Update on the situation of Popillia japonica in Switzerland
In Switzerland, Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae - EPPO A2 List) was found for the first time in June 2017 in Ticino, close to the outbreak area in Italy (EPPO RS 2017/160, RS 2019/157, RS 2020/167, RS 2021/104). In 2023 two outbreaks were detected in the canton of Valais and Zürich (RS 2023/184) and a few adult specimens were caught in traps in other cantons. In 2024 surveys were conducted in all cantons and in Liechtenstein. Isolated beetles were trapped in the cantons of Aargau, Luzern, Grisons, Schaffhausen, Ticino, Uri, Valais, and Zürich, outside of the demarcated areas. Many of these captures were recorded along or near transport routes (road and rail) and beetles were considered as hitchhikers. Small outbreaks were detected in the cantons of Basel-Landschaft/Basel-Stadt, Solothurn, and Schwyz as well as in another area of Valais. Official measures were applied and public awareness activities have been carried out.
In 2025, surveys have been intensified in cantons where specimens had already been caught in traps. At the end of June, one specimen was caught in a trap in the canton of Geneva and another one in the canton on Luzern. They are considered as hitchhikers.
The pest status of Popillia japonica in Switzerland is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned, under eradication, under containment, in case eradication is impossible.
Sources
NPPO of Switzerland (2025-07). https://www.blw.admin.ch/fr/scarabee-japonais-organisme-nuisible
A map of the demarcated area is available at popillia.agroscope.ch