Update on the situation of Xylotrechus chinensis in France
In France, the presence of Xylotrechus chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO Alert List) was officially reported in October 2018 (EPPO RS 2018/220). A recent paper provides additional information about the situation in France and reviews the biological data that is currently available about the pest. In France, two isolated outbreaks have been reported in Gironde and Hérault departments. The origin of these introductions remains unknown, but it is noted that, in both departments, the close proximity of seaports with large imports of goods with wood packaging material might have played a role. For the moment, it is also not known whether these findings correspond to established populations or not.
- In Gironde department, an adult specimen of Xylotrechus chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO Alert List) was observed and photographed on the balcony of a private home in the municipality of Le Bouscat on the 13th of July 2018.
- In Hérault department, X. chinensis has been reported twice from the municipality of Sète. In October 2017, unknown cerambycid larvae were collected from a Morus bombycis tree in a private garden. The identity of one larva was later confirmed to be X. chinensis by molecular methods. In June 2018, an adult specimen of X. chinensis was collected from another site.
Sources
Cocquempot C, Desbles F, Mouttet R, Valladares L (2019) Xylotrechus chinensis (Chevrolat, 1852), nouvelle espèce invasive pour la France métropolitaine (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Clytini). Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France 124(1), 27-62.