The invasive exotic pest American serpentine leafminer has been found near Kununurra in northern Western Australia.
This is the first time the species has been found on the Australian mainland and was discovered as part the Commonwealth’s Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy surveillance program.
Native to the Caribbean and south eastern United States and found across the world, the insect’s larvae is known to feed on more than 400 plant species, including ornamental plants, vegetable and legume crops.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is working with industry stakeholders and State and Commonwealth Governments to identify measures to minimise the impact of the pest fly and its larvae on the state’s primary industries and will provide further information once available.
Producers, agronomists and homeowners can report suspected American serpentine leafminer observations and damage directly to DPIRD.
For more information read our media release.
Image caption: American serpentine leafminer
