Locust Bulletin February 2012

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. 

Table of Contents

General locust situation
Australian plague locust situation
Australian plague locust map January 2012
Rainfall maps January 2012
Terms and Abbreviations used in the Bulletin
Map of forecast districts used in the Bulletin
Map of forecast regions used in the Bulletin

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General situation in January and outlook to March 2012

Australian Plague Locust
Spur–throated Locust
Migratory Locust

Australian plague locust
Chortoicetes terminifera

Locust population density remained low throughout western Queensland, New South Wales, and in northern Victoria during January. A localised infestation of nymphs has developed in the Burra–Gladstone–Peterborough area of the Northeast region of South Australia and there were a number of reports of nymph activity and hopper bands in that area during the second half of January. There were few reports of locust activity in Victoria or Southeast South Australia, suggesting a continued population decline. Surveys indicate continued low background population levels in the Far West, Far Northwest, Central West and Riverina regions of New South Wales, and in Southwest, South Central and Central West Queensland.

The outlook is for an increase in adult densities in the infested part of Northeast South Australia, following the fledging of the summer generation of nymphs during February. Localised formation of a number of swarms is likely during the second half of February and this could result in some migratory redistribution within South Australia and the possibility of localised swarm egg laying. The development of small, higher density populations is still possible during late summer in parts of Southwest Queensland, Far West New South Wales or the Far North of South Australia. However, there is a low probability that this would present a migration risk to agricultural areas during autumn. The population level is expected to remain low in other regions of New South Wales and Victoria.

In South Australia, adult numbers declined in the Burra–Peterborough area during January, where there had been swarms during December, but there is now a generation of nymphs, following swarm egg laying in the area during the second half of December. Hatchings commenced in the second week of January and bands of mid-instar nymphs were reported from near Georgetown, Spalding, Gulnare, Yatina and Narridy during the second half of January. Nymphs will fledge from early to mid-February and localised swarm egg laying could follow in parts of the region in late February or March. The background population in the Northwest and Far North regions remained generally low during January.

Surveys in New South Wales showed a continuing low density population in all regions during January. Adult numbers remained very low in the Central West, Northwest, Darling and Riverina Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) areas. There has been a small increase in population level over previous months in the Broken Hill–Wentworth–Balranald area of Western LHPA and occasional low density nymphs were identified in some locations in early January. A further increase in population is likely in parts of the Western LHPA area, which could result in sporadic higher density autumn egg laying. Localised medium density populations could develop in other LHPA areas in late summer, which could produce small autumn nymphal populations, although if this occurs it is unlikely to present a widespread threat to agriculture.

Surveys in Southwest, South Central and Central West Queensland identified a continued low density adult population. Despite further heavy rainfall in parts of these regions during January, there is unlikely to be a widespread population increase, since two generations are generally necessary to produce swarms from low density populations.

The absence of any areas of higher density adults in Victoria is an indication of the continuing decline in population level. There is a low risk of any significant population development during February or autumn.

Spur–throated locust
Austracris guttulosa

There is a widespread low density population of adults throughout the inland regions of New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. Adults dispersed across most regions and commenced breeding in December in several regions of Queensland and northern New South Wales. Only occasional Present density early instar nymphs have been detected in parts of Central West and the southern Central Highlands of Queensland so far this summer. The overall size of the nymphal population this summer is much lower than that of 2010–2011. Any reports from landholders on the presence of nymphs of this species would assist in estimating the extent of the developing generation. The probability of a widespread infestation during 2012 has declined.

Surveys in Queensland during December and January identified consistent Isolated–Scattered density adults throughout the Northwest, Southwest, Central West, South Central and Central Highlands regions. Densities were highest in the Longreach–Muttaburra area, where there were consistent Numerous density adults in December. Adult numbers in the Dirranbandi area had declined to Isolated density in January. In New South Wales there were consistent Isolated–Scattered density adults in the Darling LHPA area. Adult numbers appear to have declined to Isolated density in the Northwest Plains and Central West LHPA areas.  There were Isolated density adults in Western and Riverina LHPA areas, and across northern South Australia. Adult densities have remained at Isolated–Scattered level around the southern Flinders Ranges area in South Australia.

With the continued rainfall during January, the outlook is for egg laying to continue in parts of the Central Highlands, South Central, Central West, Northwest and Gulf regions of Queensland during February. This species does not lay in dense egg beds and nymphs are generally not gregarious. Adults can lay multiple egg pods, so nymphs are likely to occur across several development stages during February and early autumn. Nymphs will fledge in March and April, so there will be a corresponding increase in adult densities in those regions.

The population reported in the Carnarvon area of Western Australia in early 2011 has persisted into this summer, where adult activity was again recorded during December and early January.

Migratory locust
Locusta migratoria

APLC surveys did not detect this species during December or January. Low numbers of this species commonly occur in South Central, Central West and the Southern Highlands in Queensland and the New South Wales Northwest Plains during summer. It is capable of continuous breeding over several generations and the heavy rainfall which has continued from late spring to January in these regions could have allowed successful breeding of the low density population. There is the potential for the development of localised small gregarious populations of this species during February or autumn, although the probability of a significant infestation remains low.

1 February 2012

Australian plague locust situation

New South Wales
Queensland
Victoria
South Australia

Map of Australian plague locust distribution: January 2012

New South Wales

Situation in January and forecast to March 2012

Central West

Lachlan, Central West & Central North LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• Locust population density remained very low during January. Surveys detected occasional Isolated density adults in most areas. No nymphs were detected in surveyed areas.
  
  
• APLC surveyed the Narromine–Warren–Nyngan and Coonamble–Quambone districts in Central West LHPA and the Condobolin–Lake Cargelligo and West Wyalong areas in Lachlan LHPA in early January. Occasional Isolated density adults were identified in most areas.
  
  
• There are widespread populations of several grasshopper and katydid species in parts of the region.
  
  
• There was widespread light rainfall (<20 mm) during 1–8 and 17–24 January, and moderate (20–40 mm) in the Dubbo district during 9–16 January. There were widespread heavy rains (>40 mm) in the Central West and Central North LHPA, along with moderate falls (20–40 mm) in Lachlan LHPA during the last week of January

Forecast

• the continued low adult population density and absence of nymphs in this region during January indicates that a significant population increase is unlikely before autumn.
  
  
• However, breeding of the low density population is likely to maintain the overall regional population levels and some localised higher density populations could develop in autumn.
  
  
• There is a low probability of any significant immigration during February or autumn.

Risk(s)

• There is a low risk of a widespread infestation developing in this region during summer or autumn.

Riverina

Riverina & Hume LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• Surveys in mid-January identified a continued low density population in most parts of the region.
  
  
• APLC surveys were conducted throughout the Riverina LHPA area in early January. Isolated–Scattered density adults were identified in the Balranald–Hay–Booligal and the Jerilderie–Oaklands areas. Only occasional Isolated density adults were identified in other areas.
  
  
• Reports of earlier locust activity in the Kyalite–Moulamein were not confirmed by survey and may have been Oedaleus australis, which was identified at Numerous density in January. There are widespread low density populations of several grasshopper species in parts of the region.
  
  
• A small increase in population was detected in the western part of the region around Hay–Balranald compared to the December levels. This may have resulted from local breeding in previous months or minor immigration from adjacent areas of the Far West region. The absence of nymphs in this region suggests no significant egg laying occurred during November or December.
  
  
• There was light–moderate rainfall (<20–40 mm), with some locally heavy falls in the eastern parts of the region, during the last week of January.

 Forecast

• Some low density local breeding may occur during February, and rainfall during this forecast period will influence the likelihood and location of any further egg laying. Small areas of medium density nymphs could develop in favourable habitat areas during February or March.
  
  
• There is unlikely to be any large population increase in this region during February or March.
  
  
• There is a low probability of immigration from other regions during the forecast period.

Risk(s)

• There is a low risk of any significant infestation developing during February or autumn.

Northwest Slopes and Plains

Northwest LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• Population densities remained very low in this region during January. Heavy rainfall maintained suitable conditions for locust breeding in some areas, but a significant population increase is unlikely.
  
  
• APLC surveys were conducted in the Walgett and Moree districts in early January. No locusts were detected and there were no reports of locust activity.
  
  
• There are widespread low density populations of several grasshopper species in parts of the region.
  
  
• There was moderate rainfall (20–40mm) in the Walgett and Narrabri districts, and heavy falls (>40 mm) in the Moree district during 9-16 January. There were patchy light-moderate falls during 17–24 January and widespread heavy rains (>40 mm) during the last week of January. There is dense pasture vegetation in most areas.

Forecast

• The dense pasture growth in much of the region, resulting from heavy rains during previous months, may not favour the aggregation of locusts or the availability of egg laying sites.
  
  
• The probability of a significant population increase in this region during February or autumn is low. However, some low density breeding is possible in parts of the region, which could produce small population increases in some areas during autumn.
  
  
• There is a low probability of any significant immigration into the region, given the low population level in adjacent regions.

Far Northwest

Darling LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• The population level remained low in this region during January.
  
  
• APLC Surveys were conducted in the Brewarrina and Bourke districts of Darling LHPA in early January. Surveys identified only occasional Isolated density adults around Bourke and from Brewarrina to Goodooga.
  
  
• There are widespread low density populations of several grasshopper species in parts of the region.
  
  
• There was variable light-moderate rainfall (<20–40 mm) in the Bourke district, with locally heavy storms, during 17–24 January, and widespread heavy rainfall (>40 mm) throughout the region during the last week of the month. There is dense pasture vegetation in most areas

Forecast

• No significant breeding is likely to have occurred during recent months, given the very low population level. Further heavy rainfall during the second-half of January will maintain suitable soil and vegetation conditions for locust egg laying, but the dense pasture growth and flooding may limit egg laying sites.
  
  
• Some low density breeding of the local population in might have occurred in late January, which could produce some localised low density nymphs after mid-February, particularly in the Brewarrina and Bourke districts.
  
  
• The probability of a significant population increase in this region during February or autumn is low.
  
  
• There is a low probability of significant immigration during February, given the low population levels in adjacent regions

Risk(s)

• There is a low risk of any significant infestation developing during February or autumn

Far West

Western LHPA

Locusts and conditions

• Adult population density remained generally low in surveyed areas during January, but a small increase in numbers has occurred in areas south of Broken Hill.
  
  
• Surveys were conducted in areas south of Broken Hill in early January. There were consistent Isolated–Scattered density adults, along with occasional Present density late instar nymphs in the Wentworth–Pooncarie and the Ivanhoe–Wilcannia areas. Further surveys in late January detected a small increase in adult densities in these districts, where there were Numerous density adults in several locations in the Pooncarie–Wentworth area.
  
  
• The Fowlers Gap light trap recorded low numbers of locusts on several nights in late January.
  
  
• There was some light rainfall (<20 mm) in the Wentworth and Balranald areas during the first week of January, and further patchy light–moderate (<20–40 mm) falls in the Broken Hill–Menindee area during 17-24 January. During the last week of January there was heavy rainfall (>40 mm) in the Broken Hill, Wilcannia and Tibooburra districts, and patchy moderate (20–40 mm) falls in the Ivanhoe and Wentworth-Balranald districts

Forecast

• The background population in suitable habitats in this region has increased gradually over several months as a result of localised breeding. The current population level could produce some localised medium–high density nymphs as a result of possible rainfall-initiated aggregation and egg laying in late January. Nymphs would appear during the second half of February.
  
  
• A further increase in population is likely in parts of the southern Western LHPA area, which could result in sporadic higher density autumn egg laying.
  
  
• There is a low probability of immigration from adjacent regions during February or autumn

Risk(s)

There is a moderate probability of localised increases in population in parts of the region during February and March

All locust activity should be reported to your Livestock Health and Pest Authority or Department of Primary Industries, 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 January and forecast to March 2012

Southwest

Barcoo, Bulloo, Quilpie & Diamantina Shire

Locusts and conditions

• The population level remained low in surveyed areas of this region, but there is a consistent low density background population which could aggregate and breed to produce a localised nymphal generation in February.
• Parts of Diamantina and Barcoo Shires were surveyed in mid-January. There were consistent Isolated density adults in the Birdsville–Betoota and the Windorah–Jundah areas, with occasional Isolated density adults in other areas.
• No locusts were recorded at the Nooyeah Downs or Birdsville light traps.
• Rainfall has been dominated by heavy summer storms in the second half of the month.  There were moderate–heavy falls (20–>40 mm), along with some flood rains (>100 mm) in Quilpie and Barcoo Shires during the last week of the month

Forecast

• Continued heavy storm rains in Quilpie and Barcoo Shires during January have created dense growth of ground vegetation and flooding along rivers. Although the vegetation is suitable for egg development, aggregation of locusts and available egg laying sites may be limited. Flooding could also force locusts into areas where they are less often found.
• The background low density adult population in this region could breed in localised areas, which could produce nymphs in some areas in February or March. A moderate increase in adult numbers in autumn is therefore possible. At this stage no higher density adults have been detected and the probability of a significant infestation developing during late summer or autumn has declined

Risk(s)

• There is a moderate probability that some localised nymph populations could develop during February or March, but a low risk of a significant infestation developing in this region

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 a low level in surveyed areas during January and there were no locust reports.
• Surveys were conducted in southern Longreach Regional Council area in mid-January, where occasional Isolated density adults were identified.
• The Longreach and Julia Creek light traps recorded no locusts during January.
• Rainfall has been dominated by summer storms. There were moderate falls in the Blackall-Tambo and Barcaldine Regional Council areas during the first week of the month and widespread moderate–heavy (20–>40 mm) throughout these regions during 17–24 and 25–31 January. Vegetation has responded in most of the region.

Forecast

• The population is likely to remain at a low level during February, but a moderate increase is possible in some small areas as a result of breeding by the local population.
• Widespread heavy rains during January will maintain suitable vegetation conditions for locust breeding, but may not produce an aggregation of the background population that could lead to higher density egg laying.
• There is a low probability of any significant immigration during February or March

Risk(s)

• There is a low risk of any significant population increase during February or autumn.

Central Highlands

Central Highlands and Isaac Regional Council

Locusts and conditions

• Population density is expected to have remained low in this region. There were no reports of locust activity.
• No APLC surveys were conducted during January.
• Rainfall has been dominated by heavy storms during the second half of the month. There were moderate–heavy (20–>40 mm) falls during 17–24 and 25–31 January. Pasture vegetation is green

Forecast

• here is a low probability of any significant immigration during February or autumn

Risk(s)

• There is a low risk of a widespread infestation developing in this region during February or autumn

South Central Queensland and Darling Downs

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

Locusts and conditions

Forecast

• Heavy storm rains in mid-November and in mid-December could have initiated some aggregation and egg laying, possibly resulting in nymphs emerging in December or January. This could lead to an increase in adult population level during January or February. Quilpie and Barcoo Shires received some falls over 50 mm in both November and December, which would have produced conditions suitable for high nymphal survival. Any egg laying in suitable habitats during December could produce localised higher density nymphs and possibly some Bands during January.
  
  
• Light trap catches indicate some redistribution during the second half of December and possibly some exchange migration with adjacent regions. These movements could result in successful aggregation of locusts in areas of habitat with suitable conditions for breeding.            

Risk(s)

• There is a moderate probability that some localised nymph populations developed during December, or that further nymphs will be produced during January. A resulting increase in adult population level is likely in some areas during January and February.           

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 a low level during December and there were no locust reports.
  

• Surveys were conducted in parts of Longreach and Barcaldine Regional Council areas in mid-December. Occasional Isolated density adults were identified in the Muttaburra area.
  

• The Longreach and Julia Creek light traps recorded no locusts during December.
  

• Rainfall has been dominated by localised summer storms and there were some heavy falls in the northern shires of these regions. There were patchy moderate rains (20–40 mm) in all shires during the first week of December, and further patchy moderate falls in parts of Longreach, Winton and Cloncurry shire area during 9–15 December. There was widespread moderate rainfall in all shires of the Central West during 16–23 December.          

Forecast

• The population is likely to remain at a low level during January, but an increase to moderate levels is possible in some small areas as a result of breeding by the local population.
  

• Widespread heavy rains during December will produce suitable soil and vegetation conditions for locust breeding, but may not produce an aggregation of the background population that could lead to localised higher densities. The location of any significant further summer rainfall events during January and February will have a bearing on summer population development.
  

• There is a low probability of any significant immigration during January or February.            

Risk(s)

• There is a low probability of significant population increase during January. A moderate increase is possible in the Blackall-Tambo Council area during January or February.           

Central Highlands

Central Highlands and Isaac Regional Council

Locusts and conditions

• Population density is expected to have remained low in in this region. There were no reports of locust activity.
  

• No APLC surveys were conducted during December and previous surveys had identified only occasional Isolated density adults.
  

• Rainfall has been dominated by summer storms. There was widespread heavy rainfall (>40 mm), with light–moderate falls (<20–40 mm) in the Emerald area, during the first week of December. There were further light–moderate moderate falls (<20–40 mm) in the Central Highlands Council area and Banana Shire during 9–15 and 16–23 December.           

Forecast   

• There is unlikely to be any significant population increase in this region during January. However, there may have some low density local breeding of the background population in the southern half of Central Highlands Regional Council, which would maintain the background population level.
  

• There is a low probability of any significant immigration during January or February.
  

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

Risk(s)

• The risk of a widespread infestation developing in this region during summer or autumn is low.                 

South Central Queensland and Darling Downs

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

Locusts and conditions

• Population numbers are expected to have remained low during December, despite further rainfall events and suitable habitat conditions. There were no reports of locust activity.
  

• No APLC surveys were conducted and there were no reports of locust activity. Previous surveys in November identified only Isolated density adults.
  

• The region received widespread heavy rainfall (>40 mm) during the first week of December. There was widespread light–moderate rainfall (<20–40 mm) during 9–15 and 16–23 December, with heavy falls in parts of Roma council area and Murweh Shire.                

Forecast

• The continued low population levels detected in the region suggests that no aggregation or high density egg laying has occurred, despite several periods of heavy rainfall in recent months.
  

• Vegetation conditions remain suitable for locust breeding, but very dense pastures could limit the extent of suitable egg laying sites. Some breeding of the background population may result in an increase in adult numbers to Numerous density in some locations in late summer.
  

• There is a low probability of any significant immigration during January or February.            

Risk(s)

• There is a low probability of a significant population increase, but some local breeding could produce a moderate increase during January or February.             
              

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 in January and forecast to March 2012

Locusts and conditions

•  There have been no reports of locust activity from Victoria. Adult numbers have declined to very low levels.

• There was light–moderate (<20–40 mm) rainfall in part of North Central Victoria during 25–31 January.                    

Forecast

• There is a low probability that a significant infestation will develop during late summer or autumn in Victoria.
  
  
• There is a low probability of any significant immigration during February.  However, with the likelihood of some swarms forming in part of the Northeast region of SA, there is chance of some low density immigration into western Victoria during March.         

Risk(s)

• There is a very low risk of any significant population developing in Victoria during February or autumn .           

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 January and forecast to March 2012

Northeast, Far North, Northwest & Western Agricultural region

Locusts and conditions

• A summer generation of nymphs has emerged after swarm egg laying in part of the Northeast region during December. A number of reports of nymphal activity and Bands were received from the Peterborough–Gladstone–Burra area during the second half of January.

• APLC surveys were conducted in parts of the Northeast, Far North and Northwest regions in mid-January. There were consistent Scattered–Numerous density adults in the Parachilna–Hawker–Quorn–Wilmington area on the western side of the Flinders Ranges. In the Quorn–Carrieton area Present density late instar nymphs were detected at several locations and samples indicated that many adults were also recently fledged. Isolated–Scattered density adults were identified in the Orroroo–Peterborough and Burra-Spalding–Gladstone area. Sub-band density third instar nymphs were detected near Georgetown on 19 January, following a report. In the Far North region there were consistent Isolated density adults from Leigh Creek to Marree and Dulkaninna, while occasional Isolated density adults were identified around the northern Flinders Ranges from Lyndhurst to Moolawatana and Murnpeowie. Occasional Isolated density adults were also identified in the Curnamona–Yunta–Olary area.

• There were numerous reports to PIRSA of nymphs and Bands from the Peterborough–Burra area in late January, indicating a significant summer generation of nymphs has developed in the area. Reports of nymphs were received from Georgetown, Spalding, Gulnare, Yatina and Narridy. The reports indicated small Bands and widespread Numerous density, mid-instar nymphs on many properties.

• There are widespread low density populations of several grasshopper species in parts of these regions.

• No locusts were recorded at the Dulkaninna or Oodnadatta light traps during January.

• There was light–moderate rainfall (<20–40 mm) in the Northeast and Western Agricultural regions during the first week of January. There were further light rains in parts of the Northeast, and some moderate falls in the Yunta area, during the last week of the month.             

Forecast

• The nymphs reported in the Peterborough–Gladstone–Burra area emerged from eggs laid by swarms during the second half of December. Third instar nymphs were identified at Gladstone on 19 January, which indicates egg laying around 20–23 December. Fledging of similar aged nymphs will commence in early February. Swarms of the previous generation may have continued to lay eggs until early January, which would result in fledging of nymphs continuing through to mid-February.

• Adult numbers will increase in the infested part of the Northeast region during February and there is a moderate probability of the formation of some swarms in the infested area of the Northeast during the second half of February and March. Some migratory redistribution is likely during that time and could result in minor migrations into the Murray Valley or Western Agricultural regions, based on historical patterns of autumn migration. Egg laying by this generation of adults is also possible during late February or March, which could result in both some early autumn hatching and some diapause eggs. At this stage the probability a serious infestation during autumn is low.

• The low density late instar nymphs and young adults in the Hawker–Wilmington area suggests that asynchronous breeding events have continued in the Northeast region. The age of this cohort indicates some also egg laying also occurred in late November.              

Risk(s)

• There is a high probability of high density adults and some swarm formation in the Peterborough–Gladstone–Burra areas during February. There is a moderate probability of localised high density egg laying in part of the Northeast region in late February of March.         
   

 Murray Valley & Southeast region

Locusts and conditions

• Limited surveys in part of the Murray Valley region indicated a low density adult population, although nymphs were identified in some locations. There were no reports of locust activity from the Southeast region.

• The Morgan–Renmark area was surveyed in mid-January, which identified Isolated–Scattered density adults and at one location Present–Numerous density second–fifth instar nymphs at one location near Renmark.

• There was widespread light rainfall (<20 mm) in the Murray Valley region during the first week of January.          

Forecast

• The nymphs near Renmark indicate that some sporadic low density breeding may have occurred at other favourable locations in the Murray Valley during December. Fledging of nymphs in that area is likely to maintain a low density adult population during February, but there is a low probability that this will lead to any significant population in the region.

• There is likely to be a residual low density adult population in other areas of the Murray Valley and Lower Murray districts.           

Risk(s)

• There is a low risk of a significant population increase during February. There is a moderate probability of some migrations from the Northeast region during March.       

Locust activity should be reported to Biosecurity SA (PIRSA) on the 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.

 
Rainfall Maps

 
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 Department of Primary Industries, 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.