Leptinotarsa decemlineata found in the United Kingdom
In July 2023, the NPPO of the United Kingdom informed the EPPO Secretariat of the detection of the Colorado beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. Larvae have been found in a single potato (Solanum tuberosum) field in Kent (South-East England). Containment and eradication measures are being applied, including the removal and destruction of infested plants and the application of an insecticide spraying programme. A survey is being carried out within a radius of 1 km around the finding site. It can be recalled that in the past 70 years, two outbreaks of L. decemlineata have been reported in the United Kingdom (1976 – 1977 in Kent), but both have been promptly eradicated. Adult beetles have occasionally been intercepted in trade, mainly as hitchhikers on leafy vegetables, fresh herbs, and grain.
The pest status of Leptinotarsa decemlineata in the United Kingdom is officially declared as: Present, not widely distributed and under official control. Single localised outbreak.
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Note: a few days after the outbreak of L. decemlineata was confirmed in Kent, a single adult beetle was found by a member of the public in Hampshire (South England). This single specimen was quickly removed and surveys will be carried out in gardens, potato crops and land around the finding site to ensure that no other Colorado beetles are present.
Sources
NPPO of the United Kingdom (2023-07).
Gov.UK. News story (2023-07-11) Colorado potato beetle larvae confirmed in Kent. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/colorado-potato-beetle-larvae-confirmed-in-kent
Gov.UK. Press release (2023-07-14) Colorado potato beetle confirmed in Hampshire. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/colorado-potato-beetle-confirmed-in-hampshire