African black beetle. A sporadic agricultural pest found in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, the African black beetle has not been recorded in Tasmania. Larvae are generally present from late spring to mid-summer but may be found during winter. Inspect susceptible paddocks prior to sowing by digging to a depth of 10-20 cm with a spade and counting the number of larvae present. Adults are shiny black, slow moving and have a cylindrical body that is approximately 12-14 mm long. Sirex Wasp control for Forestry Available Mid May to Mid August . Adult redheaded cockchafers can be distinguished by their ovoid body and wing covers with deeply indented striations separated by distinct dots. Both adults and larvae attack pastures and cereals. Larvae live underground and are unlikely to be affected by foliar applications of insecticides. Mature adult beetles are shiny jet-black scarab beetle up to 15mm long with serrated front legs. African Black Beetle (Heteronychus arator) newly hatched larvae are about 5 mm long with six legs, white bodies and pale brown heads. cesar and PIRSA will not be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred or arising by reason of any person using or relying on the information in this publication. New generations of adults emerge from underground pupae at the end of January. African black beetle larvae (left) (Source: SARDI); Adult (right) showing striations on wing covers (Source: Walker, K. (2007) African black beetle (Heteronychus arator) Updated on 11/25/2011 10:14:39 AM Available online: PaDIL - http://www.padil.gov.au). They have three sets of legs with a hard, light brown head capsule. The first Australian records of African black beetle are from Wyong NSW in the 1920s (Australian Plant Pest Database, 2010). In New Zealand, a new and promising biopesticide based on the naturally occurring bacterium Yersinia entomophaga, is being evaluated in field trials in 2015-16. Four larvae per spade square is roughly equivalent to 100 larvae per m2. Any research with unregistered pesticides or products referred to in PestNotes does not constitute a recommendation for that particular use. It is commonly called African black beetle or black lawn beetle. Unlike the cockchafer pests, the African black beetle adult and larvae are both capable of causing severe plant damage. Adults remain sexually immature until spring when mating and oviposition occurs. Many of Australia's most popular turf varieties, including Buffalo grass, Couch and Kikuyu are susceptible to the infestation of pests. They have ‘C’-shaped bodies, six legs and a yellow-brown head capsule with noticeable black jaws. Larvae live underground and are unlikely to be affected by foliar applications of insecticides. Poncho Plus® has recently been registered as a seed protectant against African black beetle and yellow headed pasture cockchafers in pastures. Fully grown larvae are 25-30 mm in length with a creamy-white body and light brown head. They are a natural part of the ecosystem and play an important role. 4, p. 348. Newly hatched larvae are about 5 mm long. Monitor crops and pastures in late spring to mid-summer for larval damage. Black Beetles Identification. The first segment of the thorax forms a hood which hides the head. 38, Issue. While there is a commercially available nematode (Heterorhabditis zealandica) for the biological control of African black beetle in turf and other high value crops, these are unlikely to be cost effective in broad acre crops. their favourites are maize, pineapple and potato tubers too. The African black beetle is an introduced beetle that appears similar to cockchafers but generally occurs earlier in the year and is usually found on or under the soil. There are also black beetle-resistant endophytes now available in perennial ryegrass, such as AR37 (follow recommendations to avoid stock performance issues). During late spring and early summer the overwintering generation of beetles dies. Adults may be killed before they lay eggs during spring, however monitoring for the presence of adults is critical. African black beetles are normally associated with damage to long-term pastures and grasses, turf and some horticulture crops. Scientific name Scientific name (unprocessed) Subspecies Species Genus Family Order Scientific name (unprocessed) Subspecies Species Genus Family Order When considering this option assess the susceptibility of the paddock to wind and water erosion. Crops suitable. A native of Africa, the Black Lawn Beetle goes through various life stages, each of which can cause at least some damage to our lawns. The Common Furniture Beetle is an introduced pest to Australia. 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