New pest discovered |25 February 2017

A new insect called Tortoise Beetle (the scientific name of which is Cassidinae) was recently discovered in a Morning Glory plant at the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA).

The discovery of the insect was announced yesterday by the principal biosecurity officer Ravi Moustache.

“Two days ago we received information that a new insect called Tortoise Beetlehas been discovered at the SPA premises. The same day we sent a team of officers to investigate and collect data about the species,” he said.

He added that they have sent all the collected information abroad to be analysed and gather more information about the Tortoise Beetle.

“So far the plant the insect is attacking is the Morning Glory; we have not yet discovered how the insect managed to arrive in Seychelles. But probably since we are in an area where we have containers and boats that arrive from abroad, it might be a possible gate of entry,” he said.

Most Tortoise Beetles feed on sweet potato and closely related plants such as Morning Glory and Bindweed. Both larvae and adults feed on leaves causing them to be riddled with holes.