RE-NOTIFICATION 2 JULY 2008
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Why is ERMA re-notifying the application?
The application was originally for the release from containment of a Brazilian beetle to control the weed Tradescantia fluminensis, commonly known as wandering willie.
In the process of considering the original application, advice was received from Landcare Research that additional expert taxonomic research showed that the beetle should be called Neolema ogloblini rather than Lema obscura, noting that both species are extremely similar in appearance and biology.
The Environmental Risk Management Authority decided that the application, changed to identify the species correctly, should be re-notified in the interests both of accuracy and transparency.
If some-one wishes to make a submission about Neolema ogloblini, they should be given the opportunity to do so.
How did this occur?
Very little is known about insects around the world. It is estimated that there are many millions of insect species and less than a million have been described and named.
There are very few scientists around the world who can be considered experts to name species.
The differences between the two species of beetle, Neolema ogloblini and Lema obscura, are minute.
Landcare Research had been studying the beetle in quarantined containment. In the course of their studies, the difference was noted by a US taxonomist after he undertook very detailed analysis of samples Landcare sent to him as well as examining records written in Spanish in the 1940s. The taxonomist believes that the name change is warranted.
So did we get the wrong beetle?
This is more a case of mistaken identity. The beetle in quarantine was the ‘right’ one all along, just named incorrectly until now. Neolema ogloblini is even more specific to tradescantia than Lema obscura.
For more information or advice contact us.