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A species of ground-dwelling beetle is taking over homes and workplaces across Cairns and according to historic weather reports, it could mean rain is on the way.
The last time the carabid beetle Gnathaphanus philippensis converged in huge numbers in the region was in March 2012, just before monthly rainfall records were broken.
A video taken in a mechanic’s workshop at Cairns Airport yesterday illustrated this year’s incursion.
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Tropic Now has shown the video to Entomologist and JCU Adjunct Professor David Rentz AM, who in 2012 predicted the bugs would show up again in the early to mid 2020's.
“They are everywhere once more, they’re in houses and supermarkets, the gym,” he said.
“They don’t seem to cause any problem - they eat other insects.
“I suspect when they are in this mode they’re not doing much eating, though, they mate and lay eggs.
“But they seem to be clustering.”
Dr Rentz said the beetles tend to be on the move overnight and look for dark areas when daylight approaches.
He suspects atmospheric conditions are behind the high numbers but says there hasn’t been enough research to confirm that’s the case.
“Nobody can really tell you the reason for it,” he said.
“With many insects, things happen this way.
“We really need more observations to really put a handle on it.
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In 2012, there was no cyclone - however a low embedded in the monsoon trough moved slowly east over the southern Gulf of Carpentaria, resulting in squally monsoon winds and heavy rain.
Mt Sophia to the south of Cairns recorded the highest monthly total with 1642.0-millimetres, followed by Babinda Post Office with 1303.0-millimetres.
The forecast this year shows not much rain is predicted for another week.
Next Thursday there's a high chance of showers but only for totals up to five millimetres in Cairns.
Dr Rentz told Tropic Now whatever happens, the invasion won’t last and people just need to put up with them in the meantime.
“There’s no point in spraying because there’ll be more tomorrow,” he said.
“Just wait it out, they’re not conveying any disease or eating plants, they’re just there and they’ll be gone in a couple of weeks.”
Main points
- A ground beetle known as Gnathaphanus Philippensis has converged on Cairns
- After the last outbreak of the bugs in 2012, a slow moving low pressure system moved across FNQ
- The beetles move around at night and find dark places to hide during the day
