A preliminary evaluation of distribution of soldier fly (Inopus rubriceps) at Bundaberg in relation to physical and chemical properties of soil

Soldier fly (Inopus rubriceps, Macquart) was first recorded in sugarcane fields at Mackay (Jarvis, 1925) and Bundaberg (Mungomery, 1926). It is also known to attack cane grown at Innisfail, Proserpine, Carmila, Maryborough, Childers, Nambour and Harwood in NSW (Allsopp and Hitchcock, 1987). In recent years I. rubricpes has caused annual losses of approximately $0.5 m to the Queensland sugar industry (BSES, unpublished data). This paper presents preliminary data on soldier fly distribution in relation to soil characteristics in the Bundaberg area. Soil properties favouring I. rubriceps are identified.