Callidiellum rufipenne: a new exotic beetle found in North Carolina and Connecticut (US)
The cedar longhorned beetle, Callidiellum rufipenne (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), has recently been found in North Carolina, US. This Asian species was discovered on Juniperus virginiana near Manteo in May 1997, and the identification was confirmed in February 1998. The infested trees were growing several kilometres from any major port, suggesting that C. rufipenne may be established in North Carolina. In September 1998, C. rufipenne was discovered in Connecticut on Thuja. Based on the number of infested trees found, it appears that there may only be several hundreds to some 2000 infested trees. Eradication therefore appears feasible. All infested trees are being destroyed and measures are being taken to prevent any further spread. Surveys are being carried out to determine the distribution of the pest.
C. rufipenne is reported to occur in Asia: China, Japan, Korea Republic, Korea Democratic People's Republic and Taiwan. It has been introduced into Italy in 1988 where it was found for the first time on Juniperus communis in Pineta di San Vitale, near Ravenna (Campadelli & Sama, 1989). It was probably introduced on timber imported from East Asia. The Canadian information sheet also mentions an introduction into Spain, but no reference is given.
It is a pest of: Chamaecyparis, Cryptomeria, Cupressus, Juniperus, Thuja (and possibly Abies). In Japan, there is one generation per year. Adults emerge from dead trees in spring and mate on the surface of the trunk of weakened or dead trees (however, it is noted that live insects were found in Connecticut on healthy Thuja). Eggs are laid in bark crevices. Larvae hatch, enter the bark and feed on phloem and cambium, making galleries. Mature larvae enter xylem in late summer, pupate within cells in the autumn, and overwinter as adults. The larval galleries are sinuous, increase in width from beginning to end, and sometimes girdle a branch. Adult males are iridescent deep blue to black with brownish-red to red patches on the upper corners of the wing covers and have a reddish-orange abdomen. Antennae of the male are slightly longer than the body. Females have brownish-red to red wing covers, and a reddish-orange abdomen.
Sources
Anonymous (1999) Cedar longhorned beetle search continues.
NAPPO Newsletter, 19(2), p 8.
Campadelli, G.; Sama, G. (1989) [First report in Italy of a Japanese cerambycid: Callidiellum rufipenne Motschulsky].
Bollettino dell' Istituto di Entomologia 'Guido Grandi' dell' Universita degli Studi di Bologna, 43, 69-73.
INTERNET
A new exotic Cerambycid beetle (Callidiellum rufipenne), found in North Carolina, USA (submitted by Rob Favrin, CFIA-PHSU). Plant Health Early Warning System (CFIA, Canada)
http://cfia-acia.agr.ca/english/ppc/science/pps/phnews/phwhp.html
Asian Beetle News Release, 1999-01-08.
http://www.state.ct.us/caes/newsbeetl.htm
Pellizzari, G.; Dalla Montà, L. (1997) [Insect pests introduced to Italy from 1945 to 1995]
http://www.greentarget.com/dif3/insetti_fitofagi.html (also published in Informatore Fitopatologico, no.10, 4-12)