<P> Native to South and mainland Middle America , cane toads were introduced to Australia from Hawaii in June 1935 by the Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations , now the Sugar Research Australia , in an attempt to control the native grey - backed cane beetle ( Dermolepida albohirtum ) and Frenchi beetle ( Lepidiota frenchi ) . These beetles are native to Australia and they are detrimental to sugar cane crops , which are a major source of income for Australia . Adult cane beetles eat the crop 's leaves , but the main problem is the larvae , who feed on the roots . Adult cane beetles have a heavy exoskeleton and their eggs and larva are often buried underground , making them difficult to exterminate . Furthermore , conventional methods of pest control , such as pesticide use , would eradicate harmless species of insects as well , making it an unsatisfactory method . Cane toads were to replace the use of pesticides like arsenic , pitch and copper . The success of using the moth Cactoblastis cactorum in controlling prickly pears in Australia also contributed to hopes for the cane toad . </P>
<P> Native to South and mainland Middle America , cane toads were introduced to Australia from Hawaii in June 1935 by the Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations , now the Sugar Research Australia , in an attempt to control the native grey - backed cane beetle ( Dermolepida albohirtum ) and Frenchi beetle ( Lepidiota frenchi ) . These beetles are native to Australia and they are detrimental to sugar cane crops , which are a major source of income for Australia . Adult cane beetles eat the crop 's leaves , but the main problem is the larvae , who feed on the roots . Adult cane beetles have a heavy exoskeleton and their eggs and larva are often buried underground , making them difficult to exterminate . Furthermore , conventional methods of pest control , such as pesticide use , would eradicate harmless species of insects as well , making it an unsatisfactory method . Cane toads were to replace the use of pesticides like arsenic , pitch and copper . The success of using the moth Cactoblastis cactorum in controlling prickly pears in Australia also contributed to hopes for the cane toad . </P>
where were cane toads first introduced in australia
where were cane toads first introduced in australia
June 1935
June 1935