First record of Anoplophora chinensis in Lithuania
The NPPO of Lithuania recently informed the EPPO Secretariat about the first record of Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae – EPPO A2 List) at one location in the Klaipeda region, in the west of the country. In October 2008, signs of insect infestation (wood shavings, galleries) and living larvae were observed during surveys carried out in a Japanese garden. Various ornamental plants had been imported from Japan in April 2008 for the establishment of this garden. Investigations confirmed that 1 larva found in an Acer palmatum tree was A. chinensis. In addition, 15 termite specimens (Isoptera) and 2 living cerambycid larvae (belonging to the subfamily Prioninae) were detected in plants of Fagus crenata. Two other living larvae, which are still under identification, were also collected from F. crenata plants. All potential host plants of A. chinensis (in total 68 plants) were uprooted and destroyed. Phytosanitary measures will be applied in accordance with the EU Commission Decision 2008/840/EC*.
The situation of Anoplophora chinensis in Lithuania can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2008 in one location (a Japanese garden near Klaipeda), under eradication.
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* EU Commission Decision 2008/840/EC of 7 November 2008 on emergency measures to prevent the introduction into and the spread within the Community of Anoplophora chinensis (Forster).
Sources
NPPO of Lithuania, 2008-11.