Just a few days ago, a so-called Queensland fruit fly had been discovered in one case, named after the Australian state. It is feared that a spread of introduced pests with possible crop damage will result.
Fruit flies lay eggs on fruit and vegetables, from which the hatching larvae feed and make it unfit for consumption.
The now found fly is an animal of the native in the island state of Tonga in the South Pacific species Bactrocera facialis, said the authority BNZ. Now it is important to find out if there are other animals in the region. In Tonga, the pest infects vegetables such as peppers and chili, other fruits and vegetables, he pity less. The climate in New Zealand is rather unfavorable for the tropical species.
Following the discovery of the Queensland fruit fly, the authorities last week appealed to residents of the suburb of Devonport not to take any fruit and vegetables outside for the time being. People who sight a fruit fly or larvae should report the find. New Zealand, a state consisting mainly of two islands, has strict protective measures to prevent pathogens from being introduced. Concerned about fruit flies, hundreds of traps have been set up in airports, ports and densely populated areas.
