First report of Trichoferus campestris in Sweden
The NPPO of Sweden recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first detection of the mulberry longhorn beetle Trichoferus campestris (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. In July 2021 a private citizen reported to the NPPO an active insect infestation of fences made of willow (Salix sp.) canes. The signs of infestation included exit holes and frass. The fences had recently been purchased from a retail chain store and originated from China. Inspection and destructive sampling of canes revealed both adult insects and larvae. While awaiting laboratory diagnostics, the NPPO issued phytosanitary measures prohibiting the movement of the willow fences, for both the private citizen and the retail store chain. On the 4th of August 2021, the official laboratory confirmed a mixed infestation of Heterobostrychus sp. (most likely H. hamatipennis, Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and Trichoferus campestris. The NPPO decided to continue prohibiting the movement of material while investigating whether the pest can be considered to provisionally qualify as a Union quarantine pest according to Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031.
The pest status of Trichoferus campestris in Sweden has not yet been determined.
Note by the Secretariat: the EPPO datasheet for Trichoferus campestris has been recently revised and is now available online https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/HESOCA/datasheet
Sources
NPPO of Sweden (2021-08).