Invasion of the moths: Breed of insect that destroys crops is found on Australian mainland for the first time
- The state government said the moth has been confirmed as a fall armyworm
- The moth was found in the Cape York Peninsula, a 13-hour drive north of Cairns
- Queensland government said it feeds in large numbers on 350 plant species
An invasive breed of moth which feeds on important crops has been detected for the first time on Australia's mainland.
The moth was found in the Cape York Peninsula town of Bamaga, a 13-hour drive north of Cairns.
This follows two recent sightings of the moth in the Torres Strait.
The state government said the moth has been confirmed as a fall armyworm
The Queensland government said the moth has been confirmed as a fall armyworm, which feeds in large numbers on more than 350 plant species.
Some of these species are some of the most vital to the state's agriculture and horticulture industry.
A government statement claimed the moth feeds on cultivated grasses such as maize, rice, sorghum, sugarcane and wheat, and also to other horticultural crops and cotton.
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The statement also said surveillance for fall armyworms will begin this week in Atherton Tablelands, wet tropics, Port Douglas, Mossman and Cairns regions.
'Biosecurity Queensland has proposed a response plan that is being considered by the national Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests,' the statement read.
The fall armyworm is believed to be most active during late summer, but there are fears it could be active in tropical areas year-round.
The Queensland government said the moth has been confirmed as a fall armyworm, which feeds in large numbers on more than 350 plant species
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