Acanthotomicus sp.: a new pest of Liquidambar styraciflua in China
In China, Liquidambar styraciflua (Altingiaceae – American sweetgum) was introduced in Shanghai at the end of the 20th century and was then widely planted in Eastern and Central China for ornamental purposes. Since at least 2013, an unknown bark beetle has been observed attacking L. styraciflua trees and causing tree mortality in Shanghai. A survey conducted from 2013 to 2016 in 13 tree nurseries around Shanghai has shown that more than 10 000 trees have been killed by this insect. Attacked trees display resinous exudates on the trunk, wilted foliage, galleries, and numerous exit holes (approximately 1 mm diameter). In addition to L. styraciflua, it has been observed that a Chinese sweetgum, L. formosana, could be colonized by this unknown bark beetle. For the moment, the insect has been identified as a species belonging to the genus Acanthotomicus. Ongoing morphological and molecular studies suggest that the insect is probably an undescribed species. The estimated economic loss is of at least 4 million USD, but it is noted that the impact of Acanthotomicus sp. in private gardens or in other nurseries has not been evaluated. The authors stressed that this insect, most probably native to China, would represent a serious threat to L. styraciflua in its native area if it were to be introduced in North America. This statement could probably be extended to other parts of the world including the EPPO region, where L. styraciflua is also planted for ornamental purposes.
Sources
Gao L, Li Y, Xu Y, Hulcr J, Cognato AI, Wang JG, Ju RT (2017) Acanthotomicus sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), a new destructive insect pest of North American sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua in China. Journal of Economic Entomology 110(4), 1592-1595.
Susaeta A, Soto J, Adams DC, Hulcr J (2017) Expected timber-based economic impacts of a wood-boring beetle (Acanthotomicus sp.) that kills American sweetgum. Journal of Economic Entomology 110(4), 1942-1945.