Native to Central and South America and the Caribbean, the keyhole wasp first caused problems at the airport in 2013, when it forced an Etihad Airways A330 bound for Singapore to turn back minutes into the flight.
Researchers say that without proper management there's a risk the wasps could travel to other Australian airports -- and even nearby countries with the right semi-tropical conditions for them to thrive. CASA advised airlines to cover pitot tubes while waiting at Brisbane Airport. However, it's not mandatory, which is why blockages are still occurring. In total, 26 incidents were reported between November 2013 and April 2019, according to the Brisbane Airport study.The first keyhole wasps were detected at the Port of Brisbane in 2010, though it's possible they arrived as early as 2006, according to the study. It's not known how they got to Australia -- probably by ship, said House.
Most of the nests were close to the grassed area of the airport, according to the study's co-author, Jackson Ring, wildlife management and planning coordinator at Brisbane Airport. The wasps collect caterpillars from the grass and shove them into the pitot tubes as food for their offspring. "They're very single-minded. These guys just need to find a nest spot. Put a caterpillar in, lay an egg, seal it up."
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.