Further details on the finding of Diabrotica virgifera in Switzerland
As reported in EPPO RS 2001/003, Diabrotica virgifera (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) has been trapped for the first time in Switzerland near the airport of Lugano/Agno, Ticino. 4 adults were caught on the 20 and 27th July 2000. It was previously thought that they were all males, but a new examination of the specimens showed that 2 beetles could be females. The origin of this introduction is being investigated. In particular, it has been noted that several flights from infested areas arrived at Lugano/Agno airport around the period of trapping (flights from Timisoara on 30th June, Belgrade on 4th July, Pristina on 25th July 2000). It was also noted that in 1999, daily flights from Venezia took place during summer until October 1999. However, the origin of this introduction remains unknown. Measures have been taken to prevent any further spread of D. virgifera in Switzerland.
Sources
NPPO of Switzerland, 2001-02.