LOOK OUT FOR
THE CIRUS LONGHORN BEETLE

Following separate findings of the Citrus longhorn beetle, one in Lancashire, and others in the south of England in imported Chinese maple trees (Acers), people are asked to look out for this beetle. The beetle is listed in legislation as a serious plant pest and measures are required to control any findings.

The beetle is large (21-37mm) and black, with distinct white markings and long "horns" or antennae. The antennae are longer than the body and are black with white bands. It could be found on a wide range of trees or shrubs.

Anybody finding one should contact their local Plant Health and Seeds Inspector or Forestry Commission office, details of which can be found on the Defra (at www.defra.gov.uk/planth/senior.htm) and Forestry Commission websites.

The citrus longhorn beetle (Anoplophora chinensis) originates in China. It has occasionally been intercepted in the UK - one was found emerging from a Bonsai Acer. Other EC member states have reported findings - the beetles were found damaging trees in the Netherlands and there is a major outbreak in the Lombardia region of Italy.The beetle has been detected emerging from imported Chinese Acers in protected cultivation. The PHSI are taking action to detect and eradicate this pest.

The adult lays eggs into the bark of trees and the larva develops inside the tree, taking one to three years to emerge as an adult. Whilst most have been captured inside the housing, some have been found outside. However, experts advise that the beetle requires warmer conditions than are normally found in the UK to establish permanently.

The beetle is listed in Plant Health legislation; anyone moving material containing the beetle within the UK or European Union would be committing an offence.

Images of the beetle can be seen on the Plant Health section of the Defra website, www.defra.gov.uk/planth/phindx.htm but can also be seen at: www.eppo.org/QUARANTINE/insects/Anoplophora_malasiaca/ANOLMA_images.htm.

From Defra bulletin