New fruit fly found

A new species of fruit fly has been found in South Auckland. Biosecurity NZ said the facialis fruit fly was caught in a surveillance trap in Otara on Monday. It was a different species to the Queensland fruit fly found in Devonport. So far, just the single specimen had been found. Ministry for Primary Industries director-general Ray Smith said the facialis species was native to Tonga, where it had badly affected crops of capsicum and chilli. It appeared to be less harmful to other fruit and vegetables, he said. Restrictions had been put in place in the suburb. “As with the fruit fly in Devonport, we need to determine if it’s a lone specimen or if there’s a population of these flies in the area.” Minister for Biosecurity Damien O’Connor said the finding was disappointing. “This is a pest that could significantly harm our $5.5 billion horticulture sector and is why the Government is committed to do what it takes to keep it from establishing here.”