Distribution of Exomala (Blitopertha) orientalis in USA
Exomala (Blitopertha) orientalis (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) is a significant pest of turfgrass in Northeastern USA. Larvae feed on the roots of a large number of plants: many grasses, ornamental and small fruit species (blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, strawberry). To determine the current distribution of E. orientalis, a survey was conducted in 20 states (Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia) using pheromone traps. 20 to 150 traps were placed per state during 1994 to 1996.
New areas of infestation were found in: Delaware (widespread), Maryland (widespread), Cape Cod and central Massachusetts (widespread), southeastern New Hampshire*, New Jersey (widespread in blueberry plantings), North Carolina (around Asheville), Ohio* (around Painesville on Lake Erie), Virginia* (around Richmond and Arlington).
Some insects were caught in single locations in: Maine*, South Carolina*, Tennessee*, West Virginia*. Further studies are needed in these areas to determine whether E. orientalis is established or not.
No beetles were caught in: Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky.
Because of the patchy distribution and the localized nature of infestations, it is felt that the major means of spread is through movement of nursery stock.
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* ; ; ; ;New detailed records
Sources
Alm, S.R.; Villani, M.G.; Roelofs, W. (1999) Oriental beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): current distribution in the United States and optimization of monitoring traps.
Journal of Economic Entomology, 92(4), 931-935.