First report of Spodoptera frugiperda in Australia
In February 2020, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae – EPPO A1 List) was reported for the first time in the Australian islands of Saibai and Erub, Torres Strait. In late January 2020, suspect lepidopteran specimens had been caught in pest-specific traps and their identity was confirmed by morphological and molecular methods. Surveys using traps are being carried out to delimit the extent of the infestation. The NPPO of Australia noted that there is no evidence of an established population of S. frugiperda on both islands. Eradication measures are being implemented in both islands.
The pest status of Spodoptera frugiperda in Australia is officially declared as: Transient: actionable, under eradication.
Additional note: Soon after this initial report in Torres Strait islands, S. frugiperda was also detected on the mainland. The first specimen was detected at Bamaga, in the Northern part of Queensland (Queensland Government, 2020-02).
Sources
IPPC website. Official Pest Reports – Australia (AUS-96/1 of 2020-02-07) First detection of Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) in Torres Strait.
Queensland Government. First mainland detection of fall armyworm. News release of 2020-02-19. https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/news-media/media-centre/biosecurity/news/first-mainland-detection-of-fall-armyworm