Ten entomology diagnosticians from across Australia gathered in Canberra last November to participate in a five-day workshop led by the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN). The workshop explored topics to strengthen national diagnostic capabilities for Dermestidae beetles (skin beetles), including Australia’s number two National Priority Plant Pest, Khapra beetle.

Dr Adam Ślipiński and Dr Lingzi Zhou from the Australian National Insect Collection (CSIRO) led the workshop, providing research updates on the classification of Dermestidae species. Practical sessions equipped participants with skills to differentiate Australian and exotic Dermestidae species based on morphological characteristics.

The workshop also covered larval identification, as well as methods for the preparation of slides for diagnostic purposes. The training provided attendees with the knowledge required to quickly and accurately diagnose native and exotic species of Dermestidae and identify important pest species such as the khapra beetle.

Workshop participants included representatives from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD), the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QLD DPI), Agriculture Victoria (AgVic), the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia (PIRSA), and the Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE Tas).

NPBDN professional development activities are made possible with coordination and support from the Networks Implementation Working Group (NIWG) and the Subcommittee on Plant Health Diagnostics (SPHD) and with funding provided from DAFF under the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Professional Development and Protocols Project.