Acalolepta vastator (Newman) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Infesting Grapevines in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales 1. Distribution and Dispersion

An outbreak of fig longicorn, Acalolepta vastator, currently causing economic damage to grapevines in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales is reviewed. Annual surveys showed populations infesting up to 70% of vines in some vineyards with mean annual percentage of vines infested within the outbreak ranging from 35.6–46.4% between 1988–1990. In 1991 the population fell to 7.7% of vines infested and further declined to 5.8% in 1992. We postulate that a newly introduced control strategy was the main contributing factor. Dispersion of A. vastator occurred up to 150 m in a single year by flight and by walking, with the latter the preferred option as a means of dispersal in this habitat. Dispersal was along vine rows rather than randomly, in the vineyards. A. vastator showed no preference for particular vine varieties or site aspect, although significantly greater numbers were recorded in steeply sloped sites than in level sites.