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Watch out for citrus longhorn beetles

Two citrus longhorn beetles have been caught emerging from maple (Acer) trees in private gardens.  Both findings were on trees purchased over the last three years and were reported by members of the public to Fera’s Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI).  These findings demonstrate that there is an ongoing risk from this pest in the UK.  Citrus longhorn beetles can infest a very wide range of broadleaved trees and would be a major threat to horticulture and the wider environment if they became established.  The larvae feed undetected on the inside of trees leaving them weakened and susceptible to further pest and disease damage. Most of the citrus longhorn beetles that have been found to date in the UK have been associated with Japanese maple trees imported from China.

Please keep a look out for this striking black and white beetle over the summer and also look out for exit holes with a diameter of 1-2cm at the base of Japanese maple trees. 

Anybody finding one of these distinctive beetles should isolate the beetle (best in a sealed glass jar) and contact their PHSI - tel: 01904 465625, email: planthealth.info@fera.gsi.gov.uk.

Use the following link for further information about the citrus longhorn beetle. An illustrated information leaflet is also available to download.

 

August 3rd 2009