First report of Euwallacea fornicatus in Brazil
Euwallacea fornicatus sensu stricto (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae – EPPO A2 List as E. fornicatus sensu lato) is reported for the first time from Brazil. The first specimens were caught during an ongoing survey which has been ongoing since 1982. In March 2019, specimens of E. fornicatus were caught in a stand of Khaya grandifoliola in Capinópolis (Minas Gerais). Shortly after, more samples were received from Arquiraz (Ceará), where beetles were attacking trees of Acacia mangium. Additional surveys were carried out in other areas of Brazil and in particular in avocado (Persea americana) orchards. As a result of these studies, the presence of E. fornicatus was confirmed in several localities in the states of Ceará, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo. The identity of the pest was determined on the basis of its morphological characteristics and confirmed by molecular tests on several specimens. It is noted that, E. fornicatus has been found attacking and breeding in Acacia mangium, Persea americana, Solanum mauritianum and Toona ciliata. The occurrence of E. fornicatus in Brazil raises concerns, in particular as it could threaten avocado production.
The situation of Euwallacea fornicatus sensu stricto in Brazil could be described as follows: Present, not widely distributed.
Sources
Covre LS, Atkinson TH, Johnson AJ, Flechtmann CAH (2024) Introduction and establishment of Euwallacea fornicatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Brazil. Journal of Economic Entomology (early view). https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toae081