Locust Bulletin November 2011
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- Locust Bulletin November 2011
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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 November 2011 — table of contents
General locust situation
Australian plague locust situation
Australian plague locust map October 2011
Table of Australian plague locust development dates
Rainfall maps October 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 October and outlook to December 2011
Australian Plague Locust
Spur–throated Locust
Migratory Locust
-
Australian plague locust Chortoicetes terminifera
The spring nymphal generation had all emerged in South Australia and the New South Wales Riverina by late October, but hatchings in southern Victoria will extend into November. High density nymphs and a number of hopper bands developed in several locations in the southern Flinders and northern Mt Lofty Ranges areas, and parts of the Lower Murray district and western Eyre Peninsula in South Australia during October. Several bands also developed in part of the south-eastern Riverina in mid-October. There were several reports of small hatchings in Victoria, but further reports are likely as nymphs become more visible. The spring nymphal population is much smaller than that of spring 2010 and is unlikely to produce a significant swarm infestation in any region.
The outlook is for localised areas of high density nymphs and some band activity to continue in the southern half of South Australia in early November and to be followed by an increase in adult numbers. The formation of swarms is possible in some areas. Fledging will occur in the Corowa-Jerilderie area of the Riverina in mid-November, resulting in a local increase in adult numbers. Further localised reports of nymphs are likely in Victoria during November, with the bulk of hatchings in the Grampians district expected at the start of November. Fledging will occur in Victoria in the second half of November, extending into early December in the south. October surveys in other regions New South Wales and western Queensland identified low locust numbers, indicating that development of substantial populations is unlikely before December. Rainfall in November could initiate a summer breeding sequence in some locations in those regions.
In South Australia, late instar nymphs and a number of bands have been identified in the Hawker–Quorn, Hallett–Spalding and Burra-Eudunda areas of the Northeast region, and the Sedan–Mannum area of the lower Murray Valley. Despite many early hatchings and the appearance of some fledging in late October, the bulk of the nymphal population will not become adult until November. Nymphs were reported at a number of locations on the western Eyre Peninsula from Ceduna south to Elliston in mid-October. High adult densities and some swarms may form in localised areas. Sporadic patches of nymphs may also develop in the Coonalpyn–Keith or Naracoorte areas of the Southeast region.
In New South Wales the only high density population is in the Savernake–Oaklands area of the south-eastern Riverina. Hatchings commenced in early October and several bands were identified in crop areas. The fledging of nymphs in mid-November could produce small areas of high density adults. Sporadic hatchings may have been more widespread in the Wagga–Cootamundra and Lockhart–Jerilderie–Corowa areas, which could result in a moderate increase in adult numbers in the eastern Riverina.
In Victoria, there have been isolated hatching reports from near Yarrawonga, Cobram and Warracknabeal in the North Central region in mid-October, and near Meringur in the Northwest. Further hatchings are likely in some locations around Horsham, Stawell, Ararat and Hamilton. Localised high density nymphs and some bands are likely to form in these areas. Sporadic hatchings could be more widespread in the Bendigo–Kerang, Boort–Charlton, St Arnaud–Horsham and Yarrawonga-Shepparton areas, resulting in low–medium density nymphs and possible small bands.
In Western Australia small bands of nymphs were reported in the Mullewa–Coorow area to the east of Geraldton during October.
-
Spur–throated locust Austracris guttulosa
Fledging of nymphs from summer egg laying in 2010-11 produced a widespread population of young adults throughout New South Wales and parts of western Queensland in February and March. The number of young adults declined in April and May to Isolated–Scattered densities in most areas, and the only reports during winter were from the Thargomindah area in Southwest Queensland and the Wanaaring–Hungerford area in Darling Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) in New South Wales. APLC surveys in August identified several swarms near the Paroo River to the east of Wanaaring. There were further swarm reports in September, but subsequent surveys in that area identified consistent Isolated–Scattered density adults.
Surveys in October in Northwest and Southwest Queensland identified Isolated–Scattered density adults in many areas and Numerous density adults in several locations between Boulia and Bedourie. There have been no reports from other regions of Queensland, where last spring the state biosecurity authority conducted control of swarms in the Blackall–Tambo and Charleville–Bollon areas. Surveys also detected a widespread Isolated density adult population in Central West, Darling and Western LHPA areas in New South Wales, and in the Far North and Northeast regions of South Australia.
The outlook is for overwintering adult swarms in parts of Southwest Queensland and Darling LHPA in New South Wales to disperse at the commencement of the breeding season in November. Adults could move into more open country in South Central Queensland or the Northwest Plains and Bourke area of New South Wales. This could result in localised damage to crops or horticulture.
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Migratory locust Locusta migratoria
This species has not been detected by APLC surveys since last March, when Scattered density adults were identified in the Roma–Injune area of South Central Queensland. To date there have been no reports in this region or the Queensland Central Highlands. Given the very low known population level, there is a low probability of the development of localised gregarious populations of this species before summer.
31 October 2011
Map of Australian plague locust distribution: October 2011
NEW SOUTH WALES
Situation in October and forecast to December 2011
Central West
Lachlan, Central West & Central North LHPA
Locusts and conditions
-
Locust population density remained low in the Central West region during October. Few adults and no nymphs were detected in surveyed areas.
-
APLC surveys were carried out in western parts of Central West and Lachlan LHPA areas in early October. Only occasional Isolated density adults were identified.
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There was light–moderate (<20–40 mm) rainfall throughout the region in each of the first two weeks of October and again in the last week of the month. The October rains will maintain pasture vegetation in green condition in most areas.
Forecast
-
The absence of nymphs in this region during October indicates that no significant egg laying occurred during autumn. Some localised low density egg laying by the low background adult population may have occurred in late October, following several periods of rainfall during the month. Any nymphs produced are likely to be localised, but could contribute to a moderate increase in adult population in December.
-
Surviving nymphs hatched from any diapause eggs will have fledged in late October and these are likely to maintain the adult population at low levels during November. These adults could contribute to a November breeding population.
-
There is a low probability of any significant immigration during spring, given the low population levels in adjacent regions.
Risk(s)
-
There is a moderate probability of localised increased in population during November and December from the current very low level.
Riverina
Riverina & Hume LHPA
Locusts and conditions
-
High density egg laying in autumn was confined to the south-eastern part of the region. Hatchings commenced from egg beds in the Corowa–Jerilderie area in early October and several small Bands were reported from properties in the area where swarms laid in March. Nymphs which emerged in early October will become adults from mid-November. Landholders have carried out control of some larger Bands.
-
APLC surveys were conducted throughout the Riverina and part of Hume LHPA areas in early October. Only occasional Isolated density adults were identified in all areas except the Savernake–Oaklands area, where there were hatchings and several small Bands of first instar nymphs observed on 7 October.
-
There was widespread light (<20 mm) rainfall in the Riverina during 1-8 and 25–31 October. Ephemeral pasture grasses are becoming dry.
Forecast
-
Nymphs in the Savernake–Oaklands area will have reached mid-instar stage in the second half of October and will fledge in mid-November. The formation of some Concentrations or small swarms is possible in the Savernake–Oaklands area after that time.
-
Adult densities will increase in the eastern Riverina during November and Numerous density adults are likely to be widespread. Although sporadic swarm egg laying in autumn may have been more widespread in the area bounded by Berrigan–Lockhart–Culcairn–Corowa, there have been no other reports of hatchings or nymphs from this wider area. Adults also persisted in the Cootamundra–Wagga area during autumn and fledging of any nymphs in November could lead to some increase in adult densities.
-
The adults fledged from the spring generation of nymphs could migrate within the region after mid-November, resulting in a general increase in adult population densities from the current very low levels. Any subsequent breeding by this generation will not occur until late November or December, and rainfall at that time will influence the likelihood and location of any egg laying.
-
There is a very low probability of immigration from other regions during the forecast period.
Risk(s)
-
There is a moderate probability of localised adult Concentrations and some swarm activity from mid-November in the Corowa–Oaklands area during November.
Northwest Slopes and Plains
Northwest LHPA
Locusts and conditions
-
Population densities are likely to have remained generally low during October. Several rainfall events during October could have initiated breeding by the local population.
-
No APLC surveys were conducted in this region during October and there were no reports of locust activity. Surveys are planned for early November.
-
This region received light–moderate rainfall (<20–40 mm) during each of the first two weeks of October, with some locally heavy storms around Moree.
Forecast
-
Surveys detected no evidence of significant egg laying during autumn and population levels are expected to remain generally low during November. Rainfall during September and October could have initiated some low density breeding of the local population, which could produce a nymphal generation during November and a moderate population increase. High density populations could develop in favourable localised areas in December if population aggregation occurs.
-
There is a low probability of any significant immigration into the region, given the low population level in adjacent regions.
Risk(s)
-
There is a moderate probability that local breeding and egg laying in the second half of October will produce a nymphal generation during November, resulting in a moderate population increase during November and December.
Far Northwest
Darling LHPA
Locusts and conditions
-
The population level remained low in this region during October. Occasional adults were identified only in the Bourke and Brewarrina districts. Population densities are expected to remain generally low during November.
-
Surveys were conducted in the Bourke and Brewarrina districts during the first half of October. Isolated density adults were identified in the southern Brewarrina district.
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The region received patchy light rainfall (<20 mm) during the first week of October and there was further patchy light falls around Louth at the end of the month. Pasture vegetation is now mostly dry.
Forecast
-
The low densities of adults and continued absence of nymphs during October indicate that no significant breeding has so far occurred during spring. However, dense carryover pastures may have hampered detection in some areas.
-
Rainfall during November could result in aggregation and breeding of the background adult population and some localised egg laying. This could lead to a moderate increase in overall population during December. High density populations could develop in localised areas.
Risk(s)
-
There is a low probability of a significant increase in adult population during November, but a moderate increase is possible in December.
Far West
Western LHPA
Locusts and conditions
-
A very low density adult population was indicated by surveys during October. Nymphs were detected at one location near Tibooburra.
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Surveys were conducted in the area between Broken Hill and Tibooburra in mid-October. Isolated density adults were identified along the South Australian border and Present density, late instar nymphs at one location near Cameron Corner.
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Survey in the Ivanhoe area in early October did not detect any locusts.
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The Fowlers Gap and White Cliffs light traps did not record any significant numbers of locusts during October.
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There was patchy light rainfall (<20 mm) in parts of the region during 1–8 and 9–15 October. There was further light rainfall in the southern part of the region during the final week of the month. Vegetation is mostly becoming dry.
Forecast
-
The continued low numbers of locusts detected in this region during October indicate that no significant breeding occurred in this region during late autumn or early spring. The more consistent Isolated density adults in areas south from Cameron Corner, however, suggest some increase in numbers since September and this increase may have been more general across the region.
-
Rainfall in late October or November could result in aggregation and breeding of the background adult population and some localised egg laying. This could lead to a moderate increase in overall population or the development of localised high density populations in November or December.
-
Given the low level populations in adjacent regions, no significant immigration is likely during November, but some migratory exchange is possible in December.
Risk(s)
-
There is a moderate probability of an increase in population during November from the very low levels so far detected.
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 October and forecast to December 2011
Southwest
Barcoo, Bulloo, Quilpie & Diamantina Shire
Locusts and conditions
-
The locust population level remains low in this region. October surveys detected Isolated density adults in parts of Diamantina Shire. A moderate increase in population is possible during November as a result of undetected local breeding. Storm rainfall in November could initiate some aggregation and gregarious egg laying, which would produce a more significant increase in some areas during December.
-
Surveys were conducted in parts of Diamantina Shire in mid-October. Isolated density adults were identified in a number of locations and there were Present density fifth instar nymphs near Monkira.
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No locusts were recorded at the Nooyeah Downs light trap during October.
-
Part of Boulia Shire received light rainfall (<20 mm) during the first week of October, and part of Barcoo Shire received light falls during the last week of the month. Ground vegetation is now dry in most areas.
Forecast
- The continuing low population level detected indicates that no significant breeding occurred during autumn or winter. However, localised development of small populations can occur during spring in favourable areas of habitat.
- Rainfall during November could initiate aggregation and breeding of the background population, resulting in a subsequent increase in some areas. The location and intensity of any rainfall events will have a direct bearing on the development of the summer population in this region.
- Some low density immigration from adjacent regions is possible in late November or December.
Risk(s)
-
There is a moderate probability of a population increase from the current low levels during November and December with the expectation of summer storm rainfall initiating some locust breeding.
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 in surveyed areas during October. There have been no reports.
-
Surveys were conducted in Winton and Boulia Shires in mid-October. A background population of Isolated density adults was identified in these Shires. No locusts were detected during APLC surveys in parts of Longreach Regional Council area.
-
The Longreach and Julia Creek light traps recorded no locusts during October.
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There was light rainfall (<20 mm) in parts of Longreach, Barcaldine and Blackall-Tambo Regional Council areas during the first week of October, and further light falls in the Blackall-Tambo area during 9–15 October. There were light–moderate storm rainfall in part of Flinders Shire during 16–24 October. Pastures are predominantly dry.
Forecast
-
There is likely to be a continuing low density population in this region during November, but an increase to moderate levels is possible in some areas as a result of breeding of the local population. The development of localised high density populations can occur in favourable areas of habitat during early summer. Storm rainfall can initiate aggregation and breeding of the background population.
-
The location of any significant rainfall events during November or December will have a bearing on summer population developments.
-
There is a low probability of any significant immigration during November or December, given the low population levels in adjacent regions.
Risk(s)
-
No risks are identified for this region during November. There is a moderate probability of localised increases in population during December.
Central Highlands
Central Highlands and Isaac Regional Council
Locusts and conditions
-
Population density is expected to have remained very low during October in this region. There have been no reports.
-
APLC surveys are planned for November.
-
There was moderate light–moderate rainfall (<20–40 mm) in southern parts of Central Highlands during 25–31 October.
Forecast
-
There is unlikely to be any significant population increase in this region during November. However, localised development of high density populations can occur during spring in favourable areas of habitat.
-
There is a very low probability of any significant immigration during November or December.
Risk(s)
- No risks are identified for this region during November or December.
South Central Queensland and Darling Downs
Balonne, Murweh and Paroo Shire. Roma, Dalby and Goondiwindi Regional Council
Locusts and conditions
-
Population numbers are likely to have remained generally low in this region, but several rainfall events during September and October may have initiated breeding which could lead to population increases in some areas. No APLC surveys were conducted during October. There were no reports of locust activity.
-
This region received light–moderate rainfall (<20–40 mm) during 1–8, 9–15 and 25–31 October, with some heavy falls in parts of the Balonne Shire, Goondiwindi Regional Council and the Darling Downs. A pasture response will occur in November in the eastern areas of this region.
Forecast
-
This region received several periods of moderate–heavy rainfall during October. Localised development of high density populations can occur in favourable areas of habitat during spring, particularly in response to rainfall.
-
There were several rainfall events during October which could have initiated the aggregation and breeding of the local population, particularly in pasture or fallow areas. This could produce a nymphal generation from late November in localised areas.
-
There is a low probability of any significant immigration during November or December, given the low population levels in adjacent regions.
Risk(s)
-
There is a moderate probability of some population increase in some areas during November or December, as a result of localised breeding in response to recent rainfall.
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 October and forecast to December 2011
Locusts and conditions
-
There were several reports of hatchings and nymphs in Victoria during October, but further reports are likely as nymphs become more visible and later expected hatchings occur in the Grampians area. Widespread development of low and medium density nymphs, along with Bands in some areas, is possible during November, particularly in the southern Wimmera and Grampians districts. Sporadic hatchings may be more widespread throughout the North Central and Northwest regions, and further nymphs may be detected in other locations during November.
-
Examination of known egg beds from the Grampians district by Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) staff indicates some egg mortality from parasitism in that area.
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DPI Victoria has received reports of small areas of nymphs from near Cobram and Yarrawonga in North Central Victoria and Meringur and Warracknabeal in the Northwest region.
-
There was widespread light rainfall (<20 mm) across the Northwest and North Central regions during 1–8 and 16–24 October. There was further light rainfall, with some local moderate falls in parts of the Northwest during 25–31 October.
Forecast
- Few egg laying events were observed in March and April, but sporadic laying is likely to have been more widespread. Hatchings will continue in parts of North Central Victoria and the Grampians district in early November. Nymphs in northern Victoria will be at mid-instar stages in early November and fledging will follow after mid-November, extending into December in southern areas. The size of the spring nymphal population will be on a much smaller scale than that of spring 2010.
- Sporadic nymphal Bands are expected to develop in the areas where egg laying was reported around St Arnaud–Horsham and Ararat–Lake Bolac. Isolated patches of nymphs and possibly some localised Bands could also develop in other areas, including the Bendigo–Kerang, Boort–Charlton and Wodonga–Yarrawonga–Shepparton areas, but small hatchings are also possible other locations in North Central and Northwest Victoria.
- An increase in adult population densities is likely from late November and the formation of some localised areas of Concentration or small swarms is possible in the Wimmera and Grampians districts.
- There is likely to be a continuing low density adult population during November that has developed from surviving overwintering nymphs which hatched in April and May.
- There is a low probability of any significant immigration from western NSW during November or December.
Risk(s)
-
There is a moderate probability of localised high density nymphs and the development of some Bands occurring in November in parts of the southern Wimmera and Grampians districts. More widespread nymphs and possibly some small Bands could also develop in parts of North Central Victoria. The nymphal population could present a small localised risk to some crops in the Grampians district. There is a low probability of significant swarm formation in late November.
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 October and forecast to December 2011
Northeast, Far North, Northwest & Western Agricultural region
Locusts and conditions
-
The development of some small nymphal Bands commenced in parts of the Northeast and Western Agricultural regions in September. Hatchings commenced in the Hawker–Quorn area in early September and later hatchings occurred in the Hallett–Spalding and Burra–Eudunda areas. Most nymphs were at late instar stages in mid-October and some fledging commenced at the end of the month. On the western Eyre Peninsula a number of small Bands were reported in the Sheringa–Tooligie area and near Ceduna in mid-October. The overall population size is much smaller than that of spring 2010. Adult population densities will increase during November, with the formation of small swarms possible in some locations.
-
Surveys by PIRSA in late October identified a number of late instar Bands up to 200m in length in the Burra area.
-
Surveys by APLC in mid-October in the Far North region identified consistent Isolated density adults in the Moolawatana–Dulkaninna–Marree area and the Moomba–Cameron Corner area. Present density fifth instar nymphs were detected at two locations.
-
Light traps at Dulkaninna and Oodnadatta in the Far North recorded no locusts during October.
-
There was light rainfall (<20 mm) in parts of the Northwest and Far North regions during 1–8 and 16–24 October, with some local moderate (20–40 mm) falls in parts of the Northwest region. There were some heavy storm rains in the northern part of the Northwest during the last week of the month. The western Agricultural region received widespread light rainfall and some moderate–heavy falls in the Whyalla–Kimba area during 1–8 and 9–15 October. In the Northeast region there was widespread light rainfall during 1–8 and 25–31 October, with some moderate falls around Hawker and Yunta.
Forecast
-
Band activity will decline during November as nymphs fledge and there will be a consequent increase in adult densities. Overall adult numbers are expected to increase to Numerous density, with localised areas of Concentration and possibly small swarms in the Hawker–Quorn and Burra–Eudunda areas. The size of the adult population in November is unlikely to present a significant threat to agriculture in these regions, or of immigration to areas to the south.
-
The nymphal population on the western Eyre Peninsula extends from Ceduna south to Sheringa, but reports indicate nymphs have developed in a few localised parts of this area. Fledging in early November will result in an increase in adult numbers on Eyre Peninsula and could produce Concentration density adults and small swarms in some areas. Migration of adults from this region during November and December is likely to result in some redistribution in the Western Agricultural region or into the Northwest region, but is unlikely to result in a large swarm population.
-
The low density adult population identified in the Far North region and lack of light trap activity indicates no significant early spring population. Rainfall has been more consistent in the Northwest and Western Agricultural regions, however, and there may be a more consistent low density adult population in parts of the Northwest region in November.
-
The location and intensity of any rainfall during the second half of November and December will influence the likelihood of any significant egg laying by adults from the spring generation.
-
There is a moderate probability of migratory redistribution within the Northeast region or into the southern Far North during November, but is unlikely to result in large swarm populations.
Risk(s)
-
There is a moderate probability of localised high density adults and some swarm formation during November. The adult generation is unlikely to produce a significant swarm population or migrations to regions to the south.
Murray Valley & Southeast region
Locusts and conditions
-
The number of reports of nymph activity and Bands increased during October in the Sedan–Swan Reach–Mannum area of the Lower Murray Valley. Bands were at late instar stages at the end of October. Landholders have carried out control of Bands in a number of locations. There have been no reports from the Keith–Coonalpyn or Naracoorte areas of the Southeast region.
-
There was light rainfall (<20 mm) in the Southeast, Murray Valley and Mt Lofty Ranges regions during each of the first two weeks of October.
Forecast
-
Hatchings in these regions commenced earlier than in spring 2010, but a return to cooler conditions in late September and October will bring the time of fledging back to mid-November for most of the population. The majority of nymphs have now emerged in the Murray Valley and Mt Lofty regions, but further reports are possible in early November as older nymphs become more visible and form mobile Bands. The known distribution of nymphs suggests that most swarm egg laying during autumn was confined to the eastern side of the Lower Murray.
-
Adult numbers will increase during November, following the fledging of nymphs, and could produce Concentration density or some swarms, but a large swarm population is unlikely.
-
Any hatchings in the Southeast region around the Coonalpyn and Keith areas will have commenced during October. Hatchings are expected to have been sporadic and, while areas of Present–Numerous density nymphs may occur in some locations, the development of any Bands is likely to be restricted to small areas.
-
There is a moderate probability of some small scale migration into the Southeast from the population in the Lower Murray district during November, but this is unlikely to result in significant swarms.
Risk(s)
-
There is a moderate probability of the formation of some swarms in the Lower Murray district following the fledging of the remaining nymphal population.
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 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.
01 Nov 2011