First report of Xylotrechus chinensis in Spain
Xylotrechus chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – Tiger longicorn beetle) is a wood borer originating in Eastern Asia which has recently been found in Spain, first in Cataluña and then in Communidad Valenciana.
Cataluña
Adults of X. chinensis were first observed in Cataluña in July 2013, which suggests that the species was probably introduced in 2012 or earlier. The insect is considered to be established in an area located 12-15 km to the North-West of Barcelona city within the district of Valles Occidental. Its presence was recorded in October 2014 in the towns of Cerdanyola del Vallès, Badia del Vallès and Barberà del Vallès (Province of Barcelona). In February 2018, X. chinensis was also reported from the town of Ripollet. As of July 2018, the pest had been detected in 5 municipalities covering 58 km2. Damage caused by the wood boring larvae was observed on mulberry trees (Morus alba, M. nigra). Both tree species are commonly planted in private gardens, recreational areas and along the streets. Depending on the towns concerned, between 10 and 45% of mulberry trees surveyed were found to be infested. Infested trees are weakened and finally die. Municipalities affected have initiated control with insecticide treatments by endotherapy, and removal of the most affected trees.
Communidad Valenciana
In June 2018, a phytosanitary company informed the Regional Plant Protection Service of the presence of damage on Morus sp. and of an adult X. chinensis in the municipality of Quartell (Province of Valencia). A delimiting survey conducted in July 2018 found 11 Morus trees infested and one adult beetle. Identification of the pest was confirmed by the national reference laboratory. Further surveys detected the pest in Sagunto (Province of Valencia) and Almenara (Province of Castellón). A preliminary Pest Risk Assessment is being conducted to decide on phytosanitary measures to be applied.
The pest status of Xylotrechus chinensis in Spain is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the country.
Sources
NPPO of Spain (2018-08).
INTERNET
Sarto i Monteys V (2018) El escarabajo-avispa, nueva especie invasora en Europa. Adelantos Digital 1–6. http://www.adelantosdigital.com/web/escarabajo-avispa-nueva-especie-invasora-europa/
Sarto i Monteys V, Torras i Tutusaus G (2018) A new alien invasive longhorn beetle, Xylotrechus chinensis (Cerambycidae), is infesting mulberries in Catalonia (Spain). Insects 9(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/insects9020052