Damage to papaw trees by the banana‐spotting bug, Amblypelta lutescens lutescens (Distant) (Hemiptera:Coreidae), in North Queensland

Damage by the banana‐spotting bug, Amblypelta lutescens lutescens to papaw trees was assessed at 12 sites in North Queensland. Sites were chosen to determine if the number of damaged trees differed between plots grown adjacent to remnant rainforest or plots grown in open areas. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between distance from the forest edge and percent damage. To gain insight into A. I. lutescens behaviour, the spatial distribution of damaged trees was mapped. Papaw trees in sites that bordered remnant rainforest were attacked more frequently than those in open areas. The percentage of trees damaged decreased significantly with increased distance from the rainforest edge, and damaged trees were distributed non‐randomly (clumped) throughout the plot. The distribution of damaged trees suggests short flights and indicates more information is needed on dispersal characteristics. Damage by A. /. lutescens to male and female trees was not significantly different