lesser auger beetle

The Lesser auger beetle is found in China, Bhutan, Kenya, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Caledonia and New Guinea. Australia is free from the Lesser auger beetle and we want to keep it that way.

What is the risk to Australia?

Lesser auger beetle poses a serious quarantine risk because it feeds on various hardwood timbers and bamboo. The damage is caused by larvae tunnelling in the sapwood which significantly reduces the quality of the timber produced. The spread of the Lesser auger beetle could have devastating effects on Australia’s furniture industries and forests.

What does the Lesser auger beetle look like?

Adult beetles range from 6 to13 millimetres in length and are between 2 to 3.5 millimetres wide. They are reddish brown to brownish black in colour and moderately shiny. Males have two incurved hook-like projections at the posterior end of the body.

Eggs are laid on rough surfaces of sawn timber and logs, in holes, cracks or short tunnels made by the female.

The larvae are white to yellowish in colour, curved in shape and up to 15 millimetres long. The larval boring holes are approximately 6 millimetres wide and can wind for several centimetres.

What to look for

The Lesser auger beetle is likely to enter Australia in imported timber, dunnage (for example crates, pallets, gluts, skids and other packaging), furniture, artefacts and souvenirs. Look out for circular exit holes and fine floury frass in hardwood timber shipments.

What to do if you find any Lesser auger beetles

• See. Secure. Report.
  
• If you see any suspect findings, secure them where possible and immediately report them to AQIS on 1800 020 054.
  
• Consult AQIS entomologists prior to handling or collecting specimens.

More information

Internet: www.aqis.gov.au
Phone: 1800 020 504 Freecall within Australia