Go Back

Stomphastis thraustica risk analysis

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Consultation has concluded

We have finalised the risk analysis for the proposed release of the leaf-mining moth Stomphastis thraustica into Australia. The purpose of this release is to control bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia), a Weed of National Significance (WONS). Bellyache bush is a difficult and costly to control agricultural and environmental weed in Australia.

The use of exotic biological control agents to control invertebrate pests, weeds and other organisms has been common in Australia for many years. Releasing pathogenic, herbivorous, predatory or parasitic organisms into the Australian environment can have potential “off-target” risks. This means risk to other plants or invertebrate animals not targeted by the biological control agent.

We began this risk analysis in response to an application to release Stomphastis thraustica to control bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia). The application was submitted by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF). The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment will not commence an assessment to release a biological control agent unless the target pest species has been approved by an appropriate government body. Jatropha gossypiifolia was approved by the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Resource Management in 1999.

Following the publication of the draft report for stakeholder consultation in November 2021, the previously named Stomphastis sp. nov. was identified as Stomphastis thraustica. The final report reflects the species level identification.

All comments received on the draft risk analysis were considered in finalising the risk analysis. You can read the final risk analysis report. The final risk analysis report recommends that the release of Stomphastis thraustica should be permitted, subject to standard quarantine conditions associated with the import and release of exotic biological control agents.

We have finalised the risk analysis for the proposed release of the leaf-mining moth Stomphastis thraustica into Australia. The purpose of this release is to control bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia), a Weed of National Significance (WONS). Bellyache bush is a difficult and costly to control agricultural and environmental weed in Australia.

The use of exotic biological control agents to control invertebrate pests, weeds and other organisms has been common in Australia for many years. Releasing pathogenic, herbivorous, predatory or parasitic organisms into the Australian environment can have potential “off-target” risks. This means risk to other plants or invertebrate animals not targeted by the biological control agent.

We began this risk analysis in response to an application to release Stomphastis thraustica to control bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia). The application was submitted by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF). The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment will not commence an assessment to release a biological control agent unless the target pest species has been approved by an appropriate government body. Jatropha gossypiifolia was approved by the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Resource Management in 1999.

Following the publication of the draft report for stakeholder consultation in November 2021, the previously named Stomphastis sp. nov. was identified as Stomphastis thraustica. The final report reflects the species level identification.

All comments received on the draft risk analysis were considered in finalising the risk analysis. You can read the final risk analysis report. The final risk analysis report recommends that the release of Stomphastis thraustica should be permitted, subject to standard quarantine conditions associated with the import and release of exotic biological control agents.