First report of Anoplophora glabripennis in Lebanon
In 2015-05-01, one specimen of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae – EPPO A1 List) was found in the urban area of Aabrine, Northern Lebanon. One week later, another beetle was found. A year later in 2016-07-13, a third specimen was spotted in the same area. It is not known for the moment whether these findings correspond to incursions or to an established population. It is suspected that the pest has been introduced with infested wood packaging material, but this could not be ascertained. As A. glabripennis could represent a serious threat to many tree species in Lebanon, it is stressed that surveys should be carried out to delimit the extent of the infestation, that measures should be taken to prevent any further introduction or spread, and that the general public should be informed about this new potential risk.
Sources
Moussa Z, Cocquempot C (2017) Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky, 1854, a new introduced pest that could threat hardwood trees in Lebanon (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae). Bulletin de la Société Entomologique de France 122(4), 501-508.