First report of Pseudips mexicanus in Ireland
The NPPO of Ireland recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first occurrence of Pseudips mexicanus on its territory. Pseudips mexicanus (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) is regulated by the EU as a non-European Scolytinae (Annex II A) and was recently added to the A1 quarantine list of the Eurasian Economic Union. This bark beetle is native to the western part of North and Central America.
P. mexicanus beetles were found in bark beetle pheromone traps in a localised area in conifer plantations in the municipality of Shannon (Clare county, Mid-West region). A total of 93 beetles were captured from six traps between late August and mid-October 2023. Pinus is the host genus for this beetle in its native range but no infested trees or breeding populations of P. mexicanus have been found in the area. Official measures are being applied: a demarcated area is being established, as well as intensive surveillance and restrictions on movement of host material.
The pest status of Pseudips mexicanus in Ireland has not yet been determined.
Sources
NPPO of Ireland (2023-12).
DAFM Plant Pest Factsheet Pseudips mexicanus https://assets.gov.ie/278961/c303d207-032d-4854-89c9-4fa7d0c17da2.pdf