The pest has been intercepted by the PHSI on six occasions since 2006, with statutory action being taken twice. It is found in Central and South America and also southern USA, and appears to have spread in plant trade; recorded in Hawaii (since 1978), Maderia (since 1997), Germany (since 2000) and France (since 2003) (Martin et al., 2001; Streito, 2004). UK interceptions were made on plants from Malaysia, Mauritius and Singapore, which are all first records for these countries and it is suspected it may be more widespread than reported in the literature as the puparia are translucent and difficult to detect. The rapid assessment is being carried out to determine whether this pest should be notifiable and if statutory action against it should continue.