EPPO Global Database

EPPO Reporting Service no. 02 - 2017 Num. article: 2017/036

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus detected for the first time in the United Kingdom


In the United Kingdom, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae - EPPO A2 List) has recently been found in a palm tree (Livistonia rotundifolia) purchased from a garden centre in Essex (Southeast England). Adults and larvae were collected by plant health inspectors and sent to Fera for identification. The infected palm was burnt. This palm tree was one of an imported consignment, the origin of which is being investigated. No further findings have been reported. This is the first time that R. ferrugineus is detected in the United Kingdom.


Sources

INTERNET
HorticultureWeek (2016-11-15) First red palm weevil found in the UK. http://www.hortweek.com/first-red-palm-weevil-found-uk/plant-health/article/1415641
The Telegraph. News. Palmageddon? Britain's palm trees face extinction after killer beetle discovered. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/19/britains-palm-trees-face-extinction-after-killer-beetle-discover/