions. General wind trends during March have been to the west.

• The nymphs reported around Orroroo were probably laid following heavy rainfall during early February, by adults that fledged in the Morgan area in late January. These nymphs will fledge during April and may contribute to adult numbers in the region, but represent a localised population which is unlikely to pose a significant migration threat to areas further south.

• Adults are likely to persist in localised high densities in the Burra area during April, but numbers should decline by May. The egg laying reported in late March will produce diapause eggs, which will suspend development and hatch in early October in this area. Some localised high density nymphs and localised Band development is possible during spring.

• Light trap catches declined in SA and western NSW during March, indicating a decline in migratory redistribution in northern SA.           

Risk(s)

• There is a moderate probability of sporadic high density egg laying continuing in the Burra area of the southern Northeast region during April, and of localised high density nymphs developing in spring.     
   

 Murray Valley & Southeast region

Locusts and conditions

• Adult numbers increased in parts of the Murray Valley region, including the Barossa Valley–Gawler area, south of Sedan and Swan Reach along the Lower Murray, and in the Southeast region around Coonalpyn–Tintinara. Concentration density adults were recorded in these areas by PIRSA staff and there were a number of swarms in the Sedan–Mannum area. Adult locusts were reported as far south as Keith and Naracoorte in the Southeast.

• Reports to PIRSA indicate local migratory movements of locusts during March, with high densities reported in locations in the southern Murray Mallee district and increases in density in the Sedan–Murray Bridge and the Coonalpyn–Keith areas.

• There was moderate–heavy rainfall (20–>40 mm) rainfall in the Murray Valley and Southeast regions during 8–15 and 16–23 March, with some locally heavy falls.      

Forecast

• Sporadic swarm egg laying is likely to have occurred in the second half of March in the Barossa Valley and Lower Murray areas. Further egg laying is possible during April in these areas and in parts of the northern Southeast region as far south as Keith. A high proportion of eggs laid from mid-March to late April will enter diapause and suspend development over winter to hatch in spring. Hatching will occur during October in most areas, but could extend to early November in the Southeast. A significant nymphal generation is likely to develop in late spring, but on a smaller scale and in different areas to that in spring 2010.

• There may be low density nymphs in some locations in the Murray Mallee and Riverland districts during April, as a result of earlier egg laying during late February. Any nymphs at mid-instar stages in April may over-winter as nymphs.

• Migratory movements could continue to extend the infestation area further south during April, but significant swarm egg laying is unlikely in the southern Southeast region. Small scale migratory exchange with adjacent areas of western Victoria is possible during April, but is unlikely to result in significant population redistribution.       

Risk(s)

• There is a high probability of sporadic swarm egg laying continuing in parts of the Barossa Valley, the Sedan–Mannum and parts of the Murray Mallee district during April. There is a moderate probability of a significant nymphal infestation in localised areas of these regions in spring     

Locust activity should be reported to Biosecurity SA (PIRSA) at Locust Report Hotline on 1800 833 451.
A toll–free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after–hours calls.

Map of Rainfall distribution 

 

Place Name Key for Rainfall Distribution Map

Queensland		Northern Territory
Bo	Boulia	AS	Alice Springs	B	Bourke
Br	Brisbane	TC	Tennant Creek	BH	Broken Hill
Bi	Birdsville			Du	Dubbo
Ch	Charleville	South Australia		Ha	Hay
CT	Charters Towers	Ad	Adelaide	Iv	Ivanhoe
Em	Emerald	CP	Coober Pedy	Na	Narrabri
Hu	Hughenden	Ma	Marree	Sy	Sydney
JC	Julia Creek	Oo	Oodnadatta	Ti	Tibooburra
LH	Lawn Hill	PA	Port Augusta	Wy	West Wyalong
Lo	Longreach	Yu	Yunta
No	Normanton
Qu	Quilpie
SG	St. George	Ho	Horsham
Ur	Urandangi	Me	Melbourne
Wi	Windorah	Mi	Mildura

Glossary of terms and abbreviations used in the Locust Bulletin

Where higher densities occur a large proportion of the regional population is concentrated in small areas with lower densities elsewhere, so the high densities cannot be extrapolated across the area of an entire region. Typically a range of density classes is found within surveyed regions and higher densities occur where habitat conditions are favourable. More detail is available about terms and descriptions used here.

Nymph Densities	Number per m2
Present (P)	1        —    5
Numerous (Num)	6        —    30
Sub–band (SB)	31      —    80
Band (B)	>   80
Adult Densities	Number per m2	Number per hectare
Isolated (Iso)	—    0.02	< 200
Scattered (Scat)	0.03   —    0.1	>200   —   1000
Numerous (Num)	0.2     —    0.5	>1000  —  5000
Concentration (Conc)	0.6     —    3.0	>5000  —  30,000
Low Density Swarm (LDS)	4.0     —    10	>30,000 — 100,000
Medium Density Swarm (MDS)	11      —    50	>100,000 — 500,000
High Density Swarm (HDS)	>   50	>500,000
General Density Classes	Nymph Densities	Adult Densities
very low, occasional	Nil—Present	Nil—Isolated
low	Present—Numerous	Isolated—Scattered
medium	Numerous—Subband	Scattered—Numerous
high	Bands	Concentration—Swarms

Reporting locust infestations

It is important that all locust activity is reported as soon as possible to your Department of Primary Industries (Agriculture) or to the Australian Plague Locust Commission.

State	Authority to report locust infestations to
New South Wales	Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) or Primary Industries, Industry & Investment NSW
Queensland	Biosecurity Queensland, Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries
South Australia	Primary Industries & Resources South Australia (PIRSA) Plant Health
Victoria	Department of Primary Industries, Victoria — Plague Locust information

Reports to the Australian Plague Locust Commission can be made by:

Free call (Canberra) — 1800 635 962 (24 hours)
Fax (Canberra) — (02) 6272 5074
Email: Locust Report

 

Forecasting Districts used in the Bulletin

 

General regions referred to in the Bulletin

Location of APLC light traps (black circles).
Locust habitat areas shaded.