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Locust Bulletin October 2008
The HTML page below follows the structure of the Bulletin with the 'General Locust Situation', the 'Australian Plague Locust Situation' for regions in each state and the maps. The Bulletin is also available for download as a PDF document.
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Locust Bulletin October 2008 - table of contents
General locust situation
Australian plague locust situation
Australian plague locust map September 2008
Spur-throated locust map April 2008
Map of possible area of bands in spring
Rainfall events September 2008
Terms and Abbreviations used in the Bulletin
Map of forecast regions used in the Bulletin
General situation in September 2008 and outlook to mid-November 2008
Australian Plague Locust
Spur-throated Locust
Migratory Locust
Spring hatching began during the last week of September in the eastern Riverina and southern Central West of New South Wales. Over forty reports of nymphs emerging at high densities in Narrandera, Forbes, Wagga, Condobolin, Gundagai, Young and Murray Rural Lands Protection Board (RLPB) areas were confirmed by RLPB staff by the end of the month. Hatchings were at band density in numerous locations, but at this stage only small bands of first instar nymphs have formed, mostly less than 200 m long. Further hatchings are expected in Hume, Riverina and southern Murray RLPB areas, and across northern Victoria during the first week of October. Warm weather during September caused eggs to complete development rapidly and peak hatching has occurred up to a week earlier than expected.
A widespread nymphal infestation with many small bands will develop in the Riverina and Central West of New South Wales, and in North Central Victoria during October and November. The overall scale of likely control operations is difficult to predict, but experience from recent spring outbreaks in these regions indicates a potential for more than 25,000 ha of control.
Landholder identification and control of small bands on farmland will be critical to minimising the impact of locust nymphs on crops and pastures during October. Control of extensive areas of high density bands will be coordinated if required by RLPBs, NSW and Victorian Departments of Primary Industries and the APLC, with cooperation across jurisdictions.
A map of the area within which high density spring hatchings are likely and a table of forecast dates for development stages are given below. High density hatchings are occurring in Murray, Wagga, Narrandera, Condobolin and Forbes RLPB districts, extending into the western edge of Gundagai and Young RLPB districts. Egg laying also occurred in southern areas of Dubbo and Molong, and in Riverina and Hume RLPB areas, where hatchings will begin in early October. RLPB staff plan to begin control in early October and have commenced distribution of pesticide to landholders. Nymphs in the Riverina and Central West will reach mid-instar stage from 10 October and fledging will begin in early November. Adult population density will increase to high densities and there is the potential for swarms to form during November.
In Victoria spring hatchings will begin from early October in the area bounded by Wodonga, Wangaratta, Rushworth and Echuca. High density nymphs are likely to develop in some locations during October and November and control is anticipated by DPI Victoria and landholders.
Population density is low in the NSW Northwest Plains, Far West and Far South West regions. Surveys in Queensland also indicated a very low population density in most regions during September.
September surveys in northern South Australia identified a very low density adult population in the Far North and around the southern Flinders Ranges.
There was a widespread medium density adult population throughout the Central Highlands and Central West Queensland, with up to Concentration density immature adults in several shires during March 2008. Surveys in April indicated a redistribution of the immature adult population, with densities declining in the Central West and increases to Scattered–Numerous density in Southwest and South Central Queensland. High density adults were reported from southwest of Springsure in Bauhinia Shire during April. Surveys in April in New South Wales indicated a population increase with widespread Isolated–Scattered density counts in the Far West and Northwest Plains.
Immature adults often redistribute during autumn and form overwintering swarms, which feed in green vegetation and roost in trees. There were several reports of swarms from the northern part of Central West Queensland during June, July and August. Swarms were also reported from near Normanton in the Queensland Gulf during winter. Surveys by Biosecurity Queensland identified several swarms northeast of Aramac in mid-August.
Surveys during September indicate a widespread low density population throughout most of Queensland and northern NSW, representing a consistent background population. No egg development was found in samples during September.
Adults migrate and disperse to commence breeding from the start of the northern wet season. An increase in detected numbers may result from the dispersal of swarms and the onset of breeding in October–November.
There was a persistent population in the Emerald–Springsure area of Queensland, with at least three generations of nymphs identified during 2007-08. In early March small Bands of mid-instar nymphs were identified by Biosecurity Queensland staff in sorghum crops on properties in that area, and a consistent low density adult population during April. In mid-April Biosecurity Queensland carried out control of swarms southeast of Capella.
Surveys during September identified low density adults between Brewarrina and Goodooga on the NSW Northwest Plains, and in the St George area in southern Queensland. Female samples showed 2-3 mm egg development. Vegetation conditions in northern NSW and southern Queensland are suitable to support breeding, following heavy rains in early September, which could produce a nymphal generation in some areas during October.
1 October 2008
-
Australian plague locust situation
Distribution of Australian plague locusts: 1 September to 30 September 2008
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
Riverina
Hay, Hume, Murray, Narrandera, Riverina & Wagga Wagga RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- Egg laying began in late March in the Riverina and remaining adult females at the beginning of May still had developed eggs, so multiple egg pods are likely to have been laid. Significant autumn breeding occurred in the eastern Riverina and Band density hatchings began during the last week of September. Nymphs will reach mid-instar stage from 10 October in many areas and fledging will begin in early November.
- Reports of hatchings from known egg laying locations began on 25 September and nymphs continued to emerge from egg beds at the end of the month. Over 30 reports of hatchings had been received from Narrandera, Wagga, Gundagai and Murray RLPBs by 30 September.
- In the Narrandera RLPB area several Band density hatchings have been confirmed near Kamara and in the Tallimba–Ardlethan area. In Murray RLPB area hatchings have been identified in the area north of Urana. At this stage small Bands of first instar nymphs have formed at a several locations. In Riverina RLPB low density hatching was reported the east of Deniliquin on 29 September.
- There were numerous reports of high density hatchings around Temora in Wagga RLPB beginning on 27 September, with one report from the western part of Young RLPB.
- There is an Isolated–Scattered density adult population in the Riverina and occasional fifth instar nymphs at some locations. These nymphs and most of the adults have developed from nymphs which hatched in autumn and survived winter in nymphal diapause.
- There were light rains (<20 mm) throughout the region during the last week of September. Pasture vegetation is drying in most areas but localised green areas remain in Narrandera, Hume and Wagga RLPBs. Vegetation conditions are mostly dry in Hay, and the western part of Riverina RLPB.
Forecast
- Hatchings occurred throughout the Riverina in the last week of September. Temperatures during September were two degrees above the long term average and caused eggs to rapidly complete development after relatively cool August temperatures. Within the Riverina there does not appear to be an identifiable latitudinal sequence in the timing of hatching, although hatchings are expected in areas south of Deniliquin and Wagga and in Hume RLPB in early October. Examination at some hatching sites near Ardlethan and Junee on 25–26 September indicate a proportion of eggs still in the soil. Hatching is therefore likely to continue during early October.
- Other areas where hatchings are likely during October include Wagga–The Rock–Henty in Wagga RLPB, the Lockhart–Walbundry and Berrigan–Tocumwal areas in Murray RLPB, and the Mathoura area in Riverina RLPB.
- There has been sufficient rainfall in most areas where high density nymphs are hatching to allow the completion of development without high mortality. However, vegetation is drying out in Riverina and western Murray RLPB.
- Most of the low density adult population and the late instar nymphs in the Riverina result from resumed development of nymphs which survived winter in nymphal diapause. Many of these adults are recently fledged, but samples show some females have begun egg development. While some low density breeding may occur during October, it does not represent a significant proportion of the total population.
- The table below gives forecast timing for critical lifestages and the map shows the area within which Bands are expected to develop.
- Nymphs in Narrandera, Murray and northern Wagga RLPB areas will reach mid-instar stage from 10 October and fledging will begin in early November. Mid-instar stage in southern Wagga, Hume and Riverina RLPB will be up to a week later.
Risk(s)
-
A large number of reports of high density nymphs are likely during the coming weeks as Bands become visible in agricultural areas. The majority of bands are likely to be small and in locations unsuitable for aerial control. There is a risk of some pasture or crop damage from Bands of nymphs, particularly around paddock edges.
-
There is a high risk that fledging of remaining nymphs during November could produce some small swarms during November, and a significant increase in the adult population level throughout the Riverina.
-
Landholder identification and control of small bands on farmland will be critical to minimising the impact of nymphs on crops and pasture during spring.
- A significant proportion of the nymph infestation in the eastern Riverina is likely to be in small bands, or in locations which are otherwise unsuitable for aerial treatment.
Map showing the area in the NSW Riverina and Central West and northern Victoria within which development of nymphal Bands is likely during spring. Estimate based on known distribution of high density adults, egg beds, NSW RLPB and DPI-Victoria reports during autumn.
Forecast hatching and development dates for indicative locations in NSW and Victoria
Peak hatching indicates the emergence of majority of the nymphal population. Dates are estimated from the recorded temperatures at these locations to 30 September. Mid-instar dates provide an indication of appropriate control timing. Fledging dates indicate the development of winged adults.
| Location - NSW | Peak hatch | Mid-instar | Fledging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubbo | 23 September | 8 October | 28 October |
| Condobolin-Hillston | 19 September | 3 October | 25 October |
| Molong-Forbes | 26 September | 11 October | 1 November |
| Wyalong-Temora | 25 September | 10 October | 1 November |
| Narrandera-Lockhart | 29 September | 11 October | 5 November |
| Deniliquin-Walbundrie | 28 September | 13 October | 8 November |
| Wagga-Wagga | 10 October | 25 October | 15 November |
| White Cliffs-Wilcannia | 5 September | 20 September | 11 October |
| Menindee-Ivanhoe | 10 September | 24 September | 15 October |
| Hay-Booligal | 18 September | 3 October | 25 October |
| Nyngan-Coonamble | 31 August | 18 September | 10 October |
| Walgett-Brewarrina | 23 August | 10 September | 2 October |
| Moree-Goondiwindi | 27 August | 13 September | 6 October |
|
Location - Victoria |
Peak hatch | Mid-instar | Fledging |
| Echuca-Wangaratta | 4 October | 19 October | 9 November |
| Swan Hill-Mildura | 26 September | 11 October | 2 November |
All locust activity should be reported to your Rural Lands Protection Board or NSW Department of Primary Industries.
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
Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Condobolin, Forbes, Molong, Nyngan & Dubbo RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- Following the increase in adult numbers in late March and April 2008, high density egg laying occurred in parts of Forbes, Molong and in southern Condobolin and Dubbo RLPB districts during autumn, particularly where Concentration and swarm density adults persisted in April.
- Reports of egg laying and confirmed egg beds have been found in the area between Forbes and Grenfell, near Euchareena in southern Dubbo RLPB and near Kerrs Creek in Molong RLPB.
- Hatchings were reported from 23 September in the Ungarie area in Condobolin RLPB, and in several locations to the south of Forbes from 26 September. A number of Band density first instar nymphal hatchings were identified by RLPB staff in the Girral area near Ungarie and in the Garema–Grenfell area to the south of Forbes.
- Small Bands of nymphs were reported near Wingadee in Coonamble RLPB in early September and were controlled by landholders.
- Surveys in Dubbo, Coonamble and Nyngan RLPB identified Isolated density adults and Present density mid-instar nymphs at a few locations in Nyngan mid-September. There were Isolated-Scattered density adults throughout Condobolin and Nyngan RLPB areas and occasional fifth instar nymphs found in late September.
- There was moderate rainfall (20–30 mm) in Coonamble and Coonabarabran RLPB areas during 9–16 September. There were further moderate falls in Dobbo, Molobg, Coonamble and Coonabarabran RLPBs during 16–22 September, and further light falss (<20 mm) in the last week of September. Pasture vegetation is green in the eastern half of the region.
Forecast
- The number of reports during the last week of September reflects the synchronised commencement of hatching and the density of autumn egg-laying in the southern Forbes and Condobolin RLPB areas. Further reports are likely in these areas in early October as nymphs develop and Bands become more visible. Hatchings in the Kerrs Creek-Boomey and Euchareena area are likely to begin in early October.
- Bands are likely to develop in areas where dense hatchings have occurred, with a number of small (30–40 m) first instar Bands already identified in the Girral area in Condobolin RLPB. Nymphs from recent high density hatchings will reach mid-instar by 10 October and fledging will follow in early November. A significant increase in adult densities is there likely throughout the Central West during November.
- The table above gives forecast timing for critical lifestages and the map shows the area within which Bands are expected to develop.
- There has been sufficient rainfall in most areas where high density nymphs are hatching to allow the completion of development without high mortality.
- The low density adult population is likely to be primarily the result of recent fledging of overwintering nymphs, but is unlikely to contribute significantly to the total population.
- Low density mid-instar nymphs in Nyngan and Condobolin RLPB areas will fledge from mid-October and an increase to medium density is likely in these areas.
Risk(s)
- Further reports of high density nymphs are likely during the coming weeks as Bands become visible in agricultural areas. While the majority of Bands are likely to be small and in locations unsuitable for aerial control, APLC will monitor the areas in Condobolin RLPB where Bands develop.
- There is a risk of some pasture or crop damage, particularly around paddock edges. There is a risk that fledging during November could produce some small swarms in this region. There is also the risk of a significant increase in adult numbers during November, after fledging of high density nymphs in the southern part of the region. Migration of young adults could result in increases throughout the region.
- Landholder identification and control of small bands on farmland will be critical to minimising the impact of nymphs on crops and pasture during spring.
- A significant proportion of the nymph infestation in the Central West is likely to be in small bands, or in locations which otherwise are unsuitable for aerial treatment.
- Landholder identification and control of small bands on farmland will be critical to minimising the impact of nymphs on crops and pasture during spring.
- A significant proportion of the nymph infestation in the eastern Riverina is likely to be in small bands, or in locations which otherwise are unsuitable for aerial treatment.
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.
Northwest Slopes and Plains
Moree, Narrabri, Northern Slopes & Walgett RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- Locust population density in this region was very low during September with surveys identifying only Isolated density adults in most areas. Surveys were conducted in all RLPB districts in September. Occasional Present density mid-instar nymphs were identified in the area between Nyngan and Walgett, and between Brewarrina and Goodooga. Consistent Isolated density adults were recorded between Collarenebri and Burren Junction.
- There were moderate–heavy rains (30–60 mm) in Tamworth, Narrabri, Northern Slopes and Moree RLPB areas in the first week of September. There is a dense pasture growth in these areas, which will remain green during the forecast period.
Forecast
- The low numbers of locusts in this region reflect the low level of adult activity during autumn. The adult population declined in autumn following migrations from the Northwest Plains and the Central West during March 2008. Mid-instar nymphs in Walgett and Nyngan RLPB areas will fledge from the second week in October. There is likely to be an increase in adult population density to Scattered–Numerous densities as a result in late October. No nymphs were seen in Narrabri, Moree or Northern Slopes RLPB areas, despite green pasture vegetation conditions.
- Rains in early September have extended suitable conditions for locust breeding, but given the very low level population, any breeding is unlikely to result in a significant population increase.
Risk(s)
- No significant risks are identified during the forecast period.
Far West
Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Milparinka, Wanaaring & Wilcannia RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- Surveys were conducted in all RLPB areas during September. Locust population density is very low in most areas. Isolated density adults were identified in Bourke, Brewarrina and Wilcannia RLPB areas. No locusts were found in Wanaaring or Milparinka RLPBs. Present density mid-instar nymphs were also found in one area near White Cliffs.
- No locusts caught in the White Cliffs light trap during September.
- Light rains (<20 mm) fell throughout the region during the last week in September.
Forecast
-
Localised breeding by adults in the Wilcannia–White Cliffs area during autumn produced the nymphs identified near White Cliffs in September. The autumn population may have bred more extensively in that area, but survey indicates no significant nymphal population in that area.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk from a population increase during November, which could result if immigration of young adults occurs from the Central West region.
South West
Broken Hill, Hillston and Balranald-Wentworth RLPB
Locusts and conditions
- Surveys were conducted in all RLPB areas during September. Locust population density is very low in most areas. Isolated density adults were identified in Bourke, Brewarrina and Wilcannia RLPB areas. No locusts were found in Wanaaring or Milparinka RLPBs. Present density mid-instar nymphs were also found in one area near White Cliffs.
- No locusts caught in the White Cliffs light trap during September.
- Light rains (<20 mm) fell throughout the region during the last week in September.
Forecast
- Localised breeding by adults in the Wilcannia–White Cliffs area during autumn produced the nymphs identified near White Cliffs in September. The autumn population may have bred more extensively in that area, but survey indicates no significant nymphal population in that area
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk from a population increase during November, which could result if immigration of young adults occurs from the Central West region.
All locust activity should be reported to your Rural Lands Protection Board or NSW Department of Primary Industries.
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 were conducted in all Shires during September. The locust population density is very low in most areas of the region, with very few adults identified. There were more consistent Isolated density counts in the Windorah–Lochiel area in Barcoo Shire, and in the Birdsville area in Diamantina Shire.
-
The light traps at ‘Nooyeah Downs’ and at Birdsville recorded no locusts during September.
-
There was moderate–heavy (20–40 mm) rainfall in the northern part of Quilpie Shire, between Quilpie and Windorah in the first week of September. Vegetation is dry in most areas. However, some areas in Diamantina Shire retain green vegetation in drainage lines, following heavy rains in June, and in Quilpie Shire pastures have responded to rains in September.
Forecast
-
Rainfall in the Windorah–Quilpie area in early September may have resulted in low density breeding during the month. There may be a local increase to medium density adults in November, but, given the low population level in September, it is unlikely to result in high densities.
Risk(s)
- No significant risks are identified for this region.
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
Longreach, Barcaldine and Blackall-Tambo Regional Shire. Boulia, Cloncurry, Flinders, Mckinlay, Mt Isa, Richmond & Winton Shire
Locusts and conditions
- Surveys were conducted though the Longreach and Blackall-Tambo Regional Shires in early September. Only occasional Isolated density adults were identified near Isisford and Tambo at that time. The Northwest region was not surveyed.
- The Longreach and Julia Creek light traps recorded no significant plague locust activity during September.
- The was heavy (30-60 mm) rainfall in Barcaldine and Blackall-Tambo Region, with moderate falls in Longreach Shire and light falls in Winton and Boulia Shires during the first week of September. There were further light rains (<20 mm) in Longreach and Barcaldine Region during 8–15 September. Pasture vegetation has responded in the Central West.
Forecast
-
Surveys indicate a very low population level in this region during September. The heavy rains in the Central West in early September will provide suitable soil and vegetation conditions for breeding. Nymphs from any breeding would appear during October and an increase in population density to medium levels is possible during November.
Risk(s)
-
There is a low risk from low density breeding during September producing nymphs in October and a subsequent increase in adult densities.
Central Highlands
Central Highlands Regional Council and Belyando ShireLocusts and conditions
-
Surveys were conducted in this region in early September. No locusts were identified at that time. There were no reports of locust activity.
-
There were moderate–heavy (30–60 mm) rains though the region during the first week of September. There were also heavy rains in late August and during July.
Forecast
- The rainfall in late August and early September will provide suitable soil and vegetation conditions for locust breeding. Low density breeding in September could produce a generation of nymphs during October.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk from an increase in population following low density breeding during September.
South Central Queensland and Darling Downs
Balonne, Murweh and Paroo Shire. Roma, Dalby and Goondiwindi Regional CouncilLocusts and conditions
- Locust population density remained very low in most areas in these regions during September. Surveys identified only occasional Isolated density adults in most areas. No nymphs were detected. There have been no reports of locust activity.
- Heavy rains (30–50 mm) fell in Murweh, Roma, Balonne, Goondiwindi and western Dalby Regional areas in early September, with moderate falls in Paroo Shire. There were further light rains in Dalby Regional area during 16–22 September
Forecast
- The rainfall in these regions during early September will provide suitable soil and vegetation conditions for breeding of the low density resident adult population. Nymphs may appear during October, but any breeding is likely only to produce a population increase to medium densities.
Risk(s)
- There is a low risk from an increased population as a result of breeding of the local low density population.
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
-
Egg laying by the autumn adult population is likely to produce high density hatchings from early October in northern Victoria. Adults persisted at Numerous–Concentration density during April and May 2008 and egg laying at high densities is likely to have occurred in some locations. The area infested in autumn in North Central Victoria is bounded by Wodonga, Wangaratta, Rushworth, Echuca and the Murray River. There were also some reports of locust activity from the Kerang area during April.
-
Expected peak hatching time will begin in the first week of October as a result of warmer than average temperatures during September. The warm temperatures will have caused eggs to complete development rapidly during September. The forecast hatching times have been modelled from temperatures recorded only at Echuca, so there may be considerable variation in actual hatching dates within the region. Hatchings are likely to be up to one week later in the Rutherglen area. Hatching may also be delayed in dense pastures or areas shaded by other vegetation. Initial hatchings are likely to be noticed in bare areas, along tracks or irrigation banks.
-
There were several periods of light–moderate rainfall across northern Victoria during July and August, but little rainfall during September.
Forecast
- Hatching is expected to begin from the first week in October and extend over several weeks. Early nymphs will reach mid-instar stage after mid-October and fledging may occur from the second week in November. Small Bands are likely to develop in some areas where dense egg laying occurred in autumn.
- There has been sufficient rainfall in most areas where high density hatchings are likely to allow completion of nymphal development. While pastures are becoming dry in non-irrigated areas, nymphal mortality is likely be low if there is moderate rainfall during October.
- There are likely to be low density adults in the region during October, most of which will have developed from nymphs which hatched during March and survived the winter in nymphal diapause. Present density nymphs were identified in some areas during May. Some of these adults may also develop eggs during October, but any breeding is unlikely to contribute significantly to the total population.
- Fledging of nymphs from the spring generation during November may produce Concentrations and small swarms in some locations from late November. Breeding of that generation could potentially begin in late December or January if habitat conditions are favourable.
Risk(s)
- There is a moderate risk to agriculture from localised areas of high density nymphs and Bands during November, particularly in the area between Wodonga and Echuca.
Locust activity should be reported to the Department of Primary Industries, Victoria on 136 186. 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
- Locust population density remained very low throughout northern South Australia during September. Surveys were conducted in the the Innamincka–Cordillo Downs area in the Far North, and around the Flinders Ranges in the Northern Agricultural region at the end of September.
- In the Innaminka–Cordillo area consistent isolated density adults were identified in mid-September. Surveys on the eastern and western sides of the Fliders Ranges found very few locusts.
- The Dulkaninna light trap recorded no locust activity during September.
- There was no significant rainfall in northern South Australia during September, although the Oodnadatta area received moderate falls (20–35 mm) during the last week of August.
Forecast
- Some immigration and low density breeding may have occurred following rains in the Oodnadatta area in late August.
- No significant autumn breeding is likely to occur in South Australia during October.
Risk(s)
- No specific risks are identified for South Australia during spring.
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.
|
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 |
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.
