Rutherglen bug. Identification. Adults are approximately 4 millimetres long, grey-brown in colour, and have clear wings folded flat across the back. They have a narrow body, prominent dark eyes, and piercing-sucking mouthparts. Nymphs are wingless,
Australian plague locust update. Following the record-breaking rainfall in February 2026, Australian plague locust activity has increased across parts of South Australia, particularly in the eastern Mallee and northern pastoral regions. The current
Watchlist: Black keeled slug, Russian wheat aphid (RWA) and redlegged earth mite (RLEM). While some pests such as Russian wheat aphid (RWA) and redlegged earth mite (RLEM) are currently at low levels, recent rainfall and forecast cooler temperatures
Green peach aphids detected. The PestFacts SA team has received reports about green peach aphid (GPA) activity, ranging from the Mid North through to the South East regions of South Australia. Following rain at the end of February, some growers
Turnip yellows virus alert. Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) is Australia's most economically damaging virus for canola and is primarily spread by green peach aphid (GPA). Crops are most vulnerable during early growth stages, making prevention and early
Look out for these pests. Early sowing conditions combined with recent rainfall have triggered activity in some pests over recent weeks and may lead to increased activity in others as the season progresses. Pests such as common armyworm and bronze
Mites and lucerne fleas. With recent rainfall across parts of South Australia, it would not be surprising to see increased activity of mites and lucerne flea in emerging crops. These early-season pests often build up on the green bridge before
Watch for stubble pests during crop establishment. February's rainfall in parts of South Australia has resulted in increased green bridge and retained moisture in paddocks, creating favourable conditions for a range of invertebrates. As a result,
Australian plague locust activity increasing across SA. Over the past week, the PestFacts team has received multiple reports of increasing activity of the Australian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera) across South Australia. Observations have
Lesser budworm. PestFacts SA has received reports of moths and also caterpillars that resemble native budworm from the Upper Eyre Peninsula, Ceduna, Kimba, Streaky Bay and even the mid-north. Reports described caterpillars on medics in grazing
Watchlist: Redlegged earth mite, lucerne flea, cowpea aphid. The pests listed below are typically the first to respond to autumn conditions. Knowing what to expect and monitoring paddocks early can help reduce the risk of damage at crop establishment
Watch for early season pests before sowing. Recent seasonal conditions, particularly rainfall across parts of South Australia, are supporting the growth of green bridge and increasing the risk of early-season caterpillars and moths building up on