As reported in MPI’s recent Surveillance Magazine, a member of the public reported a suspect bug after receiving a UV lamp from the US via mail.

An MPI Incursion Investigator immediately collected the specimen and inspected the packaging it had arrived in. No further insects were found. The insect was subsequently identified as an unmated female Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). The individual was a lone hitch-hiker so the biosecurity risk was eliminated by its capture and destruction.

This interception highlights the risk of BMSB entering NZ through internet purchases from overseas and the importance of reporting any suspicious pests that may arrive through this pathway.