Banana spotting bugs (BSB) or Amblypelta lutescens lutescens are an Australian native species.
They are a sucking pest feeding on soft young shoots and small fruit. Their feeding causes shoot dieback and contaminates the sap, travelling down the shoot internally. Budwood attacked by BSB does not bond with rootstock during grafting.
Control
Monitor 10 trees per hectare every week for damage. Control is necessary when fresh damage or 1-2 bugs are present per tree. Record your findings to work out trends in activity and to determine the best time to control the pest. Try to control before flowering to protect pollinators and beneficials.
There are minor use permits available for Trichlorfon (Group 1B), Sulfoxaflor (Group 4C) and soon for Flupyradiforone (Group 4D). Search the APVMA website for permits.