First report of Callidiellum rufipenne in Sweden
Callidiellum rufipenne (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – formerly EPPO Alert List) was observed for the first time in 2017 in Halland, Southern Sweden. In 2018 and 2019, several adult specimens (both males and females) were observed in one site (a gravel pit), in association with Juniperus spp. and other conifers (probably Taxus and Thuja, but this could not be verified). As in total, approximately 30 specimens could be observed, it is suspected that a reproducing population of C. rufipenne occurs in Sweden. In a Pest Risk Analysis conducted by the University of Agricultural Sciences, the possible damage that C. rufipenne could inflict to native host trees in Sweden was expected to be restricted to stressed Juniperus communis trees. Other non-native host plants (e.g. Chamaecyparis spp., Thuja spp.) are frequently grown in private gardens and parks, but it is expected that the insect would mainly attack stressed trees or dead trees.
The situation of Callidiellum rufipenne in Sweden can be described as follows: Present, few occurrences (first found in 2017 in 1 site in Halland).
Note: C. rufipenne originates in Asia and is an invasive pest of conifers, such as Chamaecyparis, Cryptomeria, Cupressus, Juniperus and Thuja. It has been introduced into the USA and Argentina, as well as in several European countries (Belgium, Croatia, France, Italy, Russia, Spain). There are still some uncertainties about the severity of damage it could cause to healthy trees, as it is generally considered as a secondary pest, mainly developing on weakened or dead trees.
Sources
INTERNET
Sweden University of Agricultural Sciences. SLU Ris assessment of plant pests (2019-06-14). Callidiellum rufipenne a new longhorn beetle for Sweden – risks associated with a potential establishment. https://www.slu.se/globalassets/ew/org/centrb/riskv/pub/callidiellum-rufipenne-14-juni-2019.pdf