First report of Aproceros leucopoda in Belgium
In Belgium, Aproceros leucopoda (Hymenoptera: Argidae – EPPO Alert List) was first detected by entomologists of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in 2013 (Boevé, 2013). In July and August 2013, the typical zig-zag feeding patterns of A. leucopoda were observed at different locations around Brussels, but neither larvae nor cocoons were found at that time. The occurrence of A. leucopoda was finally confirmed due to a finding of a late larval instar on a shrub of Ulmus campestris growing alongside a pond in Hoeilaart. One leaf on another branch of the same shrub was also attacked, but no larva was present there. A few other elm trees or shrubs occurred in the immediate vicinity, but did not show any feeding patterns, and no other elms were present in the surroundings (within a radius ;100 m). In 2014, several observations of the insect or typical feeding patterns were reported through citizen science between June and September, mainly in the centre of Belgium. No official phytosanitary measures were taken.
The pest status of Aproceros leucopoda in Belgium is officially declared as: Present, only in some areas.
Sources
NPPO of Belgium (2014-10).
Boevé JL (2013) First record in Belgium of the invasive sawfly Aproceros leucopoda (Hymenoptera : Argidae) and some related ecological data. Bulletin de la Société Royale Belge d’Entomologie 149, 217-221.
INTERNET
Natuurbericht web site. Lepenzigzagwesp verovert Vlaanderen. [Zigzag elm sawfly has reached Flanders]. http://www.natuurbericht.be/?id=12844;Eid=10085