burnt pine longicorn beetle

The Burnt Pine Longicorn beetle (BPL) is found in New Zealand, United Kingdom, Europe, Russia, North Africa and the countries between the Black and Caspian Seas and Syria and Israel. Adults are known to hitch a ride, normally in summer, on imported timber and cargo. Australia is free from BPL and we want to keep it that way.

What is the risk to Australia?

If the BPL is introduced to Australia, it will have devastating effects on our forest and construction industries. The BPL larvae cause damage to pine tree timber used for construction by tunnelling in the wood, which significantly reduces the quality of the timber.

What does the BPL look like?

Adult beetles range from 12 to 30 millimetres in length and are reddish brown to black in colour. The length of their antennae is approximately half their body length in females and three–quarters of their body length in males.

Female beetles lay eggs in groups of 5 to 50. The mature larvae are about 25 millimetres long, creamy white in colour and cylindrical in shape. They have a small pair of dark projections on the last abdominal segment.

What to look for

The BPL is likely to enter Australia on ships, imported timber and other cargo from New Zealand (e.g. paper and machinery). Look out for adult beetles seeking shelter in dark secluded areas in or on imported cargo or vessels. Adults are active from dusk to dawn, are attracted to light and shelter in crevices during daylight.

What to do if you find any suspect BPL

• SEE. SECURE. REPORT.
  
• If you SEE any suspect findings, SECURE them where possible and immediately REPORT them to AQIS on 1800 020 504.
  
• Consult AQIS entomologists prior to handling or collecting specimens.

More information

website
Phone: 1800 020 504 Freecall within Australia