Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) is one of the world’s most diverse insect orders. These insects are important pollinators in natural ecosystems and an integral part of the natural food chain, but their larvae (caterpillars) can be very problematic to managed crops.
This Biosecurity Awareness Month, the Lepidoptera Working Group is shining a light on what happens when an exotic Lepidoptera pest species arrives in New Zealand:
- What response occurs?
- What tools are used?
- Who manages the response?
- What happens if your property is impacted?
- Where can you get support?
Check out our Biosecurity Response Guide For Industry and Growers – Exotic Lepidoptera for the answers to these questions and more.
The Lepidoptera Working Group is a collaboration under the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) partnership for biosecurity readiness and response. Current members are New Zealand Forest Owners Association, Seed and Grain Readiness and Response, New Zealand Apples and Pears, Kiwifruit Vine Health, New Zealand Winegrowers, Onions New Zealand, Summerfruit New Zealand, Vegetables New Zealand and Biosecurity New Zealand.