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Locust Bulletin November 2007
The printed version of the Locust Bulletin is produced monthly 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.
The HTML page below follows the structure of the Bulletin with the 'General Locust Situation', the 'Australian Plague Locust Situation' for each state and the maps. The Bulletin is also available for download as a PDF document.
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Locust Bulletin November 2007 - table of contents
General locust situation
Australian plague locust situation
Australian plague locust map October 2007
Rainfall events October 2007
Terms and Abbreviations used in the Bulletin
Map of forecast regions used in the Bulletin
General situation in October and outlook to mid-December 2007
Australian Plague Locust
Spur-throated Locust
Migratory Locust
The overall locust population level in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia remained low during October. However, the population increased in eastern Queensland, where high density adults were reported in the Roma area of South Central Queensland and near Taroom in the Central Highlands in late October. These adults had developed eggs and egg laying was observed near Taroom on 24 October. Nymphs are expected to appear from the second week of November and bands could develop in some locations. Continued rains in eastern Queensland in October will maintain green pasture vegetation and the survival rate of nymphs is therefore expected to be high. The outlook is for continued population increase in these regions of Queensland during November and December. There is the potential for a significant infestation to develop in February if there are widespread summer rains in western Queensland or New South Wales.
The increase in population in the northern part of South Central Queensland and southern Central Highlands is likely to be the result of local breeding during August in those regions, following several rain events during winter. A nymphal infestation requiring small-scale control could develop during November in these areas. Surveys through part of western Queensland during October indicated continued low population densities. Pasture vegetation is dry in most of western Queensland, but there was moderate rainfall in the South Central, Darling Downs and parts of the Central West regions during October and there may have been low density breeding in some areas.
In New South Wales locust numbers are generally low and there was an apparent decline to low levels in parts of the Central West where medium density adults were seen in September. Widespread rainfall at the end of October will provide conditions suitable for locust breeding, but given the low adult population level, the likely result is an overall increase to medium densities during the forecast period. Nymphs were found at one location near Broken Hill in the Far Southwest in late October, indicating some localised breeding of the September adult population. There is an infestation of Austroicetes sp. grasshoppers in the Riverina, Far Southwest and southern Central West regions, with swarm density adults occurring in parts of the Riverina. Grasshopper numbers are expected to decline in the Riverina over the forecast period.
The very low locust population density in northern South Australia continued during October and vegetation remained dry. There was moderate and localised heavy rainfall in the Northeast region around the southern Flinders Ranges in late October, however, and some low density locust breeding may occur during November. Austroicetes cruciata grasshoppers were reported from areas around Orrorroo in this region during October.
There were no reports of locusts in Victoria during October, but an infestation of Austroicetes cruciata grasshoppers was reported in Northwest Victoria.
In Western Australia numerous locust hatchings were reported in the Ravensthorpe, Jerramungup, Albany and Esperance Shires of the Southern Agricultural Region during October. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food plans to carry out control in areas of high density nymphs. Fledging of nymphs will occur from mid-November.
1 November 2007
There is a widespread low density population in several regions of Queensland. Surveys were limited to southern Queensland during October, but in September low density adults were found in the Central Highlands, Central West, Southwest and South Central Queensland regions. Numerous density adults were found in a few locations in Diamantina and Longreach Shires in western Queensland, and also in Emerald Shire in the Central Highlands. Occasional adults were also found during October in parts of the Far West and Northwest Plains of New South Wales.
Adults usually migrate and disperse to commence breeding at the beginning of the northern wet season. Low numbers of adults were caught in the Longreach and Julia Creek light traps during October. No significant increase in locust numbers is expected until after breeding and the emergence of nymphs during summer.
Adult locusts at low density were reported from Bauhinia Shire in the Queensland Central Highlands during October. Nymphs found in September in the Rolleston areas would have fledged in early October. Continued rainfall in the southern Central Highlands during October and the seasonal expectation of rainfall over summer could result in successful breeding and a subsequent population increase.
-
Australian plague locust situation
Distribution of Australian plague locusts: 1 October to 31 October 2007
Nymphal density
Present
Numerous - Subband
Band
Adult density
Nil - Isolated
Isolated - Scattered
Scattered - Numerous
Numerous - Concentration
Swarms present
Densities estimated for areas of locust habitat, based on survey and reports.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Far Western
Brewarrina, Bourke, Cobar, Milparinka, Wanaaring & Wilcannia RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- The overall locust population density in this region during October was very low and there were no reports of locust activity. Vegetation conditions were dry in most areas in October, but rainfall in late October in Brewarrina and Bourke RLPB areas will provide suitable conditions for locust breeding during November.
- Surveys were conducted through Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar and Wanaaring RLPB areas during mid-October. Occasional Isolated-Scattered density adults were found in these areas and no nymphs were found. However, Scattered-Numerous density adult Austroicetes sp. grasshoppers were found at several locations near and to the south of Cobar.
- There were moderate (20-40 mm) rains in Bourke RLPB and moderate-heavy falls (30- >50mm) in Brewarrina RLPB during 19-25 October. There were light rains in Cobar, Wilcannia, Milparinka and Wanaaring RLPB areas during this period.
- No significant locust activity was recorded by the White Cliffs light trap during August and October.
Forecast
- The young adults in Wilcannia and Wanaaring RLPB areas in September may have bred in limited areas of suitable vegetation, which may produce young adults in early November. This is unlikely to result in a significant population increase in this region.
- The rains in areas north of Bourke and Brewarrina in mid-October will produce suitable conditions for breeding in locust habitat. Nymphs from any eggs laid in late October would appear in mid-November.
- It is possible that some adults from the population in the Roma area of South Central Queensland may have migrated into the Brewarrina or Bourke RLPB areas from late October, which could supplement the local breeding population in favourable habitat areas during November.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk from breeding in the Bourke and Brewarrina RLPBs in late October producing medium density nymphs in some areas from mid-November.
All locust activity should be reported to your Rural Lands Protection Board.
A toll-free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after-hours calls.
South West
Balranald, Broken Hill, Hillston And Wentworth RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- Adult population density was very low in this region during October and vegetation was very dry in most areas. Low density nymphs were found near Menindee in the Broken Hill RLPB area in late October.
- Surveys were conducted in all RLPB areas in late October and only occasional Isolated density adults were found. Present to Numerous density nymphs ranging from second to fourth instar were found in small areas of localised green vegetation in several locations between Menindee and Broken Hill on 27 October.
- Fowlers Gap light trap did not record any significant locust activity during October.
- Adult Austroicetes sp. grasshoppers at Isolated to Numerous densities are widespread in Balranald, Hillston and Wentworth RLPB areas.
- There were light rains (<20 mm) in Broken Hill, Hillston and Wentworth RLPB areas during 8-15 and 19-25 October, with moderate falls (20-25 mm) around Ivanhoe. Pasture vegetation is dry in most areas.
Forecast
- The very low adult population density found in late October would indicate that, in the absence of immigration, any breeding following the rains during October would be at low densities.
- The Numerous density nymphs in the Menindee area suggest localised breeding in September. Adults identified in the Wilcannia RLPB in September may have migrated into this area and bred in late September. These nymphs will fledge by mid-November and there may be a local increase in adult population to Scattered to Numerous densities.
Risk(s)
- No specific risks have been identified during the forecast period.
Riverina
Hay, Hume, Murray, Narrandera, Riverina & Wagga Wagga RLPB
Locusts and conditions
-
Surveys throughout this region during October indicate a very low density locust population. No nymphs were found during surveys and there have been no reports of locust activity.
Surveys were conducted in Hay, Murray, Riverina, Hume and Narrandera RLPB areas during mid and late October. Very few adult locusts were found.
-
There is an infestation of Austroicetes sp. grasshoppers in the Riverina, which have formed swarms along roadsides in some areas. Concentration and up to swarm density grasshoppers were found in mid-October around Griffith in northern Narrandera RLPB and also in parts of Hay RLPB. Lower densities of Austroicetes adults are widespread throughout other RLPB areas in the region. Numerous density Austroicetes sp. nymphs were seen in localised green vegetation near Hay in late October.
-
There were light-moderate (20-30 mm) rains in the Narrandera, Murray, Hume and Wagga Wagga RLPB during the last week of October.
-
Vegetation was mostly dry in the Hay, Narrandera, Riverina and northern parts of Murray and Hume RLPB areas during October.
Forecast
- The locust population will remain low during November, with no significant hatchings likely. Some low density breeding is possible in Riverina and Murray RLPB areas following moderate rains in late October, but is unlikely to produce a significant population increase.
- There were no reports of nymphs in Narrandera RLPB area during September, so it is possible that the swarms of Austroicetes sp. grasshoppers near Rankins Springs moved from the Condobolin area, where nymphs were found in September and swarms were identified in mid-October. However, Austroicetes nymphs were reported in several areas around Hay in early October, indicating a locally produced population in Hay and Riverina RLPB areas.
Risk(s)
-
No specific risks have been identified during the forecast period.
Central West
Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Condobolin, Forbes, Molong, Nyngan & Dubbo RLPBLocusts and conditions
- Locust population density was low in surveyed areas of this region during October, and no nymphs were found. There were no reports of locust activity.
- Surveys were conducted in Nyngan, Dubbo, Condobolin and Molong RLPB areas during 10-14 October and only occasional Isolated density adults were found.
- There is an infestation of adult Austroicetes sp. grasshoppers in parts of Nyngan and Condobolin RLPB areas. Numerous to swarm density grasshoppers were found from Hermidale south to Condobolin in mid-October and egg laying was observed along roadsides.
- There were moderate to heavy rains (25-40 mm) in Coonamble, Coonabarabran and part of Dubbo RLPB areas during the last week of October.
Forecast
- The adult population in this region appeared to have declined from the Scattered densities found in September to very low levels in October and vegetation conditions continued to dry out during October. However, vegetation conditions were suitable for low level breeding in Dubbo, Coonamble, Molong and Coonabarabran RLPB in late September, and some low density late instar nymphs and young adults may be present in these areas in early November.
- Following the rainfall in late October there may be further low density breeding, which could produce nymphs after mid-November.
Risk(s)
- There is a risk that low density breeding during October, mainly in the eastern part of this region, or more widespread breeding in late October could produce some increase in population during November-December.
Northwest Slopes and Plains
Moree, Narrabri, Northern Slopes & Walgett RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- The population level in this region is expected to have remained low during October. Surveys in Walgett RLPB in late October found only Isolated density adults. Surveys were carried out in all RLPB areas during September, and further surveys are planned for early November. There have been no reports of locust activity.
- Surveys in mid-September identified adults at Isolated and Scattered densities in Moree, Walgett, Narrabri and Northern Slopes RLPB areas, and no nymphs were found.
- There were light rains (<20 mm) in Moree and Northern Slopes RLPB areas during 8-15 October, and moderate (20-40 mm) rains in Walgett and Narrabri RLPB areas during 19-25 October. In the last week of October there were heavy rains (30-50mm) in Narrabri and Northern Slopes RLPB areas, with light falls in Moree RLPB area.
Forecast
-
There may have been some low density breeding during September-October, particularly in Northern Slopes and eastern parts of Moree and Narrabri RLPB areas, where vegetation conditions remained favourable. If breeding occurred in late September, late instar nymphs and young adults may be found in early November, while nymphs from any breeding in late October would appear from mid-November.
-
Low density immigration from South Central Queensland in late October or early November could increase the adult breeding population in the region.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk from undetected breeding in September-October producing medium density adult locusts in some areas, and that further breeding following late October rain could lead to a significant population increase.
All locust activity should be reported to your Rural Lands Protection Board.
A toll free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after-hours calls.
QUEENSLAND
Southwest
Barcoo, Bulloo, Quilpie & Diamantina Shire
Locusts and conditions
-
No surveys were conducted in this region during October. The locust population is likely to have remained at the low level identified in September, as there has been little rainfall and there were no reports of locust activity.
-
No significant catches were recorded by the ‘Nooyeah Downs’ or Birdsville light traps during October.
-
There were moderate falls of rain (20-40 mm) around Adavale in the north of Quilpie Shire during 8-15 October, with light rains (<10 mm) elsewhere in the shire. There were scattered light rains (<10 mm) in parts of Bulloo Shire in late October.
Forecast
-
The nymphs reported from ‘Nooyeah Downs’ in early October would have fledged in mid-October, but are unlikely to have contributed to a population increase. The dry vegetation conditions throughout this region are unsuitable for locust breeding and, without moderate to heavy rainfall, significant breeding is unlikely during the forecast period.
-
There is likely to be some pasture vegetation response in the Adavale area after rains in September and October. Some low density locust breeding may have occurred in suitable habitats in that area in both September and October. Up to medium density young adults and early instar nymphs may be found in some areas from mid-November.
Risk(s)
- No specific risks are identified for this region during the forecast period.
Locust activity should be reported to Biosecurity Queensland (QDPI & F). 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
Aramac, Barcaldine, Blackall, Boulia, Cloncurry, Flinders, Hughenden, Ilfracombe, Isisford, Longreach, Mckinlay, Mt Isa, Richmond, Tambo & Winton Shire
Locusts and conditions
- The locust population density is likely to have remained low in this region during October. No surveys were conducted in the Central West or Northwest during October and there were no reports of locust activity.
- There were no significant locust catches in the Longreach or Julia Creek light traps during October.
- There were light rains (<20 mm) in Isisford and Blackall Shires during 8-15 October and moderate falls (20-40 mm) in part of Tambo Shire. There were further light rains in Isisford Shire during 19-25 October. Vegetation is dry in most areas.
Forecast
-
Vegetation conditions are unsuitable for locust breeding in most shires and there is unlikely to be a large population increase during the forecast period. There may however, have been some low density breeding in the Tambo Shire following rains in late August, which would have produced young adults in late October.
-
Adults may also have bred successfully in the Tambo-Augathella area, following the heavy rainfall in mid-October. Nymphs from this event would emerge in mid-November.
Risk(s)
-
There is a risk that adults produced from breeding in late August could move to habitat areas in suitable condition in the Tambo-Augathella area in early November and breed successfully, which could lead to a population increase to medium densities in November-December.
Central Highlands
Bauhinia, Belyando, Emerald, Jericho & Peak Downs ShireLocusts and conditions
-
Locust population density increased in parts of Taroom and Bauhinia Shire from the low levels of September. There were no APLC surveys in this region during October.
-
Reports of locusts from north of Wondoan in Taroom Shire were identified by QDPI&F staff as Australian plague locusts at swarm density. Egg laying by Low Density Swarm adults was observed on one property on 24 October and there were Numerous density adult locusts at other locations in the area.
-
Reports of flying locusts in the Arcadia Valley in late October were identified by QDPI&F staff as being predominantly Oedalius australis, along with some Australian plague locust. At the end of October, however, Concentration-Low Density Swarm adult locusts were identified by QDPI&F staff at several locations in the southern part of the Arcadia Valley.
-
There were light to moderate rains (20-40 mm) in Bauhinia Shire during 2-7 October, and further moderate falls (20-40 mm) in all Shires during 8-15 October.
Forecast
- Adult locust numbers have increased to Numerous-Concentration densities in the south of this region, probably as a result of breeding following rains in August. Adults may have moved into the area from adjacent parts of South Central Queensland.
- Adults laid from as early as October 23 and may continue to lay eggs in early November. Eggs laid near Wondoan in Taroom Shire will hatch from 11 November and some bands may develop from mid-November in this area.
- With Concentration-Low Density Swarm adults in southern Arcadia Valley and favourable vegetation conditions, egg laying may be more widespread in Bauhinia Shire. Nymphs are likely to be found from mid-November at Numerous-Band densities.
Risk(s)
- There is a high probability that egg laying in the Wondoan area of Taroom Shire during November will produce numerous small bands during November, which could lead to high density adults in some locations during December. Landholder control of small bands as they develop on farmland will be critical in minimising a large population increase.
- There is a risk that breeding in the Arcadia Valley in Bauhinia Shire will produce a nymphal generation that could develop small bands during November and an increase in adult population in December.
South Central Queensland and Darling Downs
Balonne, Booringa, Bendemeer, Chinchilla, Inglewood, Milmerran, Murilla, Murweh, Paroo, Tara, Taroom, Waggamba, Wambo & Warroo ShireLocusts and conditions
- The locust population increased in Bungil and Bendemeer Shires in the area around Roma during October. Up to swarm density adults were reported near Roma in mid-October.
- Surveys were carried out in Paroo Shire in mid-October. Occasional Isolated density adults were found in most areas, with Scattered density adults in the Cunnamulla area.
- There were several reports of adult locusts flying in the Roma-Condamine area. QDPI&F staff identified adults at Concentration density adults, with 3-4 mm eggs, northwest of Roma on 23 October. Adults were reported from near Condamine on 25 October, but these were identified as yellow-winged locusts, Gastrimargus musicus.
- QDPI&F staff identified Scattered-Numerous density adult locust in the Tara Shire in late October, and there was a report of adults near St George in late October. There is also a widespread Scattered-Numerous density population of Oedaleus australis (eastern plague grasshopper) in the shires of the Darling Downs, and there were reports of this species further east in Kingaroy Shire.
- In South Central Queensland there was moderate-heavy (20-40 mm) rainfall in Bungil, Warroo and Bendemeer Shires during 8-15 October, and light falls (<20 mm) in Bollon and Paroo Shires. In the Darling Downs region Tara, Warroo, Milmerran, Waggamba and Inglewood Shires also recorded moderate rainfall (20-35 mm) during 8-15 October. There were further light rains in the south of Booringa Shire during 19-25 October. In the last week of October moderate-heavy rains (25-50 mm) fell in all the Darling Downs Shires, and moderate falls in Warroo Shire in South Central Queensland. Vegetation conditions remain green in areas to the east of a line from Roma, through Surat, to Goondiwindi.
Forecast
- The increase in adult locust densities in late October in the Roma area is likely to be the result of local breeding during August, following winter rains in the region. Adults would have developed in mid-October and vegetation conditions were favourable for egg development.
- Egg laying around Roma may heave been more widespread in Bungil Shire than has been identified. Eggs laid near Roma at the end of October will hatch from mid-November. It is possible that bands will develop in some areas in late November.
- Scattered-Numerous density locusts in Tara Shire and Chinchilla Shire may have been produced from local breeding in September, while the report from near St George may be immigrants from the north, as vegetation was dry in this area in September-October.
- The population in the Cunnamulla area in late August had declined to low density by October, probably as a result of redistribution of young adults.
Risk(s)
- There is a moderate risk from eggs laid in the Roma area of Bungil and Bendemeer Shires during November producing numerous small bands during November, which could lead to high density adults in some locations during December. Landholder control of small bands as they develop on farmland will be critical in minimising a large population increase.
Locust activity should be reported to Biosecurity Queensland (QDPI & F). A toll free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after-hours calls.
VICTORIA
Locusts and conditions
-
The locust population in Victoria is expected to have remained low during November. There were no reports of locust activity.
-
There is an infestation of Austroicetes cruciata grasshoppers in Northwest Victoria and several reports of high density adults were received from near Manangatang in late October.
Only light rainfall was recorded in northern Victoria during October and pasture vegetation conditions dried off in most areas.
Forecast
- There was no indication of any locust breeding in Victoria during October. With the low population level in southern New South Wales and absence of significant rainfall during October, there is unlikely to be any immigration of locusts or breeding in Victoria during the forecast period.
Risk(s)
- No specific risks have been identified during the forecast period.
Locust activity should be reported to the Department of Primary Industries, Victoria. 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
Far North, Northwest, Northeast Agricultural & Western Agricultural
Locusts and conditions
- There were no surveys in South Australia during October, but locust population density was very low in the Far North and Northeast regions during September. The population is expected to have remained low as vegetation conditions were very dry and there were no reports of locusts during October.
- Small plague grasshoppers (Austroicetes cruciata) identified by PIRSA staff in the southern Flinders Ranges area of the Northeast region in late September will have fledged in October.
- The Dulkaninna light trap recorded no locust activity during October.
- There were light rains (<10 mm) in the Northeast Agricultural region and at Leigh Creek in the Far North during 8-15 October. There were further light-moderate rains in the Northeast, with heavy falls (>40 mm) near Yunta, during 19-25 October, and moderate falls reported from Ernabella in the Northwest region. There were also light rains (<20 mm) in the Western Agricultural region during 19-25 October.
Forecast
- The rains in the Southern Flinders Ranges area of the Northeast Agricultural region in mid-October will provide suitable conditions for locust breeding. However, given the very low known population level, any breeding is only likely to produce an increase to medium densities during the forecast period. Hatching of any eggs laid in late October would occur from mid-November.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk that locust breeding in the southern Flinders Ranges area will lead to a population increase in November-December.
Locust activity should be reported to Primary Industries & Resources, South Australia.
A toll-free call to the APLC can be made on 1800 635 962. An answering machine is attached for after-hours calls.
Place Name Key for Rainfall Distribution Map
| Queensland | Northern Territory | New South Wales | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Victoria | |||
| 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.
|
Nymphs Densities |
Number per m2 |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Present (P) |
1 - 5 |
|
|
Numerous (Num) |
6 - 30 |
|
|
Sub-band (SB) |
31 - 80 |
|
|
Band (B) |
> 80 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adults 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 |
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 |
Rural Lands Protection Board (RLPB) or NSW Department of Primary Industries |
|
Queensland |
Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries (DPI&F) |
|
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
Australian Plague Locust Commission website
General regions referred to in the Bulletin
Location of APLC light traps (black circles).
Locust habitat areas shaded.
