Insects and aviation safety: the case of the keyhole wasp Pachodynerus nasidens (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in Australia

Data from a trap nest study using replica pitot probes was used to assess the risk to aircraft from the keyhole wasp, Pachodynerus nasidens (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). The data used was the number of blocked pitot probes of a number of airframe types at 4 locations at Brisbane Airport, Australia, over a period of 39 months. The effects of covering probes (to prevent nesting) was examined using mean time before failure analyses, and the time probes are left uncovered and aircraft movements used to model a number of scenarios. These were used to estimate the cost of the lowest acceptable level of risk. Standard risk analysis and a bow tie risk assessment were conducted to illustrate points of intervention, and potential management measures (i.e. control or eradication) for the keyhole wasp discussed. The risk of spread of the keyhole wasp in Australia was modeled using climate projections based on equivalent climates in its home range in coastal Brazil