First report of Xylosandrus compactus and Anisandrus maiche in Slovenia
During the national survey of quarantine pests conducted in 2023, two non-native ambrosia beetles, Anisandrus maiche (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and Xylosandrus compactus (formerly EPPO Alert List), were recorded for the first time in Slovenia. Black multi-funnel traps baited with ethanol were suspended in 10 locations (forest stands) during spring 2023 (May to mid-June). Collected bark and ambrosia beetles were then studied in the laboratory and identified using morphological keys, and some specimens were selected for additional molecular analysis. As a result 15 bark beetles species were collected, including the following 6 non-native species: Xylosandrus germanus (1581 individuals caught), Anisandrus maiche (386), Xylosandrus compactus (3), Gnathotrichus materiarius (2), Hypothenemus eruditus (1) and Xyleborinus attenuatus (1).
- A. maiche was recorded in 3 locations (Murska šuma, Ragovo, Malo Mraševo) in the Eastern part of the country. The relatively large number of individuals caught suggests that it has been present in Slovenia for several years. Considering the locations where this insect has been caught, it is supposed that Slovenian populations are not resulting from natural spread from countries where it occurs (i.e. Italy, Switzerland, Ukraine) but rather from an introduction via infested wood or plants.
- Three individuals of X. compactus were found in one location (Srmin) in Western Slovenia, less than 2 km from the port of Koper which is thought to be the probable point of entry.
So far, no damage to trees has been recorded in Slovenia in association with these two newly recorded species.
Sources
Hauptman T, Devetak Z, de Groot M, Faccoli M, Piškur B (2024) First record of non-native Xylosandrus compactus and Anisandrus maiche (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in Slovenia. Zootaxa 5415(2), 339-345. https://doi.org/10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5415.2.8