Backyard and commercial mango growers in the Sunshine State are being told to keep a vigilant eye out for an unwanted new pest.

The Mango Shoot Looper has been found for the first time in Australia, with the invasive Asian moth being detected in Mareeba, Mutchilba and Biboohra, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries reported last week.

Biosecurity Queensland is currently undertaking surveillance activities to determine the extent of its distribution, and to inform response strategies and advice for industry, DAF said.

Mango shoot looper larvae feed voraciously on tender shoots, flowers and immature fruit, and can severely damage tree canopies.

The insect completes its full life cycle in 15-19 days, and the larval period is typically eight or nine days.

In the Far North, the moth has been observed causing significant damage on