Comment from Peter A Follett

Dear APHIS: This is generally a well written and factually correct document but I have two minor comments for consideration: 1. Pupae and adults are not external feeders: technically pupae of Lepidoptera do not feed so the wording should be changed. Pupae and adults do not occur in the fruit would be more accurate. 2. Aceria (=Eriophyes) litchii and A. longana: Litchi erinose mite is listed in the PRA for Hawaii litchi as a medium risk quarantine pest but is not listed as a quarantine pest for Thai litchi. Shipment of Hawaii litchi into Florida is prohibited based on the potential presence of A. litchii and the absence of any data on quarantine treatment efficacy. If A. litchii and A. longana (on longan) are left off the list of quarantine pests for Thai fruit, the Hawaii rule should be amended to delete the mite from the list of quarantine pests. Otherwise, the mites should be added to the list of quarantine pests for Thailand litchi and longan for consistency. Note: The mites are not normally associated with the exported fruit and really should not pose any risk in fruit from Hawaii or Thailand. Sincerely, Peter Follett USDA-ARS