Beetle alert
17 June 2010
The government is urging gardeners to be on the alert for a new and potentially devastating insect pest.
Citrus longhorn beetle (Anoplophora chinensis) arrived in Europe in imports of ornamental trees, in particular Japanese maples (Acer palmatum). Outbreaks in Italy, France and the Netherlands have led to the EU suspending all imports of Japanese maples from China.
So far, the UK has escaped infestation but there have been several findings in imported trees and shrubs.
The larvae are virtually impossible to detect as they live inside the body of shrubs or trees, feeding on the plant's vascular system and seriously weakening it. The adult beetles, however, are easily spotted and are most active throughout summer. They are large – from 21-37mm (¾ -1 ½in) long, with white-speckled black bodies and antennae up to twice as long as the body. Other signs are exit holes, 6-11mm (¼ to ½in) across at the base of trunks.
- If you see a citrus longhorn beetle, trap it, if possible, and report the finding to your nearest Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) Plant Health and Seeds Inspector. Visit the FERA website or contact FERA plant health on 01904 465625 or by email.