Update on the situation of Euwallacea fornicatus sensu lato in Spain
In Spain, Euwallacea fornicatus sensu lato (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae, EPPO A2 List) was first officially reported in July 2024 in the municipality of Motril (Granada province) in Andalucía (EPPO RS 2024/189). A recent scientific article (Goldarazena et al., 2025) however, mentions that 30 adult specimens had been collected in a dying box elder tree (Acer negundo), in Motril already in April 2022, as well as from a damaged tree of the genus Parkinsonia in the same garden in 2023. The pest was identified as Euwallacea fornicatus sensu stricto.
Further official surveys were conducted in 2024 in the municipality of Motril. Samples were taken on plants showing symptoms or suspected to be infested by E. fornicatus sensu lato: in August 2024 one sample from a Acer negundo in a public park of Motril, and in October 2024 four samples from avocado trees (Persea americana) in a production orchard and one sample on a castor-oil plant (Ricinus communis) growing in a plot without crops. In October-November 2024, the Regional Laboratory confirmed the presence of E. fornicatus sensu lato in all samples. A demarcated area (1452 ha) has been established in the municipality of Motril, comprising the infested area (6.36 ha - location of the infested A. negundo and the two plots found to be infested) surrounded by a 1-km buffer zone. Eradication measures are taken in the demarcated area in accordance with EU Regulation 2016/2031. Measures include surveys by owners and compulsory notification of findings, application of control measures on host plants at infested sites, selective pruning or destruction of infested trees and shrubs (depending on the level of infestation of the tree crown). Professional operators who produce or sell host plant material should apply additional measures to detect the pest and prevent its spread. Official surveys are intensified and include mass trapping using white traps with attractant. The severity and source of the outbreak are being investigated.
The pest status of Euwallacea fornicatus sensu lato in Spain is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Spain (2024-11).
Goldarazena A, Alcazar-Alba MD, Hulcr J, Johnson AJ (2025) First record of Euwallacea fornicatus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Spain. EPPO Bulletin (early view) https://doi.org/10.1111/epp.13064
Junta de Andalucía (2025) Declaración oficial de la existencia de la plaga cuarentenaria Euwallacea fornicatus sensu lato. https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/agriculturapescaaguaydesarrollorural/raif/declaracion-oficial-de-la-existencia-de-la-plaga-cuarentenaria-euwallacea-fornicatus-sensu-lato/
Junta de Andalucía (2024) Resolución de 4 de diciembre de 2024, de la Dirección General de la Producción Agrícola y Ganadera, por la que se declara oficialmente la existencia de la plaga de cuarentena Euwallacea fornicatus sensu lato, se establecen zonas demarcadas y las medidas fitosanitarias a adoptar en la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía. Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Andalucía 243 - 17 de diciembre de 2024. P. 55694/1.B