First record of Anoplophora chinensis in Guernsey
In July 2008, Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A1 List) was detected in Guernsey on high grafted Acer palmatum plants imported from China via the Netherlands. The plants arrived in Guernsey in late February from the Netherlands and were placed into coldstore. A proportion of the plants were taken out of store and sent mail order to the United Kingdom. The remainder, a batch of 900 plants, was later taken to a standing out area in the nursery. In early July, 10 adult beetles were found crawling on these plants. Several cocoons of Monema flavescens (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae), a polyphagous forestry pest native to Asia, were also found on the plants. All the plants were immediately incinerated. Properties adjacent to the nursery were visited and leaflets supplied to make the owners aware of the situation. The local press, radio and TV stations were contacted and an island wide coverage was achieved. To date no further beetles have been found. The UK authorities (DEFRA) were contacted immediately to make them aware of the mail order connection.
The pest status of Anoplophora chinensis in Guernsey is officially declared as: Present at one nursery site on Acer palmatum plants imported from China, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Guernsey, 2008-07.