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Locust Bulletin October 2007
The printed version of the Locust Bulletin is produced monthly during the September- April 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 October 2007 - table of contents
General locust situation
Australian plague locust situation
Australian plague locust map September 2007
Rainfall events September 2007
Terms and Abbreviations used in the Bulletin
Map of forecast regions used in the Bulletin
General situation in September and outlook to mid-November 2007
Australian Plague Locust
Spur-throated Locust
Migratory Locust
The overall locust population level in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia was low during September. However, young adults at medium density were found in several locations in the Northwest Plains, Central West and Far Western New South Wales, and near Cunnamulla in South Central Queensland. The presence of late instar nymphs at some locations indicates that part of this population derives from early spring hatchings following breeding in autumn. No nymphal bands have been detected and the observed locust densities suggest that only localised breeding occurred in during autumn. Some redistribution of the spring adult population may have occurred during September, resulting in a southward displacement of young adults. The outlook for the remainder of spring is for continued low population levels, although there are sufficient locust numbers to produce significant breeding if there is moderate to heavy rainfall during the forecast period.
Surveys throughout western Queensland and the Central Highlands in August and September indicate a very low locust population density. A small area of medium density young adults and late instar nymphs was found south of Cunnamulla in South Central Queensland in late August. Pasture vegetation is dry in most of western Queensland, but is green in the Central Highlands and east of Mitchell-Surat-Goondowindi in South Central Queensland and the Darling Downs, following several rain events during winter.
In New South Wales locust numbers are generally low, but up to medium density young adults were found near Wilcannia and Wanaaring in the Far West, near Goodooga in the Northwest Plains, and near Coonamble and Trangie in the Central West regions. Pasture conditions have dried off in western New South Wales, but conditions remain green in the eastern parts of the Northwest Plains and the Central West regions, and some low density breeding is possible during October. Medium density nymphs of Austroicetes sp. grasshoppers were found near Nyngan and Hillston, following several reports.
In northern South Australia the locust population density is very low. Surveys in September identified only occasional isolated adults and vegetation conditions are mostly dry.
There were occasional adult locusts in North Central Victoria during September. Pasture vegetation in part of Victoria remained green in September, following rains in July and August.
In Western Australia nymphal bands are expected to develop in the Ravensthorpe and Esperance Shires of the Southern Agricultural Region, after egg laying by swarm density adults during autumn. Hatchings are likely from early October in the Esperance area.
3 October 2007
There is a widespread low density population in several regions of Queensland. Surveys in September identified low adult densities in Central West, Southwest and South Central Queensland, and in the Central Highlands. 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 in parts of the Far West and Northwest Plains of New South Wales.
There were reports of some swarms around Burketown in the Queensland Gulf in August, which is common for this species during winter. Adults usually migrate and disperse to commence breeding at the beginning of the northern wet season. No significant increase in locust numbers is expected during spring.
Occasional very low density adults of this species were found in Belyando Shire during surveys in the Queensland Central Highlands during September, and mid-instar nymphs up to medium density were found in several locations south of Rolleston in Bauhinia Shire. This region received heavy rainfall during June and August and the nymphs may result from breeding following the August rains. Vegetation conditions are favourable for nymphal development and further rainfall during the forecast period could result in successful breeding and a subsequent population increase.
-
Australian plague locust situation
Distribution of Australian plague locusts: 1 August to 30 September 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 September was low, but medium density young adults and very low density late instar nymphs were found in several locations. Vegetation conditions had dried off in most areas in September, following several rain events during late autumn. There were no reports of locust activity.
- Surveys were conducted through Bourke, Brewarrina, Milparinka, Wanaaring and Wilcannia RLPB areas during September. Isolated to Scattered density adults were found in Milparinka, Wanaaring and White Cliffs RLPB, with only occasional Isolated density adults in Bourke and the northern part of Broken Hill RLPBs. However, Numerous density young adults were found at several locations in the Wilcannia RLPB. In the area to the north of White Cliffs and also around Wanaaring, these young adults were associated with Present density fifth instar nymphs. Numerous density adults were also found near Weilmoringle and Goodooga in the Brewarrina RLPB area, in localised green vegetation.
- There were heavy (>50 mm) rains across this region during May, with dense pasture growth as a result and vegetation conditions were green throughout winter. However, vegetation had dried off in most areas during September. Moderate rains (20-30 mm) fell in a strip across part of Wilcannia and Cobar RLPB areas in early June and light rains (<15 mm) in August, resulting in some forb growth, which remained green during September.
- No significant locust activity was recorded by the White Cliffs light trap during August and September.
Forecast
- The presence of Numerous density young adults and late instar nymphs in Wilcannia RLPB is likely to be the result of egg laying by adults in the region during autumn. The ages of nymphs indicate that eggs laid in March and April in this region, which did not enter diapause, would have hatched in July to produce young adults in September due to above average winter temperatures. The absence of younger nymphs may indicate that few eggs entered diapause, or that any diapause eggs may have suspended development in quiescence.
- No high density nymphs or bands were found suggesting autumn that breeding was localised and only at medium adult densities.
Risk(s)
- No specific risks have been identified during the forecast period.
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 areas surveyed during September in this region, although low numbers of adults may have migrated from the north where there were medium density young adults during the month. Further surveys are planned during October.
- Surveys were conducted in the northern part of Hillston and Broken Hill RLPB areas during September and consistent Isolated density adults were found.
- Fowlers Gap light trap recorded no significant locust activity during August or September.
- A report form near Gilgunnia in the Hillston RLPB was identified as Austroicetes sp., grasshoppers with nymphs at Numerous to Subband density on several properties.
- There were heavy rains in this region during May. There were further light falls (<15 mm) in Balranald and Wentworth RLPB areas in June and also in late July. Pasture vegetation is now dry in most areas.
Forecast
- Low population densities are expected to continue in this region during spring. No significant breeding was expected to have occurred because of the low autumn population and the absence of significant rainfall during autumn. However, low numbers of adults may have migrated into this region during September from the Far Western region, where there were Numerous density young adults.
Risk(s)
- No specific risks have been identified during the forecast period.
Riverina
Hay, Hume, Murray, Narrandera, Riverina & Wagga Wagga RLPB
Locusts and conditions
-
No survey was conducted in this region during September. However locust numbers were expected to be very low in this region as numbers were very low in autumn and the development of nymphs from any eggs laid during autumn would not occur until October in most areas. Surveys are planned during October. No reports of locust activity were received during September.
-
Low numbers of adults may have migrated from the Central West or Northwest Plains regions during September, following fledging of early season nymphs.
- There were moderate (25-40 mm) rains in the Riverina during May, and further moderate falls in Murray, Hume and Wagga RLPB areas in early July. There were light rains (<15 mm) in these latter areas in late July.
- Vegetation is mostly dry in the Hay, Narrandera and northern parts of Riverina and Murray RLPB areas. There were green pastures and crops in the Hume, Wagga Wagga and eastern Murray RLPB areas, following rains in July, but these will dry off during October without further rainfall.
Forecast
- The locust population is expected to remain low during October. No significant hatchings are likely during October.
Risk(s)
-
No specific risks have been identified during the forecast period.
Central West
Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Condobolin, Forbes, Molong, Nyngan & Dubbo RLPBLocusts and conditions
- The locust population density was generally low in this region during September, although medium density adults were found in several locations in Coonamble and Dubbo RLPB areas, where green vegetation persists.
- Surveys were conducted in Coonamble, Nyngan, Dubbo and Forbes RLPB areas during September. Adult locust densities were Isolated to Scattered in most areas, but Scattered to Numerous density adults were found near Gin Gin, Coonamble and Trangie in the Dubbo RLPB.
- Scattered density adults were found at one location in an area of green vegetation south of Eugowra in the Molong RLPB in mid-September.
- Following a report of locusts in the Hermidale area, west of Nyngan, medium to locally high density nymphs of Austroicetes sp. grasshoppers were identified on several properties in the area.
- There were heavy rains (>50 mm) in the Coonamble, Dubbo and Coonabarabran RLPB areas during June, with moderate falls elsewhere. There were further moderate falls in eastern areas at the end of July and light falls (<15 mm) in early August. Pasture vegetation remains green in the eastern parts of Coonamble, Dubbo, Molong and Forbes RLPB areas. However conditions are now mostly dry in Nyngan and Condobolin RLPB areas.
Forecast
- The adult population in this region in September may be derived from several sources. Even with above average temperatures during winter, development modelling indicates that eggs laid during autumn in this region would still be in nymphal stages during September, and no nymphs were seen on surveys. Part of the population may be immigrants from the population identified in South Central Qld in August, but some proportion of overwintering nymphs is also likely.
- Conditions in Coonabarabran, Forbes and the eastern part of Dubbo RLPB areas are suitable for breeding, with green vegetation in many areas and adult females developing eggs. Some low density breeding may occur and nymphs may appear in late October.
While no nymphs were found on survey it is possible that nymphs which emerged during September may be detected at low densities during October.
Risk(s)
- There is a risk that low density breeding during October in the eastern part of this region could produce some nymphs in late October.
Northwest Slopes and Plains
Moree, Narrabri, Northern Slopes & Walgett RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- The population level in this region was low during September. Surveys were carried out in all RLPB areas.
- There was a report of locusts near Millie, north of Narrabri, but surveys in the area found only Isolated to Scattered density adults in the area.
- Surveys in mid-September identified adults at Isolated and Scattered densities in Moree, Walgett and Northern Slopes RLPB areas, with only Isolated density adults seen in Narrabri RLPB. No nymphs were found on surveys.
- There were moderate (30-50 mm) rains in Moree, Northern Slopes and Walgett RLPB areas in early June. There were further moderate rains in Moree, Northern Slopes and Narrabri RLPB areas in mid-August. Pasture vegetation is green in the eastern half of Moree and Narrabri RLPBs and in Northern Slopes RLPB, but is mostly dry in the Walgett RLPB area.
Forecast
-
The adult population density is generally low throughout this region. There may be some low density breeding during the forecast period, particularly in Northern Slopes and eastern Moree and Narrabri RLPB areas, where vegetation conditions are favourable. Nymphs may be detected at low densities in late October.
Risk(s)
- No specific risks are identified for this region during the forecast period.
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
-
Surveys in August and September indicate a very low density adult population in this region with dry vegetation conditions in most areas. No nymphs were found during surveys, although a report at the end of September from ‘Nooyeah Downs’, near Thargomindah, indicated low density mid-instar nymphs may be present in some locations.
-
Surveys were conducted in the Quilpie and Barcoo Shires in late August and in Diamantina and Bulloo Shires in mid-September. Only occasional adults were found in all Shires, except near Tickalara in the south of Bulloo Shire, where consistent counts of Isolated to Scattered density adults were found, associated with a small area of green vegetation. The only nymphs found were Present density third instars at a single location east of Birdsville in mid-September.
-
There was a report of low density mid-instar nymphs from ‘Nooyeah Downs’ at the end of September. Vegetation conditions were reported as very dry in this area.
-
No significant catches were recorded by the ‘Nooyeah Downs’ or Birdsville light traps during August or September.
-
There has been little significant rainfall in this region since May, apart from a moderate fall (25-40 mm) in the northern part of Quilpie Shire in early August. Vegetation conditions are dry throughout most of the region.
Forecast
-
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. The low density nymphs reported near Thargomindah may result from egg laying by the adult population in the area in late March. The very dry pasture conditions in this location may limit the survival of these nymphs.
-
The low numbers of nymphs detected in this region suggests that breeding during autumn was localised and only at medium adult densities. Surviving nymphs will fledge in mid-October, but are unlikely to produce a significant population increase.
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 low in most of this region. Surveys were conducted in Longreach, Aramac, Isisford, Ilfracombe, Balckall, Barcaldine and Tambo Shires in late August, and in Tambo and Jericho Shires in mid-September.
- Occasional Isolated density adults were found during surveys in most Shires, with consistent Isolated to Scattered densities in the Tambo Shire in September. No nymphs were found during survey, although Numerous density Oedalius (eastern plague grasshopper) nymphs were identified at a single location near Tambo.
- No surveys were undertaken in the Shires of the Northwest region. Vegetation conditions are dry in Boulia, Winton and Cloncurry Shires, but there is some residual green vegetation in the northern parts of Richmond and McKinlay Shires as a result of rains during June.
- The Longreach light trap caught low numbers of locusts on 12 September, but there were no significant locust catches in the Julia Creek light trap during August or September.
- Moderate to heavy rains (30->50 mm) fell in the northern parts of Cloncurry, McKinlay, Aramac Richmond, Hughenden and Longreach Shires during June. There were moderate falls in Blackall and Tambo Shires in late June and again in mid-August. Vegetation is dry in most areas, but there are areas of green in parts of the Tambo and Blackall Shires.
Forecast
-
Vegetation conditions are unsuitable for locust breeding in most shires and given the very low population densities identified in this and surrounding regions, there is unlikely to be any significant population increase during the forecast period. Low density localised egg laying is possible in part of the Tambo Shire, but is unlikely to result in a population increase without moderate to heavy rainfall during October.
Risk(s)
-
There is a low risk that breeding of the low density population in the Tambo Shire could produce some nymphs in that area during October.
Central Highlands
Bauhinia, Belyando, Emerald, Jericho & Peak Downs ShireLocusts and conditions
-
There were APLC surveys in all Shires of this region in September. The locust population density is very low with only occasional adults found. No nymphs were found during surveys.
-
There were moderate to heavy rains (20-50 mm) in late June and again in August in this region. Pasture vegetation is green in all Shires, but is drying off in the northern part of Belyando Shire.
Forecast
- Adult locust numbers are very low in this region, but vegetation conditions are favourable for breeding. With the seasonal expectation of further rainfall, there may be low density breeding resulting in a small increase in population during the forecast period.
Risk(s)
- No specific risks are identified for this region during the forecast period.
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 density was low in all Shires surveyed during September, with the exception of an area south of Cunnamulla in Paroo Shire, where Numerous density young adults and some fledging nymphs were found in late August.
-
Surveys were carried out in all shires except Inglewood, Milmerran and Wambo. Occasional Isolated and Scattered density locusts were seen in Murweh, Waroo, Bungil, Murilla, Bendemeer, Booringa, Chinchilla and Tara Shires, while none were found in Waggamba Shire. In Balonne Shire, Scattered density adults were found in several locations near St George.
-
Scattered and Numerous density young adults along with low density fifth instar nymphs and fledglings, extending over 40 km to the south of Cunnamulla, a. was found at the end of August. There was also a report of adult locusts from an area 20 km to the east of this location in early September.
-
There was a report of low density nymphs between Roma and Taroom in early September. Only Isolated and occasional Scattered density adults were found on survey in the area around Roma and Taroom in mid-September.
-
There were widespread moderate-heavy rains (25-50 mm) in the Darling Downs and northern areas of the South Central region during June and August. Vegetation conditions remain green in the area to the east of a line from Mitchell, through Surat, to Goondiwindi.
Forecast
-
Although locust population density is low in most parts of this region, the green vegetation conditions in the eastern Shires may provide suitable conditions for low density breeding. However, this is unlikely to result in a large population increase during the forecast period.
-
The population in the Cunnamulla area in late August is likely to have come from autumn breeding by the Numerous density adults present in March. There were rains in this area in late March, late April and in May, and above average winter temperatures could have produced this early fledging population. Vegetation was largely dry in Paroo Shire by the end of August, and some migration of young adults is likely to have occurred during September. Migrations to the south from this population, from as early as late August, may also have contributed to populations in parts of NSW.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk that breeding of low density locusts in shires east of Roma could lead to a small population increase 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.
VICTORIA
Locusts and conditions
-
Isolated adult locusts were reported in mid-September from Tatura and Shepparton in North Central Victoria.
-
Vegetation conditions were green throughout most of northern Victoria during September, following heavy rainfall in early July, and several additional light falls during that month. There were several light (<15 mm) falls of rain during September, but pastures will dry off during October without further rains.
-
No locust activity is expected in Northwest Victoria, where vegetation is now mostly dry, or in Eastern Victoria, where there was an infestation near Omeo during until autumn 2006.
Forecast
- The adult locusts in Victoria are likely to have migrated on northerly winds from NSW during early September. There is a widespread low density adult population in the NSW Central West, and part of that population may also be immigrants from further north. Wind trajectories and radar information indicate numerous nights where cumulative movements may have resulted in movement into Victoria. Given the favourable vegetation conditions it is possible that some low density breeding could occur in a few areas during October, but is unlikely to result in a significant population increase.
Risk(s)
- No specific risks have been identified during the forecast period.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Far North, Northwest, Northeast Agricultural & Western Agricultural
Locusts and conditions
-
Locust population density was very low in the Far North and Northeast Agricultural regions during September. Surveys through the Far North in mid-September found only occasional adults. Vegetation conditions are very dry in northern SA. There were no reports of locusts during September.
-
Hatchings of small plague grasshoppers (Austroicetes cruciata) were identified by PIRSA staff in the southern Flinders Ranges area of the Northern Agricultural region in late September.
-
The Dulkaninna light trap recorded no locust activity during August or September.
-
There has been no significant rainfall in the Far North since May, when moderate rains (20-35 mm) fell in parts of that region and there were heavy rains (>50 mm) in the Western and Northern Agricultural regions. There were further moderate falls in the southern parts of the Western and Northern Agricultural regions in early July. Vegetation had dried off in most of these regions by the end of September.
Forecast
-
The only known autumn breeding in South Australia was low density egg laying reported from west of Whyalla in the Western Agricultural region. Any hatchings in this area were expected during September, but no reports have been received. Any nymphs from eggs laid in the Far North region during autumn are unlikely to survive in the current very dry conditions.
Risk(s)
- No specific risks have been identified during the forecast period.
Locust activity should be reported to PIRSA or to the Commission.
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: 1300 666 010 |
|
Victoria |
Department of Primary Industries, Victoria - Plague Locust information: 1300 135 559 |
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.
