Another report of Heterobostrychus hamatipennis in Europe
As reported in EPPO RS 2005/100, an unusual xylophagous beetle of Asian origin, Heterobostrychus hamatipennis (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) had been found in Belgium in a sample of osier willow imported from China and kept in storage. In May 2005, another finding was made by a homeowner in East Yorkshire, England (GB). A male and a female of H. hamatipennis emerged from a decorative basket (probably made with osier willow) containing flowers and given as a present. Signs of insect activity (sawdust) appeared when the basket was moved near a radiator. Following a request posted on the Internet (What is this pest?) by the homeowner, the identity of the pest was confirmed by Ing. Fassotte (CRA-W) in collaboration with Drs Constant and Grootaert from the ‘Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique’. This is the second time that H. hamatipennis has been observed in Europe.
Sources
Personnal communication with Ing Christine Fassotte, Département Lutte biologique et Ressources phytogénétiques, Centre Wallon de Recherches agronomiques (CRA-W), Gembloux, Belgium, 2006-03.
Internet - What is this pest?
http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/Questions/What%20is%20this%20pest.htm