Can the pest be moved large distances by wind or be carried by migratory birds?
The fly is very small and may be distributed by wind for approximately 9km according to McColloch (1923) who discussed the importance of this method of dispersal, as most flies captured migrating on the wind were fertilised females. However it is very unlikely that the limit of distance can be measured exactly. Birds do not carry the Hessian fly. Have previous interceptions of the pest been made and recorded on the AQIS Pest and Disease Interception Database? The Hessian fly was erroneously recorded in Australia once (see Barnes 1956 for the correction of this record), but no confirmed reports have occurred to date (Bugledich 1999). Large numbers of small flies intercepted in imported commodities by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. Because the very low number of skilled dipterologists in Australia and the low importance of Cecidomyidae flies in intercepts in general it is very likely athat it has been intercepted already. Is there any evidence of interceptions/incursio
