Detection of Tobacco slug beetle in New South Wales

Publication Date

Thu, 23 Apr 2009, 00:00

Last Updated

June 23, 2023, 7:43 a.m.

Report Number

AUS-22/3

Country

Australia

Pest Id

Lema bilineata - (LEMABI)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Prairie Ground Cherry (Physalis viscosa L.)

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

• Present: only in some areas

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: not widely distributed and not under official control

Geographical Distribution

Present at 2 sites in New South Wales: Cootamundra and Wagga Wagga

Summary

Unusual beetles were noted to be feeding on Prairie Ground Cherry leaves in November 2008 in a glasshouse. Samples were sent for identification and identity confirmed late December 2008. The glasshouse has been sprayed to control the beetle. It has also been detected at Cootamundra. Other known hosts: This beetle has been evaluated as a biocontrol agent for jimsonweed, Datura stramonium.

South American researchers have conducted feeding trials on D. ferox, Nicandra physaloides, Physalis viscosa, Nicotiana tabacum and N. glauca. Some damage is possible to isolated tobacco plants.

Native to South America, it was accidentally introduced to South Africa many years ago. It is very different in the adult stage from Lema triviatta which is widespread in Australia.

Danger

None: detected on noxious weed

Contact for info

Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer Australian Government Department of Agriculture, GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia [email protected]

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