Control problems with Lepidiota noxia Britton in southern Queensland

Lepidiota noxia Britton (Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae), only recently recognised as a distinct species causing economic damage to sugar cane, was described from 18 specimens collected at Gooburrum and Waterloo near Bundaberg (Britton 1985). Larvae are similar to those of L. frenchi Blackburn and L. negatoria Blackburn but differ in raster pattern (Britton 1985) and can crawl along a flat surface (Anon. 1984). Adults closely resemble the above two species but are smaller, darker brown and have shiny elytra and thorax. Adult male of L. noxia have characteristic genitalia. Severe infestations have been found north of the Burnett River and L. noxia has undoubtedly comprised many of the 'frenchi' grubs previously recorded in that area (Anon. 1984). This paper presents new data on the distribution, life history and chemical control of L. noxia.