PEST
 
   NAME
     Wattle Blight
     Paropsis orphana
 
   ORDER
     Coleoptera

Description of the Pest
This is a small rounded beetle that is light green with white stripes and the larvae are fleshy, greenish and tapering towards its tail. Both grow to a length of 6mm and have chewing mouth parts. 

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
The adults appear during the warmer months of the year and are commonly found in temperate regions. The larvae are found close to stems where they are well camouflaged.

Life Cycle
This insect has a Holometabolous life cycle, ie. When metamorphosis is observed during the pupal stage.
Under good conditions the insect numbers increase dramatically.

Period of Activity
From spring to summer.

Damage Caused
Larvae and adults graze on the surface of leaflets causing the leaves to turn brown and die. This gives a tree a scorched appearance and can be a serious problem in mono cultures 

Susceptible Plants
Many Acacia species are attacked particularly feather leaved types such as Acacia dealbata and Acacia decurrens.

Cultural Control
Difficult to control, small populations may be removed by hand.

Biological Control
Birds and wasps may help in reducing numbers.

  Currawong

Chemical Control
Plants may be sprayed with a systemic insecticide to help control.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.